The emergency intercom is a key component of elevators. In case of power failure, sudden stoppage of operation, or other emergencies, elevator passengers can rely on the intercom to contact the outside world, and maintenance personnel can also use the elevator intercom to realize multi-party communication between the monitoring center or the duty room, the machine room, the car, the car top, and the pit bottom. The role of the elevator emergency alarm device is when the elevator is trapped fault, the trapped person can be simple and rapid use of the device to get in touch with the outside world, especially in the absence of a cell phone or cell phone no signal is essential.

Working Principle

Given that the elevator intercom is an important communication link between the elevator car and the control center, it is necessary to understand more about how this communication works. The communication architecture depends in part on the type of elevator intercom and gateway used.

Typically, the elevator intercom unit is installed in the car and is connected to the machine room (whether it is analog or IP communication) via just two cable runs. The signals are then converted by a gateway placed in the machine room. How this is achieved depends on the technology used for transmission to the call center.

While the majority of elevator intercoms are still analog, IP solutions are receiving more and more attention because of the advantages they offer. IP-based intercoms are becoming increasingly popular because they provide full connectivity within the car and can be used not only for reliable emergency communications but also for video surveillance, public address systems, remote management, and access control systems.

Technology upgrade

Traditionally, communication between elevator gateways and call centers has been via PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) lines or cellular phones (in 2G/3G form). However, this poses a number of problems: PSTN lines are relatively expensive to maintain and use. At the same time, 2G and 3G are becoming increasingly obsolete and may soon be shut down by telecom operators worldwide.

If the technicians cannot handle the situation in time, and the elevator is connected through a gateway connected to the 2G/3G network, which has been shut down, the communication will not work at all, and the people trapped in the elevator will not be able to communicate with the dispatch center. Therefore, it is recommended to upgrade to 4G. Upgrade the communication gateway to a gateway that supports 4G network and preferably VoIP communication as well. We recommend using a 4G gateway that supports the SIP protocol. In this case, voice is transmitted via the VoIP protocol, and an IP call center is required at the other end in order to answer the call.

Upgrades can be done in several ways: retrofit projects, modular solutions, and all-IP installations. Retrofit projects typically address this issue by upgrading existing gateways and transitioning from 2G/3G to 4G. The same is true for modular solutions, which are often used in demanding high-rise and multi-vault installations. All-IP installations are becoming increasingly popular as they offer fully compliant and future-proof solutions.

Developments in the building industry

Elevators are very important to buildings. A good elevator can significantly increase the value of a building. Therefore, elevator specialists should utilize state-of-the-art safety technology, including intercom, to improve the quality and availability of elevators, especially during the construction boom in many parts of the world.

The recovery of the construction industry will bring new elevator projects as well as elevator upgrades as part of building renovations. Elevators are more than just a means of transporting people between floors; the latest technology can transform them into a vital asset for any building.

Some codes and standards further encourage building owners to upgrade elevators and lifts. For example, improving elevator accessibility for people with disabilities requires that two-way emergency communications take into account the different types and sensory ability levels of passengers. This could potentially require contractors to consider VoIP technology for emergency communications in elevators.

(Elevator Installation Pictures of JR302-SC-4G, Saudi Arabia)