The following elevator phone testing procedure listed below has been devised to assess the compliance of your existing emergency communication devices with the prescribed standard. Additionally, certain properties will need to adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) 4.10.14 code, which applies to elevators installed or substantially renovated on or after July 26, 1992. While it’s possible that your building(s) may be exempt from ASME regulations based on a grandfather clause, it’s important to note that states cannot grant exemptions from the federal ADA requirements, and failing to comply with these regulations can potentially expose your employer and building owner to avoidable legal liabilities.

It’s essential to note that when inspectors approve an elevator, their assessment does not guarantee full code compliance. In most cases, they focus on enforcing state or municipal codes and may not thoroughly check for Federal ADA requirements. The responsibility for adhering to code compliance and  elevator phone testing rests with the management company and building owners.

Elevator Phone Testing Instructions

Elevator Phone Testing Step 1 – Push the call button in the elevator.
The unit must be push-activated and the call button must be identified with the word “HELP.” To test, press “HELP” and the elevator telephone should dial a pre-programmed telephone number. The programmed phone number should call a 24-hour monitoring service. When the phone is answered, the elevator phone will play a message to identify the emergency and building location

Most elevator phones with have a “Call Connected LED” that will turn on to show that communication with emergency personnel has been established. The visual communication provision can be as simple as a light, illuminated by emergency personnel. This function is designed for people with hearing impairments, that need a visual indicator that the phone call has been received and that help is on the way

Elevator Phone Testing Step 2 – Ask the operator to state the building’s location or cab numbers, as required by ASME.
The monitoring service should be able to tell the location of the emergency calls by either the voice announcement or from the building’s elevator phone # “caller I.D”. If you have more than one elevator phone, verify calls can be made at the same time and also communicate with the answering service. If you pass the two steps above your building elevator telephone service is working properly. We also recommend elevator phone testing by on a monthly basis.