Elevator Emergency Phone POTS Replacement
ASME A17.1 requires every elevator cab to have a live-attendant emergency phone. When AT&T retires the copper wire center serving your building, that phone goes silent. Here's how to stay compliant without rewiring the shaft.
Check Your Elevator Phone Lines Free →What's at Stake
Under ASME A17.1, elevators must have a means of two-way communication with a location staffed to respond to emergencies. A non-functional emergency phone is a code violation that can result in elevator shutdown orders, AHJ citations, and liability exposure if someone is trapped.
The Cellular Solution
Cellular POTS replacers mount in the elevator machine room and plug into the existing RJ-11 jack. They connect the elevator phone over cellular to your monitoring center — no new wiring in the shaft, no changes to the cab handset, no reprogramming of the emergency dialer.
Ooma AirDial: Trusted by Elevator Companies Nationwide
3Phase Elevator, one of the largest independent elevator service companies in the US, selected Ooma AirDial as their standard POTS replacement across their managed portfolio. Read the announcement →
POTS Replacement Options for Elevator Emergency Phones
Ooma AirDial
Ooma
Purpose-built cellular POTS replacement. UL-listed for NFPA 72 fire alarm monitoring and ASME A17.1 elevator emergency phones. Works exactly like a POTS line — no rewiring required.
COEO POTS Replacement
COEO
Enterprise-grade POTS replacement supporting up to 8 lines per device. UL-listed and purpose-built for businesses needing reliable multi-line coverage with full day battery backup.
For2Fi POTS Replacement
For2Fi
Flexible POTS replacement solution covering 1 to 1,000+ lines. Hardware and installation are included in the per-line price — no upfront NRC or installation fees. UL-listed with 24-hour battery backup.
MetTel POTS Transformation
MetTel
Enterprise and federal-grade POTS replacement (PIAB hardware) built on MetTel's private, geographically redundant Smart Network. NFPA 72, UL & ASME A17.1 certified — recognized as an MFVN by the NYC Fire Department and CA State Fire Marshal — with nationwide turnkey installation and 24/7/365 managed monitoring.
Elevator POTS Replacement FAQ
What is required for elevator emergency phone compliance?
ASME A17.1 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators) requires that every elevator cab have an emergency phone capable of two-way communication with a live attendant. The phone must be able to call out automatically. When a POTS line is retired, this connection is lost — the elevator fails compliance until the line is replaced.
Can a cellular POTS replacer work for elevator emergency phones?
Yes. UL-listed cellular POTS replacers like Ooma AirDial plug into the existing RJ-11 jack in the elevator shaft and carry the call over cellular. The elevator's existing handset and dialing sequence remain unchanged. 3Phase Elevator, one of the largest independent elevator service companies in the US, has standardized on Ooma AirDial for POTS replacement across their managed elevators.
Does the AHJ need to approve the POTS replacement for elevators?
In most jurisdictions, yes. The authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) — typically the local building department or elevator inspection authority — may require documentation that the replacement device is UL-listed and maintains ASME A17.1 compliance. Request a compliance letter from your POTS replacement vendor before installation.
How many elevator phones can one cellular POTS replacer support?
It depends on the device. Ooma AirDial supports 1–2 lines per unit, making it ideal for single-cab or small multi-cab buildings. COEO supports up to 8 lines per device, which is better for buildings with multiple elevators that need a single managed unit.
What happens if the cellular signal is lost in the elevator shaft?
UL-listed cellular POTS replacers include signal supervision and battery backup. If the cellular signal is lost, the device typically generates a supervisory alarm. Most units also include 24-hour battery backup to maintain the connection during power outages. Always verify signal strength before installation — in-building cellular signal extenders may be needed in some shaft configurations.
Find Out If Your Elevator Lines Are at Risk
Upload your phone bill and we'll identify which elevator emergency phone lines are in AT&T wire centers scheduled for retirement.
Free Audit — No Account Needed