Home 🛗 Emergency Lift Phones

🛗 Emergency Lift Phones

Find everything you need to operate and maintain Emergency Lift Phones. Learn about installation, compliance (AS 1735), troubleshooting, connectivity requirements, and ongoing support.
By ThinkPickle Admin
• 19 articles

🧪 Emergency Lift Phone Testing & Maintenance

Lift phones must be tested regularly to ensure they work when needed. This guide outlines how testing works, how to resolve failures, and what Pickle monitors automatically. 1. Monthly Test Calls (Mandatory) Every lift must complete a manual or automated monthly test call. Each test should verify: - Call reaches monitoring centre - Audio is clear - DTMF tones are detected - Call duration is stable 2. Automatic Testing Options If supported by the lift controller or speech unit, automated tests may include: - Auto-dial test numbers - Line voltage checks - Heartbeat monitoring - Failover tests Pickle can integrate auto-test alerts into our monitoring system. 3. What to Document Record: - Date/time of test - Who performed the test - Whether call succeeded - Audio quality - Any corrective actions Documentation should be available for audits or insurance claims. 4. Troubleshooting Failed Tests No Dial Tone / No Call - Check ATA/LTE device power - Confirm SIM is active - Test another phone Poor Audio - Confirm 4G signal strength - Check cabling for interference - Ensure ATA gain settings are correct Call Doesn’t Reach Monitoring Centre - Incorrect SIP settings - Network outage - Tower congestion (LTE) Contact Pickle Support for remote diagnostics. 5. Annual Maintenance Lift contractors should review: - Wiring integrity - Battery backup duration - Speaker/microphone condition - Call button function Pickle will verify device firmware & network settings annually.

Last updated on Feb 06, 2026

🔄 Lift Modernisation & Phone Upgrade Requirements

When a lift is modernised or its communication equipment reaches end-of-life, the Emergency Lift Phone must be reviewed and upgraded to ensure it remains compliant, reliable, and supported. Due to the nationwide shutdown of 3G networks and the retirement of legacy copper services, many buildings now require a mandatory upgrade to VoIP or LTE-based lift phone solutions. This guide explains when upgrades are required and what building managers need to know. 1. When a Lift Phone Upgrade Is Required Your Emergency Lift Phone must be upgraded if any of the following apply: Lift modernisation works - Lift controller replacement - Car operating panel upgrades - Shaft rewiring - Addition of new safety systems - Emergency call routing changes Telecommunications network changes - PSTN services have been disconnected - 3G networks have been fully shut down in Australia - Existing analogue diallers are no longer supported - 3G modems no longer function on any carrier Hardware compatibility issues - Legacy devices cannot operate on VoIP or LTE - ATA is incompatible with the lift speech unit - Power backup does not meet AS 1735.19 requirements 2. Mandatory Migration After the 3G Shutdown (Now Completed) All Australian carriers have permanently shut down their 3G networks, meaning any lift phone or autodialler using 3G-only SIMs or 3G modems no longer works. Completed shutdown dates - Vodafone: December 2023 (Complete) - Telstra: June 2024 (Complete) - Optus: September 2024 (Complete) ✔ What this means for buildings - Any lift phone still operating on a 3G-only modem is now non-functional. - 3G autodiallers must be replaced immediately with VoIP or LTE solutions. - Emergency call reliability may be compromised if upgrades aren’t completed. ✔ Approved replacement technologies - LTE/4G Lift Phone — recommended for buildings without stable fixed-line internet. - VoIP Lift Phone — ideal where UPS-backed internet is available. - Hybrid VoIP + LTE Failover — best for critical uptime environments. If you are unsure whether your lift uses legacy 3G equipment, Pickle can assist with identification and upgrade planning. 3. Why Upgrades Are Necessary Upgrading the lift phone system ensures: Compliance with AS 1735.19 - Guaranteed emergency call function - Required backup power duration - Clear two-way audio Reliability - VoIP and LTE provide modern, stable communication - Reduced risk of failed calls - Consistent connectivity monitoring Supportability - PSTN is retired - 3G is permanently shut down - Most lift contractors now support IP-based systems only Future-proofing Ensures your building remains compliant with evolving telecommunications standards. 4. What Pickle Provides During Modernisation Pickle assists building managers and lift contractors through every stage of the upgrade: Before the upgrade - Assessment of existing hardware - LTE signal testing - VoIP readiness checks - UPS and power requirement guidance During the upgrade - Pre-configured ATA or LTE device supply - On-call support for lift contractors - Live commissioning assistance - Emergency call testing and verification After the upgrade - Monitoring setup - Failover testing - Ongoing support - Compliance documentation assistance 5. What Building Managers Must Arrange - Confirm lift contractor access to the lift machine room - Provide UPS-backed power to communication equipment - Approve cabling or hardware upgrades if required - Schedule testing and minimise resident disruption - Document monthly emergency phone tests 6. Signs Your Lift Phone Needs an Immediate Upgrade Upgrade without delay if: - The lift phone previously used 3G-only equipment - Test calls fail or connect intermittently - Audio quality is poor or distorted - The lift phone shows as “offline” frequently - Your lift contractor advises the hardware is incompatible - Your building no longer has an active copper/PSTN service 7. Summary With PSTN retired and 3G networks permanently shut down, all buildings must ensure their lift phone uses a supported, modern communication method such as VoIP, LTE, or hybrid systems. Upgrading ensures: ✔ Safety ✔ Compliance with AS 1735.19 ✔ Reliable emergency communication ✔ Modern monitoring capabilities ✔ Ongoing support from Pickle and lift contractors Pickle partners with lift companies, strata managers, and building owners to deliver compliant, reliable lift phone solutions tailored to your site.

