A dedicated two-way audio communication system in the elevator car and machine room enabling passengers and maintenance personnel to speak with a 24-hour monitoring centre.
Full Definition
The elevator interphone system is a mandatory safety feature required by EN 81-20 that enables trapped passengers in the car to communicate with a 24-hour monitoring centre or competent person to request assistance. It consists of a hands-free loudspeaker and microphone in the car, a machine room interphone station, and a connection to a permanent 24-hour answering service. The system must operate on emergency battery backup in the event of mains failure. Call initiation is via the alarm button in the car; once connected, the conversation continues hands-free. Modern systems use VoIP over the elevator's IP network connection, replacing legacy analogue lines. Annual testing of the system under battery backup conditions is required by EN 81-20, and the 24-hour response service must be documented in the maintenance contract.
