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Emergencies such as elevator entrapments do not usually occur in elevators, but when they do, do you have an infrastructure in place to tackle them immediately? That is where the elevator intercom system comes in. The elevator intercom system serves as a priceless lifeline, enabling passengers to request immediate assistance during elevator emergencies with just the push of a button.
While the main function of the elevator intercom system is to provide emergency communication between passengers and management center or emergency services, it also enables real-time communication between the machine room, top of the car and bottom of the car, especially with the five-way communication intercom system. The multi-party communication is advantageous during maintenance as it allows maintenance personnel to communicate easily and effectively while working on the elevator. It helps to prevent miscommunication and potential accidents.
If you want to learn more about how elevator intercom system works and choosing the right one for your needs, read on!
What is an Elevator Intercom System?
An elevator intercom system is a communication device with multi-party conversation capability to connect multiple areas with just the push of a button. Trapped passengers can instantly contact the monitoring duty room through a one-button call.
When it comes to elevator intercom systems, you can either choose a three-way or five-way intercom system.
The three-way intercom system involves communication between the elevator management center, the car, and the machine room extension. It is simpler and more suitable for smaller buildings or less complex operations
The five-way intercom system enables conversation between the key five parties, including the elevator management center, the car, the machine room, the top of the car and the bottom of the car, which is typically a fully digital system. It is the most widely used intercom system.
How Does an Elevator Intercom System Work?
The intercom system begins at the monitoring center, acting as the central hub for communication. The monitoring center is equipped with a desk phone or mobile phone to communicate with other parts of the system, including the elevator car, machine room, top of the car, and the pit.
The intercom system inside the elevator car has a call button that can be used by trapped passengers to call for help. The staff at the monitoring center receives the call and communicates directly with the passengers to learn of the situation and provide assistance. They can also alert the technicians in the machine room or other relevant personnel to resolve the issue and ensure the safety of the passengers.
The connection to the machine room, top of the car, bottom of the car makes it easy for technicians to also communicate easily during maintenance. The machine room houses the equipment that powers the intercom system, including the UPS to keep the system running during power outages. To make communication more effective, the system can be enhanced with a wireless connection between the host system and the duty room.
Elevator Intercom System Components
The elevator intercom system components include intercom units such as the duty room telephone, on-duty mobile phone, car top phone, pit phone, and the car intercom with a call button. These units are strategically installed in critical areas like the management center, elevator car, and machine room. The system allows passengers to communicate with emergency responders and management, while maintenance personnel can use the car top and pit phones to coordinate repairs.
Cabling is an important component in wired system, such as 4-wire or 5-wire configurations, to ensure reliable and interference-free communication. Wireless systems require Wi-Fi, radio frequencies, or cellular networks for connection. Mounting hardware is also an essential component as it helps secure the units in place.
The system is often powered by a low-voltage supply of 12V or 24V. Some systems even come with emergency buzzers and lighting to notify people when assistance is needed.
- Master intercom phone set
- Master intercom COP mic
- Intercom emergency flash hght
- Intercom power supply battery
- Master intercom outside mic
- Intercom emergency alarm
How Many Types of Intercom Systems Are There?
Learning about the types of intercom systems can inform your decision on which system to select.
Wired or Wireless intercom systems: Wired systems use dedicated cables for connections. This makes them reliable and interference-free. Wireless systems use Wi-Fi, radio frequencies or cellular networks for communication. They are easier to install, but better infrastructure must be in place to ensure stable connection and minimal signal interference.
Audio-Only or Audio-Visual Intercom systems: The audio-only intercom system provides audio-only communication, commonly used in basic installations where video monitoring is not necessary. The audio-visual intercom system allows both audio and video interaction between, providing enhanced security and monitoring. This is ideal for high-security buildings.
Analog or Digital Intercom Systems: Analog intercom systems use analog signals for communication, while digital intercom system use digital technology and offer clearer audio. While analog systems are simpler to install, they may lack advanced functions such as remote monitoring. Digital systems are versatile and can be integrated with other systems, such as smartphones, and advanced features, but they often more expensive.
