Lift emergency phones and the PSTN switch-off
Lift emergency phones let a trapped passenger reach help. Many use an analogue line, so the change needs planning with the lift maintenance company, not just the phone provider.
Decisions to make
Line, mobile or other path
Your lift maintainer will advise whether the existing unit can work on a digital line, needs replacing, or should use another communication path.
Who answers the call
Confirm where calls go after migration: a rescue service, a 24-hour call centre or on-site staff, and that the number is still correct.
Multi-site and shared buildings
Landlords, managing agents and tenants may each assume someone else owns the lift line. Agree one owner per lift.
Inventory checklist
- Each lift, building and the number its emergency phone uses
- Lift maintenance company and contract reference
- Who receives the emergency call and their number
- Date of the last successful emergency call test
Questions for your supplier
- Is our lift autodialler supported on a digital service?
- Do you need to attend site when the line changes?
- How will you test a call from the lift car after migration?
- How does the unit behave during a power cut?
Who to involve
Your lift maintenance contractor must confirm the replacement and carry out the test. Building owners and managing agents should agree who books the work.
Power cuts and backup
Ask the lift maintainer how the emergency phone and any connected router stay powered during a mains failure, and for how long.
A lift emergency phone that cannot connect is a safety risk. Do not migrate the line until the lift maintainer has confirmed and scheduled a tested replacement.
This is indicative planning guidance, not certification of safety, compatibility or legal compliance. Digital phone services may fail without power. Safety-critical devices require confirmation and testing by the relevant equipment vendor; an online score or analogue adapter cannot guarantee compatibility.
Where Telappliant can help
Telappliant can review and supply the business phone service and internet connection. We do not install, certify or maintain this equipment. Migration dates depend on your provider, so check yours rather than assuming one date.