Last updated on Feb 06, 2026

📜 Understanding Lift Phone Compliance (AS 1735.19)

Australian Standard AS 1735.19 defines the safety requirements for lift emergency communication. Every building owner and lift maintenance company must ensure lift phones remain functional at all times. 1. Key Compliance Requirements ✔ Must work during power loss Lift phones must operate for the required standby duration via: - Lift car battery - Controller battery - UPS for ATA/LTE devices ✔ Must reach a monitored response service Emergency calls must be answered 24/7. ✔ Must support DTMF signalling Required by many monitoring centres to identify lift number or location. ✔ Must be tested regularly Monthly test calls are required and must be documented. ✔ Must provide clear two-way audio Poor audio quality or intermittent connectivity is a compliance failure. 2. Technology Requirements VoIP Requirements - Reliable NBN/fibre link - UPS for ATA & router - SIP registration monitoring LTE Requirements - Adequate 4G signal - Correct APN settings - Battery-backed power Analogue Replacement PSTN networks are being decommissioned, so VoIP/LTE is now required. 3. Documentation Requirements Building managers must maintain: - Monthly test logs - Service provider details - Lift phone number - Hardware model & serial - UPS model & battery health 4. What Pickle Provides for Compliance - Reliable connectivity - Monitoring tools - Installation assistance - Configuration of ATA/LTE devices - Support for lift contractors - Guidance on AS 1735.19 standards

