Our trained technicians at Chesapeake Sprinkler perform testing for elevator recall systems. This test ensures that when a smoke detector becomes activated in an elevator lobby, shaft, or mechanical room, the elevator recalls to the ground floor, opens its doors, and stops operation for safety purposes.
Elevator recall systems are a vital tool for firefighters.
An elevator recall removes the public’s access and control to elevators, allowing firefighters to take control. It’s also known as “firefighter’s service” or “firefighter emergency operations.” The overall operation of the system appears in many standards, including
- American Society of Mechanical Engineer’s A17.1 and A17.3
- National Fire Protection Association’s 13,70, 72, and 101
- Many state and local building codes
Here is more information about elevator recall testing and its importance.
An Elevator Recall Happens in Two Phases
- Phase I: Recall Action
Phase I happens in either one of two ways. First, smoke detector activation in an elevator lobby on any of the floors served by that elevator bank occurs. Secondly, the fireman’s key switch located near the elevator hall call (used to request an elevator) in the elevator of the primary or secondary floors (level utilized by the responding fire department) occurs.
Both devices cause all elevators that share the same lobby to travel down to the main floor, where all elevators would stop and the doors would open. A secondary floor for fire department access would also have to be accessible and available should a smoke detector in the main floor’s lobby alarm. In this case, all elevators would travel down to the second floor.
- Phase II: Firefighter Controls Elevator Cab
Phase II initiates after one of the two previous methods occurs, and a firefighter manually activates the fireman’s key switch inside the elevator’s cab. When a firefighter turns on the key switch, manual operation is possible by pressing and holding the “door-close” button until the door fully closes and then pressing the number of the designated floor. The elevator will reopen if it releases this button before the doors close. The elevator won’t stop, and the doors won’t open on a floor where an elevator lobby smoke detector is in alarm.
The Importance of Elevator Recall Testing
When firefighters are using the cab, they need to be aware that fire might be present in the elevator or machine room, making utilizing the elevator a risk to their safety. Additionally, an elevator recall ensures that the public won’t be able to use the elevator or be at risk of entering a smoke or flame-filled area. During each inspection, our team will test the initiating devices (e.g.smoke detector) for proper function with recall functions. In short, the testing of fire protection equipment and systems saves lives.
Contact Chesapeake Sprinkler today to ensure that your fire protection systems are up-to-par.
Contact Chesapeake Sprinkler Company Today!
Chesapeake Sprinkler Company is a leading fire sprinkler contractor in the region, which is now a member of the Century Fire Protection family. As a full-service fire protection company, we offer design, fabrication, installation, testing, maintenance, and inspection of fire protection systems. Everything you need from your fire suppression specialist.
For more information, please email or call our Odenton location at 410-674-7041, our Ashburn location at 703-729-5150, or for service/maintenance at 410-674-7577. For emergencies, call 800-298-3473 (FIRE). Feel free to keep in touch through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!