How Ooma AirDial POTS Replacement Keeps Elevators Running Smoothly While Remaining Compliant
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For property managers and building owners, elevator emergency phones are a critical life-safety feature that must always be operational and compliant with regulations. As copper landlines (POTS lines) continue to be phased out, property managers face the challenge of maintaining code-compliant emergency communications without relying on outdated infrastructure. That’s where Ooma AirDial comes in. This POTS replacement solution enables facilities to upgrade to a more modern, reliable platform while meeting all the safety and accessibility requirements associated with elevator systems.
Here’s what you need to know about keeping your elevators connected, compliant, and ready for any emergency.
What Property Managers Need To Know About Their Elevators
POTS line decommissioning is not a distant future event – it’s happening now. Many telecom providers are already raising prices or retiring copper infrastructure altogether. For property managers, this introduces risk. Emergency elevator phones must be connected to a reliable communication network at all times. Failing to adapt puts both compliance and tenant safety in jeopardy.
Ooma AirDial provides a dependable, compliant replacement for legacy copper lines, ensuring a seamless transition while preserving existing elevator hardware and eliminating the need for costly rewiring.
Code Compliance & Regulations
In the United States, elevator emergency phones are regulated under the ASME A17.1 Safety Code, which outlines specific requirements for emergency communication systems. These regulations are not optional – they are enforced by inspectors and local jurisdictions during elevator certification. Additionally, accessibility laws under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) impose further requirements on how these systems function and are installed.
Ooma AirDial supports compliance by delivering uninterrupted connectivity and allowing continued use of your current emergency phone hardware, helping you avoid violations without overhauling your system.
Regular Testing & Maintenance
Emergency phones must be regularly tested to ensure functionality, especially in jurisdictions where inspections require proof of working communication systems. But testing is just one part of the equation. Many building owners who still rely on POTS lines are seeing increasing monthly fees, limited support, and more frequent service outages.
Upgrading to a modern wireless LTE-based solution like Ooma AirDial eliminates these problems. Not only does it lower operating costs, but it also ensures phone connectivity remains strong, reliable, and consistent over time.
Telephone Line Considerations
One of the most critical components of any elevator emergency phone system is the telephone line itself. If that line fails, the call won’t go through, which can result in dangerous delays during an emergency. Under most codes, this line must be live 24/7 and staffed by someone who can dispatch help.
Ooma AirDial ensures this reliability by routing calls over both LTE cellular networks and wired Ethernet simultaneously. This dual-path setup adds a layer of redundancy so that calls always get through, even if one network experiences a disruption.
Connection to Monitoring Service
ADA regulations and elevator safety codes may require visual indicators, such as a flashing light, to confirm that a call has been placed, and audio feedback to confirm that help is on the way. These functions are essential for passengers who may have hearing or vision impairments or who are in distress during an emergency.
Ooma AirDial supports these communication features while allowing you to retain your existing elevator emergency phones, making it easy to upgrade without losing compliance or functionality.
Visual & Audio Alerts
Routine testing is not just a best practice—it’s often a requirement. Elevator phones must be fully functional at all times, including during inspections and emergencies. Malfunctions can result in failed inspections, code violations, or worse, a failed rescue attempt.
With Ooma AirDial’s Remote Device Management web portal, property managers can view real-time status updates, receive alerts when calls are made, and easily verify system health across multiple properties. This level of visibility dramatically improves ongoing maintenance efforts.
Location Identification & Accessibility
Elevator phones must also be installed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. That means they must be reachable without having to hold a receiver, operable without manual dexterity, and located at an appropriate height. The phone must also provide location information in the event of an emergency call.
Ooma AirDial helps fulfill these requirements by providing E-911 compliant location services, ensuring that emergency responders know exactly where the call is coming from—even in a large facility with multiple elevators.
Upgrade Your Elevator Phones Without Sacrificing Safety or Compliance
Maintaining code-compliant emergency communication systems is non-negotiable – but that doesn’t mean you need to stay tied to aging copper landlines. Ooma AirDial provides an all-in-one POTS replacement solution that keeps your elevators connected, compliant, and cost-effective.
With dual-path connectivity, remote monitoring, and plug-and-play compatibility with your existing hardware, Ooma AirDial makes it easy to modernize your building’s infrastructure without the headache. Ensure your elevators are ready for the future, without sacrificing compliance.