Internet Protocol (IP) based intercom system: The IP system is a modern innovation in the elevator industry. It allows remote connection, whether through a smartphone app or a web platform, offering clearer audio and video. With the IP system, you can monitor the elevator from anywhere, and it seamlessly allows you to integrates with other devices, especially in modern connected spaces.
At Dazen, we offer both three-way and five-way intercom systems, and other types of intercom systems to meet various elevator needs. Our intercom systems are easy to install and simple to use, allowing anyone to make calls without the need for training or technical knowledge. They are complaint with EN81-50 standards, and we maintain sufficient inventory while offering favorable pricing.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and we will respond within 24 hours
Elevator Intercom System FAQs
- Is the elevator intercom system mandatory?
According to international elevator standards, such as EN81, GB 7588-2003, ASME A17.1, etc., all elevators are required to install an external emergency device, with no restrictions on the method, including wired, wireless, optical fiber, and telephone.er.
- What do “bureau” and “route” mean in the elevator five-way intercom system?
Bureau: This refers to the maximum number of elevators that the intercom host can manage. For example, a system with 10 bureaus can control up to 10 elevators, while a system with 40 bureaus can handle up to 40 elevators.
Route: This refers to the maximum number of elevators an intercom extension can manage. A system with 1 route is designed for a single elevator in a single machine room. Systems with 2, 3, or 4 routes allow the extension to manage multiple elevators in the same machine room, enabling simultaneous control of several elevators.
- Does the Elevator Five-Party Intercom Require a UPS Power Supply?
The need for a UPS power supply depends on the following scenarios:
No Backup Power Supply in the Elevator Machine Room: In this case, the five-party intercom must be equipped with a UPS power supply to ensure uninterrupted operation.
Backup Power Supply Available in the Elevator Machine Room: If the machine room has a backup power supply, the five-party intercom can either use a UPS power supply or be directly connected to the backup power supply through a power adapter.
- How far can an elevator wireless intercom transmit?
Most elevator wireless intercom systems available on the market have a transmission power of 5W, allowing for a straight-line transmission distance of approximately 2-3 kilometers.
- Do home elevators need the installation of a five-way intercom?
Home elevators don’t mandatory to install an intercom system, but it’s recommended for family safety. A GSM five-way intercom allows users to call a family member directly in case of an emergency, especially helpful for the elderly and children.
- Who installs the elevator intercom system?
Newly installed elevators are usually installed by weak current engineering parties.
If the intercom system is replaced, it is usually installed by the elevator maintenance company.
- What is the difference between doorbell and intercom?
The difference between a doorbell and an intercom lies in their purpose and functionality. An elevator doorbell is a simple signaling device used to alert someone outside the elevator or at a designated location when assistance is needed in the event of an elevator malfunction. The doorbell is activated by pressing a button inside the elevator cab or panel, providing a non-verbal alert of a possible danger, such as when the when the elevator is stuck between floors.
An elevator intercom, on the other hand, is more sophisticated and enables two-way communication between the elevator car and another location, such as the security room, building management, or emergency services.
It is equipped with a microphone and speaker for real-time audio communication and can also include a monitor for visual communications. The system allows passengers to communicate directly with responders.
In summary, A doorbell is a one-way alert system, while an intercom system provides multi-way communication.
- The difference between NBT and NKT in elevator five wire intercom
In elevator five wire intercom, both NBT (No Button Technology) and NKT (Normally Keyed Technology) refer to the way an intercom system is activated or operated. NKT intercom systems require the press of a button or keying in a code to activate communication. This is useful in situations where controlled or deliberate activation is required.
NBT intercom system, on the other hand, activate automatically without pressing a button. It is usually used in emergency systems where there is a need for immediate communication. Practical activation mechanisms in NBT include voice activation, environmental noise detection such as banging or unusual activity, or predefined triggers where the system is linked to sensors that detect prolonged inactivity, such as an elevator stuck, power outages or elevator malfunction.
NBT is better for emergency use, provides quicker responses and is accessible for passengers unable to press buttons, such as those injured or unconscious, while NKT is better for controlled environments where accidental activation needs to be minimized and allows for more selective communication.