Last updated on Feb 06, 2026

🛠️ Troubleshooting Emergency Lift Phones

This article explains how to respond to Emergency Lift Phone issues, including LED status, monthly testing, and what to do in an emergency. 🚨 Lift Emergency — Person Trapped or Injured This is an emergency. Please call 000 immediately. If a person is trapped, injured, or cannot exit the lift safely: - Call 000 immediately - Use the lift emergency button if available - Follow the building’s emergency procedures Do not attempt troubleshooting. Do not wait for maintenance or Pickle Support before calling emergency services. Once emergency services have attended and everyone is safe, Pickle can assist with follow-up checks and coordination. When to Use This Article (Non-Emergency Only) Use the guidance below only when there is no active emergency, for example: - LED status checks - Monthly testing questions - Post-incident investigation - General compliance queries If there is any doubt about safety, treat it as an emergency and call 000. Understanding Lift Phone Responsibility It’s important to understand who is responsible for what: - Pickle provides and monitors the lift phone service - Pickle does not manage or maintain: - The lift cabinet - The emergency dialler - Lift equipment or power supply - These components are the responsibility of the building’s lift maintenance provider Lift Phone LED Status Pickle lift phones are deployed in Gen 2 and Gen 3 configurations. LED indicators help identify the phone’s operational state. 🔵 Green LED (Solid) - Normal operation - Phone is registered and monitored 🔴 Red LED (Solid or Flashing) - Phone is not connected or not reporting correctly - Possible causes include: - Antenna issue - Network connectivity issue - Power or dialler issue within the lift cabinet If there is no emergency, this should be investigated. 👉 Refer to the detailed LED guides: - Gen 2 Lift Phone LED Status - Gen 3 Lift Phone LED Status Monthly Lift Phone Testing Emergency lift phones must be tested monthly in accordance with building and safety requirements. A typical monthly test confirms that: - The call connects successfully - Audio is clear both ways - The call is answered by a monitored endpoint If a Monthly Test Fails A failed test should not be ignored. What Pickle can do: - Review monitoring and connection logs - Check for alerts on the lift phone service - Coordinate investigation where required What Pickle cannot do: - Certify AS 1735 compliance - Repair lift equipment or emergency diallers - Provide legal or regulatory assurances If the failure relates to lift hardware, power, or the emergency dialler, the lift maintenance provider must be engaged. AS 1735 Compliance (Important) Pickle cannot certify compliance with AS 1735. Compliance depends on: - Lift hardware - Emergency dialler - Power backup - Testing and record-keeping Pickle supports the telephony component only. For compliance certification, consult: - Your lift maintenance provider - A qualified building or safety assessor When to Contact Pickle Support Contact Pickle Support when: - The lift phone shows a red LED and there is no active emergency - A monthly test fails and you need investigation support - You need logs or service confirmation - Post-incident follow-up is required Pickle will coordinate internally and, where appropriate, with your lift maintainer. Summary - 🚨 Emergency = Call 000 immediately - 🟢 Green LED = normal operation - 🔴 Red LED = investigate (non-emergency only) - 📞 Pickle manages the lift phone service - 🏗️ Lift maintainer manages the lift equipment and dialler - ⚖️ Pickle does not certify AS 1735 compliance If you’re unsure whether a situation is an emergency, treat it as one and call 000.

Last updated on Feb 06, 2026

📘 Overview of Pickle Emergency Lift Phone Service

Emergency Lift Phones are a mandatory safety requirement for all passenger lifts in Australia. They ensure that anyone trapped or experiencing an emergency can reach help immediately. Pickle provides a fully managed, compliant, and monitored Emergency Lift Phone solution designed for strata buildings, commercial sites, and residential developments. This article covers how the service works, what’s included, and what makes Pickle different. What Is an Emergency Lift Phone? An Emergency Lift Phone is a dedicated communication device installed inside a lift car. When activated, it connects passengers to a 24/7 response centre or designated emergency contact. These phones are required by Australian Standard AS 1735.19 and must: - Work during power outages - Provide clear, reliable audio - Connect to a monitored response service - Be tested regularly How Pickle's Lift Phone Service Works Pickle delivers three types of lift phone connectivity: 1. VoIP Lift Phone (ATA-Based) Uses the building’s internet connection and a VoIP ATA device. Ideal for: - Buildings with reliable NBN/Fibre - Sites with controlled communications rooms 2. LTE/4G Lift Phone (Mobile-Failover or Mobile-Primary) Uses a SIM-based connection independent of the building’s internet. Ideal for: - Buildings with no fixed-line internet - High-reliability requirements - Remote or rural sites 3. Hybrid Lift Phone (VoIP + LTE Backup) Primary VoIP with automatic LTE failover. Ideal for: - Large strata sites - Buildings requiring uninterrupted connectivity - Situations where uptime is critical Why Buildings Choose Pickle ✔ Compliant with AS 1735.19 ✔ Works during power outages (with UPS or onboard lift backup) ✔ Monitored connectivity 24/7 ✔ Automatic failover for maximum reliability ✔ Compatible with most lift phone hardware ✔ Local Australian support ✔ Simple installation for lift contractors What’s Included in the Service - Pre-configured hardware - Full installation support - Primary connectivity (VoIP or LTE) - Optional LTE failover - Monitoring & alerts - Compliance guidance - Troubleshooting assistance Who Is Responsible for What? To help clarify responsibilities, here’s how Emergency Lift Phone duties are shared between parties: Pickle - Maintains network connectivity - Provides and manages VoIP/LTE communication hardware (where applicable) - Monitors the service and alerts for outages or issues Lift Contractor - Installs and maintains the physical lift phone hardware (speech unit, buttons, wiring) - Ensures lift car equipment meets safety standards - Performs hardware repairs during lift maintenance Building Manager / Strata - Completes mandatory monthly compliance test calls - Ensures access to power (including UPS where required) - Keeps compliance records and documentation up to dat When to Contact Pickle Contact Pickle if you notice: - “Lift phone offline” alerts - Audio cutting out - Frequent failover activations - SIM or VoIP registration issues - Installation concerns

