elevator emergency communications
WHEN IMMEDIATE MATTERS
Elevator entrapments occur each year in the US.
The most critical factor in getting help fast is communication.
Ascend Alert handles every aspect of elevator telecommunications equipment and 24/7 monitoring services. We evaluate your existing equipment and deliver cost-effective upgrades and installations to switch from antiquated landlines to reliable cellular or VoIP technology.
Our mission is to ensure that your elevator emergency communication is code compliant - and NEVER GOES DOWN.
412,000
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EXPERTISE
We know elevators. We are industry experts with decades of experience - not a telecom.
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CUSTOMIZATION
Each installation is unique and specific – never a one-size-fits-all approach.
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FREEDOM
We install non-proprietary equipment - giving you freedom and flexibility to change in the future.
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OWNERSHIP
Your elevator communications equipment belongs to you.
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Zero-Cost Installation
Your equipment and installation costs are covered in a monthly subscription.
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FLEXIBLE TECHNOLOGY
We work with all communication technologies - LTE, VoIP, Legacy, etc.
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24/7 access
You get 24/7 online access to your equipment status and monitoring via our portal.
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IoT Integration
Advanced IoT devices may be integrated with our portal, providing additional insight into your portfolio.
FAQs
my elevator telephone didn’t pass inspection. what are my options?
The first step is to determine why the phone failed. Most elevator phones fail because the line fails. The phone line provider can determine if that is the cause. Converting to a cellular line is the best and fastest option. This will re-establish dial tone and allow you to pass a re-inspection.
What should an elevator emergency button do?
According to code: The communications means shall be initiated when the push button is actuated. A message shall be displayed that is activated by authorized personnel to acknowledge that communications are established. Within 45 seconds, the call shall be automatically directed to an alternate on- or off-site location. A message shall be displayed that is activated by the authorized personnel to indicate when help is on the way. The message shall continue to be displayed until a new message is displayed.
what are the code requirements for my elevators?
Code changes can occur often and without much notification. New rules from the 2019 code review require enhanced monitoring for your emergency phones. Contact Ascend Alert to understand specific requirements for your jurisdiction.
HOW DO COSTS COMPARE BETWEEN LANDLINES AND CELLULAR SERVICE?
Most telephone companies are working to eliminate landlines - or POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) - from their product offering. To facilitate this, they have been raising prices precipitously to encourage customers to abandon the lines and switch to cellular (or Voice over IP). In addition, it is difficult for elevators with landlines to meet newer code requirements, and so fines and additional inspections may add to their overhead costs. Switching to cellular is a good option to reduce costs and meet code requirements.
can i use CELLULAR service - OR VOIP service?
In short, yes, these are both viable and code-compliant options. And, these are now preferred options to ensure emergency phones remain connected. AscendAlert experts can advise on solutions for both of these options and can provide services to assist.
why can’t i MONITOR MY OWN elevator PHONES?
Some elevator owners do choose to monitor their elevator phones with existing staff. However, it is important to understand the requirements. In addition, trained responders are critical in resolving an emergency. For as little as $20 per month, hiring a professional service is worth considering.
cellular for elevator phones
On August 2, 2019, the FCC officially permitted telecommunication carriers to abandon copper POTS lines in elevators. They also removed price caps and most carriers are increasing pricing for existing POTS lines by 75% – 150% to force customers off the outdated infrastructure.
POTS lines will continue to fail as costs escalate, while cellular solutions become more prevalent. AscendAlert can assist in seamlessly converting elevator emergency phones to cellular or in some cases VoIP.
Annual telephone line costs
In USD per year - Based on 2023 rates
