Lift GSM Device
What is a lift GSM device?
A lift GSM device is esentially a device that provides an emergency phone line to an elevator.
A Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) gateway device is required to be installed on all passenger lifts and it must meet the requirements as set out by SafeWork NSW and the lift code Australian Standard AS1735.19 (EN81-28). The device provides a reliable phone line via a SIM card, has a built in battery backup and can be remotely monitored with self checks. These devices can be installed inside the lift machine room, lift controller or at the top of the lift shaft. It is not recommended to have them installed in old switch rooms as this re-uses old copper wiring that can become problematic.
Key aspects of a GSM device
➤ 4G network capability
➤ Minimum 2-hour battery backup
➤ Quality reception via an antenna
➤ 3-Day test call capability
Below are examples of commonly used GSM devices.
These GSM devices are quality products that are commercially available.
Avire
Avire-MEMCO Digital Communications Platform (DCP) ensures lift compliance and passenger safety by Smart GSM, autodialler, and remote monitoring. DCP is the brain of the communication system combining a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) gateway and lift emergency telephone.
Pixel
The Pixel gateway provides a quick and easy solution with fast access to a fixed voice telephone line service for your emergency telephone when either no traditional fixed infrastructure is available or in lieu of a direct digital phone connection.
3G to 4G GSM Upgrade
➤ During the NBN rollout, only 3G compliant GSM devices were available. Telstra have announced that 3G will be turned off during 2024 and every 3G device will need to be upgraded to a 4G device.
https://www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/3g-closure
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. According to SafeWork NSW, all passenger lifts should have an emergency phone installed in the event of an trapped passenger. This is regardless of how old the elevator is.
A Single SIM GSM device is compliant. This is outlined in the Migration of monitored fire alarm and lift phone services good practice guide. A dual SIM GSM device is an optional extra safety measure that can be installed as a fail safe in the event that a mobile network goes down.
5G Compliant GSM devices for elevators do not exist yet. There are no plans known that outline the 4G network will be cut off in the near future.
No. There are a few small companies that install lift GSM devices and provide SIM card rental/management. However we strongly recommend that the lift maintenance company install the GSM device and manage the services. This will ensure there are no callout fees associated with mixed trades looking after the same asset.
Yes, owners can provide their own SIM card(s) if necessary. However our SIM card rental includes management, callouts associated with SIM cards not working and replacement SIM cards. This should be taken into consideration when comparing the long term costs involved with this important safety feature. It is always recommended that the lift maintenance company look after the SIM cards.
The National Broadband Network (NBN) cannot be used as a reliable, compliant method of providing an emergency lift phone line as during a power outage it will not work.
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