Last updated on Feb 06, 2026

⚙️ Emergency Lift Phone Installation & Setup Guide

Proper installation of an Emergency Lift Phone is essential for safety and compliance. This guide covers what installers need to know, what building managers should prepare, and how commissioning works. 1. Pre-Installation Checklist Before arriving onsite, the installer should confirm: ✔ Access to the lift machine room ✔ Access to risers or conduits ✔ Location of the communications cabinet ✔ Availability of power (preferably backed by UPS) ✔ Cabling pathway from lift car to machine room ✔ LTE signal availability (for SIM-based services) 2. Required Hardware Depending on the service type, installers may use: - ATA (Analogue Terminal Adapter) for VoIP - LTE/4G Modem with SIM - Hybrid ATA + LTE module - Lift car speech unit (from lift contractor) Pickle provides pre-configured networking hardware. 3. Wiring Requirements For VoIP (ATA) Installations - Analogue tip/ring wiring from lift car to ATA - ATA must be installed in machine room or comms room - Shortest, cleanest cable path is preferred For LTE Installations - Install modem where signal is strongest - External antennas may be required in thick concrete buildings For Hybrid Installations - ATA connects via Ethernet - LTE connects as failover WAN interface 4. Power Requirements Emergency Lift Phones must remain operational during outages. This requires: - A UPS powering the ATA/router - Lift controller auxiliary power - Battery-backed speech units (depending on brand) Your lift contractor will confirm battery compliance requirements under AS 1735.19. 5. Commissioning Steps 1. Connect lift phone wiring 2. Power the ATA or LTE modem 3. Confirm device registration 4. Make a test emergency call 5. Verify caller ID & DTMF tones 6. Confirm monitoring visibility 7. Update building documentation Pickle Support is available during commissioning to assist remotely. 6. Final Handover You should receive: - Completed installation advice - Test call logs - Hardware serial numbers - Monitoring confirmation - Backup-power verification

Last updated on Feb 06, 2026

🧪 Emergency Lift Phone Monthly Testing & Compliance (AS 1735.19)

Overview Emergency Lift Phones must be tested regularly to ensure they are operational when needed. While Pickle provides monitoring and connectivity services, the responsibility for testing and record-keeping remains with the building owner or manager, in line with Australian Standards. This article explains what testing is required, how often, and what to do if a test fails, using compliance-safe language aligned with AS 1735.19. How often should lift phones be tested? Emergency Lift Phones should be: - Tested at least once per month - Test results recorded and retained Monthly testing helps confirm: - The phone can place a call - Audio is clear in both directions - The call reaches the correct monitoring or response point What does a compliant test involve? A typical test includes: 1. Activating the lift phone 2. Confirming the call connects successfully 3. Verifying two-way audio quality 4. Confirming the receiving party can identify the lift/location 5. Logging the test outcome (date, time, result) Pickle may provide tools or services that assist with monitoring, but testing obligations remain external to Pickle’s service scope. If a test fails If a lift phone test fails: - Do not ignore or defer the issue - Perform basic checks (power, cabling, signal) - Contact Pickle Support promptly for assistance If the phone cannot be restored, building management should follow their internal safety and escalation procedures. Important compliance note This article provides general guidance only. Pickle does not certify compliance or replace obligations under AS 1735.19. Customers should always follow guidance from their lift service provider or compliance professional.

