Phoenix Pacific

What Every Facility Manager Should Know About Elevator Recall Systems

Ensure the safety of every area of your building with a fire code-compliant system!

In the pursuit of maintaining a secure environment within their buildings, facility managers often look for innovative safety technologies to integrate into their systems. For this reason, understanding the concept of an elevator recall system is paramount if you want to protect your property and its inhabitants. elevator recall systems are a solution that plays a critical role in facilitating swift evacuations during fires or critical incidents

In this blog, we will explore the importance of this technology in maintaining your building in Honolulu, HI, secure. Let’s take a look!

SEE ALSO: The Hawaii Fire Codes: Is Your Building Meeting Them?

How It Works

The primary purpose of an elevator recall system is to call the elevators to a designated floor, usually the ground or main floor, during a fire emergency to prevent them from responding to regular passenger calls.  This ensures that the elevators remain available for exclusive use by firefighters, facilitating their swift access to critical areas. Additionally, the recall system safeguards occupants by preventing them from getting trapped inside the elevators during an emergency.

Integrating an Elevator Recall System

The majority of modern fire alarm systems include the elevator recall feature as a pre-programmed sequence of actions. However, there are instances where the elevator recall system functions independently, equipped with its control panel, detectors, and notification devices. In such cases, the detectors are strategically positioned solely in elevator-related areas like lobbies, shafts, and rooms. 

Fire safety best practices suggest connecting the elevator recall system to the building’s fire alarm system. This integration ensures a synchronized response during emergencies, activating alarms for immediate evacuation and simultaneously alerting emergency responders through fire alarm monitoring. By seamlessly working together, both systems enhance overall safety measures, swiftly and efficiently addressing fire-related situations.

Elevator recall systems must adhere to specific building codes and standards that dictate their design, installation, and maintenance. For facility managers, being familiar with these regulations, such as those outlined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, is of paramount importance. Compliance with these codes ensures the system’s proper functioning and adherence to essential safety regulations, safeguarding building occupants and enhancing emergency preparedness.

Get Help From an Expert

Facility managers are responsible for conducting routine testing and maintenance services to the elevator recall system. Similar to fire alarm systems, this involves verifying the functionality of smoke detectors, heat detectors, and the recall sequence. Regular inspections and maintenance by qualified experts, such as Phoenix Pacific, are vital to ensure the system’s continued reliability and operational readiness during fire emergencies. In addition, providing appropriate training to building staff regarding the operation of the elevator recall system should be common practice, as understanding the role of the elevator recall system ensures occupant safety.

Elevator recall and fire alarm systems are essential components in safeguarding occupants during fire emergencies. The seamless coordination and rapid responses they offer are instrumental in reducing risks and preserving lives. By combining these systems, buildings create a robust safety infrastructure, promptly alerting occupants and reserving elevators for firefighters’ exclusive use. This integration establishes a comprehensive safety net, elevating the level of protection and preparedness within the building environment.

At Phoenix Pacific, we are ready to help you install, upgrade, and maintain fire safety technologies to ensure your building is always safe. Contact us today to start a conversation about your fire safety needs and discover all the ways we can help you secure your building.