Elevator Fireman's service phase I & II and automatic recall

We had a question from a building owner who modernized their elevator equipment on how fireman’s service operation functioned. All new elevators modernized or new construction will have fireman’s service and automatic recall.  I had intended on doing a very thorough post but non elevator life got in the way and I will revise the posting when I get a few moments.  But this is a good start.

Phase I – Fireman’s recall phase I is a key switch located in the lobby of a building, it could be in the hall button fixture or mounted in the door frame.  This key switch when activated will call the elevator to the main floor[where the key switch is] and the doors will open.  This is meant to be used by emergency service personnel only.

Phase II – The phase II key switch is in the elevator and is for the emergency personnel to operate the elevator without any interruption. 

Automatic recall – Automatic recall is when a fire recall device(s)[most of the times they are smoke detectors but the City of Chicago allows[ed] sprinkler flow switches] go off, the elevator will go to the main landing or alternate landing depending on which device goes off.  If a device on the 3^rd landing goes off[assuming it is not the main landing] the elevator will go to the main landing[most times the 1^st floor or lobby] and the doors will open and not allow operation of the elevator.  If a device goes off on the main landing the elevator will go to an alternate floor and the doors would open and not allow operation.  The purpose of this feature is to send the elevator away from the fire floor for everyone’s safety.

Exercising requirements – The elevator code requires FEO[Fire Fighters Emergency Operation] to be “exercised” once each month and documented.  If your elevator company isn’t coming once a month the building must have someone trained in this exercise.  

Phase I Bypass/Reset/Old Chicago – There are a few different phase I switches. 

Bypass – When turned to bypass it will bypass the smoke detectors that are active.  This was removed in the 2000 code and replaced with Reset.

Reset – 2000 and after elevator code has Reset, this will reset the controller but not allow the elevator to run if there are active smokes.

Old Chicago – This was an On/Off switch only

Phase II changes

            Pre 2004 code – key switches accessible to anyone in the elevator car station

            2004 to current – Fireman’s service panel behind locked door

If you are curious about the operation of FEO call you elevator company have them explain it to you or have them come show you how it works.

Credit – Fireengineering.com for some images used

If you have any questions or would like information from Colley Elevator you can go to www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.