Last updated on Feb 06, 2026

🚦 Emergency Lift Phone LED Status & Troubleshooting Guide

Overview Emergency Lift Phone devices use status LEDs to indicate power, connectivity, and registration. Understanding these LEDs can help quickly identify whether an issue is local, network-related, or requires support. This guide covers common LED states across Pickle-supported Gen 2 and Gen 3 devices. Common LED indicators (general guide) ⚠️ LED labels and colours may vary slightly by model, but the behaviours below are consistent across supported hardware. 🟢 Solid Green Meaning: - Device powered - Network registered - Service operating normally Action: No action required. 🟢 Flashing Green Meaning: - Device is starting up - Attempting network registration Action: Wait 2–5 minutes. If flashing continues beyond startup, check signal or cabling. 🔴 Solid Red Meaning: - Hardware fault - SIM not detected - Device not registering Action: - Power-cycle the device - Check SIM and antenna connections - If unresolved, contact Pickle Support 🔴 Flashing Red Meaning: - Network registration failure - No usable signal Action: - Check antenna connection - Confirm antenna placement - If using Gen 3, ensure external SMA antenna is connected - Escalate if unresolved 🟡 Amber / Yellow Meaning: - Limited connectivity - Failover or degraded state Action: - Perform a test call - Monitor for stability - Contact Pickle Support if the state persists Gen 2 vs Gen 3 considerations - Gen 2 devices - Single FXS port - Internal antenna only - More sensitive to signal conditions - Gen 3 devices - Two FXS ports - External SMA antenna (up to ~10m) - Improved resilience in low-signal areas Persistent LED warnings on either generation should be escalated. When to escalate immediately Contact Pickle Support urgently if: - LEDs indicate failure and - Test calls fail or - The phone is known to be non-operational

Last updated on Feb 06, 2026

🚨 Lift Phone Safety & Compliance Hub

Your guide to Emergency Lift Phones, safety obligations, testing, and reliability Overview Emergency Lift Phones are a critical safety system designed to allow passengers to call for help if a lift becomes inoperable. This hub brings together everything you need to understand how Pickle’s Emergency Lift Phone service works, how to keep it operational, and what to do if there is an issue. This article covers: - Safety purpose and responsibilities - Testing and compliance expectations - Power outages and reliability - Monitoring and alerts - LED status troubleshooting - When to escalate issues What is an Emergency Lift Phone? An Emergency Lift Phone is a dedicated communication device installed inside a lift car. It allows trapped passengers to make a direct call to a monitored service or response point. Emergency Lift Phones are required in many buildings under Australian Standards and must remain operational at all times. Safety and responsibility While Pickle provides connectivity, monitoring, and support services: - Building owners and managers remain responsible for lift safety obligations - Regular testing and record-keeping are required - Pickle does not certify compliance or replace lift service providers or compliance professionals This shared responsibility ensures lift phones are available when needed. Monthly testing & compliance (AS 1735.19) Emergency Lift Phones should be: - Tested at least once per month - Test results logged and retained A standard test includes: 1. Activating the lift phone 2. Confirming the call connects successfully 3. Verifying two-way audio quality 4. Confirming the lift/location is identifiable 5. Recording the outcome If a test fails, action should be taken immediately. ℹ️ Pickle may provide monitoring or alerting tools, but testing obligations remain external to Pickle’s service scope. What happens if a lift phone fails a test? If a test fails: - Check power to the device - Check cabling and antenna connections - Confirm signal availability - Perform a second test if safe to do so If the issue persists, contact Pickle Support promptly. If the lift phone cannot be restored, building management should follow internal safety escalation procedures. Power outages & backup operation Lift phone behaviour during a power outage depends on the installation: - Devices may continue operating if backup power is available - Devices will not function if both mains and backup power are unavailable - Connectivity may switch to LTE or failover paths if configured After power is restored: 1. Confirm the device powers back on 2. Check LED status 3. Perform a test call If the phone does not recover automatically, contact Pickle Support. Lift phone monitoring & alerts Depending on the service configuration, Pickle monitoring may include alerts for: - Device offline - Failed monthly test - LTE failover activated - Power loss - Registration expiry Monitoring helps identify issues early but does not replace manual testing. LED status & quick troubleshooting LED labels and colours may vary by model, but the meanings below apply across supported devices. 🟢 Solid Green Status: Operating normally Action: No action required 🟢 Flashing Green Status: Starting up or registering Action: Wait 2–5 minutes 🔴 Solid Red Status: Hardware or registration fault Action: Power-cycle device, check SIM/antenna, escalate if unresolved 🔴 Flashing Red Status: Network or signal failure Action: Check antenna placement and connections, escalate if unresolved 🟡 Amber / Yellow Status: Limited or degraded connectivity Action: Perform test call, monitor stability Gen 2 vs Gen 3 device considerations Pickle supports multiple generations of lift phone hardware: Gen 2 devices - Single FXS port - Internal antenna - Suitable for single lift installations Gen 3 devices - Two FXS ports - External SMA antenna (up to ~10 metres) - Improved performance in low-signal environments Persistent faults on either generation should be escalated. When to escalate immediately Contact Pickle Support urgently if: - The lift phone cannot place a call - The device shows persistent fault LEDs - A monthly test fails and cannot be restored - The lift phone is known to be offline If the issue is safety-critical, building management should also follow internal emergency procedures. Need help? If you’re unsure about the status of your lift phone or need assistance with testing or troubleshooting, Pickle Support is here to help.

