Emergency call systems for lifts and buildings with digital monitoring

Emergency call systems are among the invisible but indispensable components of modern buildings. They come into play whenever regular processes are interrupted and fast, reliable communication is required.

This requirement is particularly high in lifts, where safety, accessibility and legal requirements are closely linked. Technical solutions must function reliably, be easy to install and, at the same time, be integrable into existing building infrastructures. One focus is on the connection between local intercoms and higher-level control centres. Technical developments are clearly moving towards the digital operation of networked systems that not only transmit emergency calls but also monitor and evaluate conditions. This is precisely where the current generation of modern emergency call systems with integrated monitoring comes in.

Lift emergency call solutions in the context of integrated systems

At the heart of many applications are emergency call systems for lifts, which are designed as stand-alone but expandable solutions. They are not limited to communication from the cabin, but also incorporate other relevant points. These include intercoms on different levels, technical rooms and outdoor areas within buildings. The aim is to ensure continuous availability, regardless of where an incident occurs. The systems are designed to be adaptable to different types of buildings – from residential and office buildings to complex infrastructures. In addition to classic lift emergency calls, door communication and general emergency call applications also play a role. This versatility makes it clear that it is not about individual devices, but about a coherent safety concept for lifts and buildings.

Gateways as the interface between technology and control centre

Gateways play a central role, acting as the connection point between local components and external communication. Current solutions rely on different transmission paths to ensure reliability and flexibility. Both radio-based 4G GSM gateways and wired IP gateways are used. Both variants serve the same purpose, but differ in the way they connect to the existing building infrastructure. Various end devices can be connected via standardised interfaces. The CAN bus serves as the technical basis for efficiently networking multiple components. This creates a modular system that can be adapted to the specific use of lifts and buildings. This architecture reduces installation costs and facilitates subsequent expansions.

Usability, reliability and compatibility

Ease of use is a decisive factor for everyday use. Emergency call systems must be quick to install, clearly configured and reliable to operate. The technical complexity remains in the background, while a clear structure is the main focus for installers and operators. Particular emphasis is placed on compatibility with existing systems. Systems that can be easily integrated into existing lift controls and building structures reduce costs and minimise downtime. The combination of reliability, simple processing and stable communication has established itself as the benchmark in the field of lifts and buildings.

Intercoms for different requirements

A modern emergency call system consists of a variety of specialised intercoms that cover different situations. These include classic cabin intercoms as well as units for the machine room or the area below the cabin. Intercoms for fire brigades and emergency services are also an integral part of the concept in buildings with lift systems. Special attention is paid to accessibility. Technical solutions are available for hearing-impaired people, such as magnetic field generators, which enable clear communication. This means that the systems not only meet technical requirements, but also the functional requirements of modern buildings.

• Cabin intercoms for lifts in various designs
• Intercoms for machine rooms and outdoor areas of buildings
• Fire brigade and ground floor intercoms
• Support for hearing-impaired persons

Monitoring as an extension of classic emergency call technology

Beyond the pure emergency call function, monitoring is becoming increasingly important. Modern systems allow the status of lift systems to be queried in real time. This gives operators an overview of the current status of lifts and buildings without having to be physically on site. This transparency supports maintenance, planning and rapid response in the event of a malfunction. Monitoring solutions are closely linked to the gateways and use the same digital communication infrastructure. They add a preventive component to the security concept and are an integral part of emergency call systems with digital monitoring.

International development and industry-specific focus

As a company based in Paris, Amphitech has an international focus and develops emergency call systems for lifts and buildings in various markets. The solutions are designed to meet both national regulations and industry-specific requirements. The modular design makes it easy to adapt to regional standards and technical conditions. Amphitech positions itself not as a pure component supplier, but as a provider of integrated communication solutions. The focus is on combining technical reliability, easy integration and digital monitoring. This focus is particularly evident in the interaction between lift emergency calls, building communication and monitoring.

Safety as a permanent system issue

Emergency call technology is not a static element, but part of a continuous development process. With the increasing digitalisation of buildings, the requirements for communication and monitoring of lift systems are also growing. Today's systems must perform better than in the past without becoming more complex for users. The solutions presented illustrate how classic safety functions can be combined with digital monitoring. This combination is the key to future-proof emergency call systems for lifts and buildings.