Critical Infrastructure Update
Lift Alarm Systems & PSTN Switch-Off
A Life-Safety Requirement for UK Estates
Lift alarm systems allow trapped passengers to contact emergency help using the alarm button inside the lift. Many UK lift alarms still rely on analogue phone lines, which will stop working after the PSTN switch-off in January 2027. Without upgrading to a digital or VoIP-based lift alarm system, emergency calls may fail.
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Lift Alarm System - FORM 1
Understanding the Impact
What Happens to Lift Alarm Systems After the PSTN Switch-Off?
Lift alarm systems are installed to help passengers contact emergency support when trapped inside a lift. Across the UK, many of these systems still use analogue phone lines. Those lines will stop working when the PSTN network is switched off in January 2027.
Without an upgrade, the alarm button in an elevator may fail to connect to a monitoring centre or emergency contact. This creates a direct safety risk and a compliance issue for estate managers, facilities teams, and duty holders.
Critical Insight
The lift may operate normally, but the emergency alarm system behind it may no longer work. This page explains what is changing, why it matters, and what action is required.
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Our compliance team is ready to audit your estate and ensure you are ready for 2027.
Where the UK PSTN Switch-Off Stands Today?
January 2027
Hard Safety Deadline
After this date, analogue phone services will no longer be supported. Lift alarm systems that still depend on PSTN face a high risk of failure. Uncertainty is not acceptable for safety systems.
What it means for lift alarms?
Once the PSTN network is withdrawn, the communication path no longer exists. The lift may work, but the emergency button becomes silent. This risk often remains hidden until a real emergency occurs
Why is analogue being withdrawn?
Copper-based networks are expensive to maintain and no longer support modern requirements. While offices have moved to digital, lift alarm lines are often overlooked because they are rarely used.
How Lift Alarm Systems Work?
1. The Button Press
The alarm button inside a lift is a safety control. When pressed, it starts an emergency call and opens a two-way voice connection. If the call does not connect, the button has failed its purpose.
3. The Response
The call reaches a monitoring centre or responder who arranges assistance. The reliability of this entire process depends entirely on the communication line being active.
2. The Connection
Pressing the button triggers an outbound call over a dedicated line. Many lifts still use analogue PSTN lines installed years ago. This dependency often remains unnoticed until the line is withdrawn.
4. Failure Risk
If the PSTN line fails, passengers may hear a sound or see a light, but no call reaches the outside world. This is a critical safety and compliance failure.
⚠️ Critical Requirement
Power Failures, Battery Backup, and Emergency Reliability
Lift alarms are most critical during power failures, when lifts stop, and passengers may become trapped.
Mains Power Independence
A compliant lift alarm system must continue operating without mains power. This usually requires battery backup capable of supporting emergency calls for a defined period.
Modern Digital Visibility
Older analogue systems often provide limited visibility if a failure occurs. Modern digital lift alarm systems can offer clearer confirmation that emergency communication remains available, reducing uncertainty during inspections and real incidents.
Legal & Safety Responsibilities
LOLER Requirements
Lift alarms are checked during inspections to confirm that emergency communication is available and functional.
EN 81 Standards
Requires a reliable two-way communication method between trapped passengers and responders.
Fire Alarm Rules
During fire events, communication is vital. A failed system increases risk and complicates response.
Who Is Responsible?
Building Owners
Overall safety compliance responsibility.
Maintenance Providers
Look after mechanical systems.
Telecom Providers
Supply the communication line.
"Inspectors expect evidence that emergency communication works, not assumptions."
⚠️Risks of Inaction
Failing to upgrade lift alarm systems before the PSTN switch-off carries real consequences. Early action avoids these outcomes.
Entrapment Risk
Passengers are unable to contact help.
Breach of Duty
Safety duties & laws may be breached.
Liability
Increased legal liability if incidents occur.
Failed Inspection
Non-compliance leads to urgent remedial work.
Strategic Approach
Five-Step Plan to Migrate Your Lift Alarm Line
Step 1 – Identify every lift alarm line across your estate
Start by confirming how each lift alarm connects to the outside world. Many estates assume that alarms are part of the lift itself, when in reality they rely on a separate phone line that was installed years ago. Documentation reviews and discussions with maintenance providers often reveal dependencies that are not recorded centrally.
Step 2 – Risk-rank lifts by usage and vulnerability
Not all lifts present the same level of risk. Passenger lifts in residential buildings, healthcare sites, and public-facing locations should be prioritised. Consider how often each lift is used, who relies on it, and how quickly help must arrive during an emergency.
Step 3 – Select a compliant digital or VoIP lift alarm solution
A suitable replacement must do more than place a call. It should support emergency call routing, monitoring compatibility, backup power, and resilience against connection failure. Solutions designed specifically for lift alarm systems reduce the risk of future compliance gaps.
Step 4 – Align upgrades with LOLER and fire safety inspections
Planning upgrades alongside scheduled inspections reduces disruption and allows compliance to be verified immediately. This approach also avoids last-minute installations close to the 2027 deadline.
Step 5 – Strengthen governance and ongoing compliance
Once upgraded, estates should document responsibility for the lift alarm system, testing procedures, and fault reporting. Clear governance helps ensure long-term safety as networks and building systems continue to change.
Lift Alarm Requirements by Sector
Housing associations and residential buildings
Residential lifts are often used by elderly or vulnerable occupants. Reliable emergency communication is essential to reduce safeguarding risk during entrapment.
Hospitals and healthcare estates
Residential lifts are often used by elderly or vulnerable occupants. Reliable emergency communication is essential to reduce safeguarding risk during entrapment.
Courts and justice facilities
Secure sites require dependable communication paths that operate within controlled environments while still allowing immediate external contact.
Council and civic buildings
Public buildings carry a duty of care to visitors, staff, and contractors. Lift alarm failures in these settings attract both regulatory and reputational risk.
Lift Alarm Compliance Checklist for Estate Managers
Track your readiness for the PSTN switch-off. Are you compliant?
Lift Alarm System Solutions
The VoIP Shop supports UK estates with compliant replacements for analogue lift alarm lines. Our solutions are designed for reliability and ease of installation.
✅ PSTN replacement built for lifts
✅ UK-based monitoring options
✅ 24/7 UK support team
✅ Digital VoIP emergency alarms
✅ NHS-approved supplier
System Architecture
Digital Upgrade Path
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