Last updated on Feb 06, 2026

🛠️ Lift Phone Troubleshooting Decision Tree

Step-by-step guidance to diagnose Emergency Lift Phone issues Overview This article helps you diagnose common Emergency Lift Phone issues in a safe, structured way. Follow the steps in order. If at any point the lift phone cannot be restored or safety is impacted, escalate immediately. This guide does not replace required monthly testing or compliance obligations. Step 1 — Is the lift phone completely non-responsive? ❓ What to check - No dial tone - No lights on the device - No response when the emergency button is pressed ✅ If YES Proceed to Step 2 – Power check ❌ If NO Proceed to Step 3 – Can it place a call? Step 2 — Power check 🔌 Check the following: - Is mains power available to the device? - Is the power supply firmly connected? - Has there been a recent power outage or maintenance? ✅ If power was disconnected 1. Restore power 2. Wait 2–5 minutes for boot-up 3. Check LED status 4. Perform a test call ➡️ If restored, issue resolved ➡️ If still offline, continue to Step 4 – LED status Step 3 — Can the lift phone place a call? 📞 Test the phone: - Press the emergency button - Confirm the call connects - Confirm two-way audio works ✅ If the call connects clearly The lift phone is operational ➡️ Log the test result ❌ If the call does NOT connect Proceed to Step 4 – LED status Step 4 — Check LED status LED colours may vary slightly by model. Use the closest match below. 🟢 Solid Green Meaning: Device is online and registered ➡️ Proceed to Step 5 – Audio check 🟢 Flashing Green Meaning: Device is starting up or registering ➡️ Wait 5 minutes ➡️ If still flashing, proceed to Step 6 – Network check 🔴 Solid Red Meaning: Hardware or registration fault ➡️ Power-cycle the device ➡️ Check SIM (if applicable) ➡️ Proceed to Step 6 – Network check 🔴 Flashing Red Meaning: Network or signal issue ➡️ Proceed immediately to Step 6 – Network check 🟡 Amber / Yellow Meaning: Degraded or unstable connectivity ➡️ Perform a test call ➡️ If unstable, continue to Step 6 Step 5 — Audio quality check 🔊 During a test call: - Is audio one-way? - Is audio distorted or very quiet? - Does the call drop? ✅ If audio is clear Lift phone is operational ➡️ Log test result ❌ If audio is poor Proceed to Step 6 – Network & antenna check Step 6 — Network & antenna check 📡 Check: - LTE antenna securely connected - No visible cable damage - Antenna positioned away from metal lift walls - External SMA antenna used (Gen 3) if signal is weak Device-specific notes: - Gen 2: Internal antenna only, single FXS - Gen 3: External SMA antenna (up to ~10 m), dual FXS ➡️ After adjustments, retry test call ✅ If call succeeds Issue resolved ❌ If still failing Proceed to Step 7 – Escalation Step 7 — Escalate to Pickle Support Contact Pickle Support immediately if: - Calls cannot be placed - LEDs show persistent fault states - Monthly test cannot be completed - Device repeatedly drops offline Have the following ready: - Site address - Lift number (if applicable) - Device model (Gen 2 or Gen 3) - LED status - Time of last successful test Safety note If a lift phone is confirmed non-operational and cannot be restored promptly, building management should follow internal safety escalation procedures. Need help now? Pickle Support can assist with: - Remote diagnostics - Registration checks - Signal analysis - Replacement guidance

Last updated on Feb 06, 2026