The COP DAU and TOC DAU perform the same essential audio function within a digital lift emergency communication system. The main difference is their installation location: the COP DAU is fitted behind the car operating panel, while the TOC DAU is installed on top of the lift car.
In short, choose the COP DAU when you want a compact, discreet solution integrated behind the car operating panel. Choose the TOC DAU when space is limited, easier maintenance access is important or the system serves a group of lifts.
The right solution will depend on the available space, access to the car operating panel and your installation and maintenance requirements.
COP DAU vs TOC DAU: the decision at a glance
Choose the COP DAU if …
…the alarm button is integrated into the car operating panel;
…there is sufficient space behind the car operating panel;
…you prefer a compact, discreet installation;
…existing openings for the speaker and microphone can be used;
…a separate surface-mounted audio module is unsuitable or not required.
Choose the TOC DAU if …
…there is limited space behind the car operating panel;
…access to the car operating panel is restricted or difficult;
…the equipment needs to remain easily accessible for installation and future maintenance;
…an alarm and communication point is required on top of the lift car;
…the system forms part of a lift group.
COP DAU and TOC DAU compared
| Feature | COP DAU | TOC DAU |
|---|---|---|
| Installation location | Behind the car operating panel | On top of the lift car |
| Recommended when | There is sufficient space behind the COP | Space or access behind the COP is limited |
| Installation style | Discreet and fully integrated | Separate and easily accessible |
| Maintenance access | Accessed through the car operating panel | Easily accessible from the top of the lift car |
| Connection | Two-wire connection to the DCP | CAN and LPBus connectivity |
| Speaker and microphone | Can be integrated into the car operating panel | Supports external components inside the lift car |
| Particularly suitable for | Modernisations and integrated installations | Maintenance-friendly installations and lift groups |
| Battery back-up | Integrated | Integrated |
The final choice will depend on the existing lift equipment and its system configuration. The AVIRE technical team can help you assess the available options.
How does a digital lift emergency communication system work?
When an emergency alarm is activated, the Digital Audio Unit transmits voice communication from the lift car to the alarm receiving centre through the Digital Communications Platform (DCP).

Which Digital Audio Unit is suitable for your lift?
Use the following questions to identify the most appropriate option for your installation.
1. Is there sufficient space behind the car operating panel?
- Yes: The COP DAU can provide a compact, fully integrated solution.
- No: The TOC DAU will generally be the more suitable option.
2. Does the equipment need to remain easily accessible for maintenance?
- Yes: Installing the TOC DAU on top of the lift car makes it easier for engineers to access.
- No: If discreet integration is more important, the COP DAU can be installed behind the car operating panel.
3. Can the speaker and microphone be integrated into the car operating panel?
- Yes: The COP DAU may be the right solution.
- No: The TOC DAU can be combined with compatible external audio and alarm components.
4. Is the system intended for a group of lifts?
The TOC DAU is particularly suitable for lift groups. The number of lift cars that can be connected will depend on the relevant DCP configuration.
Still unsure?
Our technical specialists can assess your lift, its existing components and your maintenance requirements to determine which Digital Audio Unit is most suitable.
COP DAU: compact integration behind the car operating panel
The MEMCO by AVIRE Car Operating Panel Digital Audio Unit (COP DAU) is installed behind the car operating panel and connected to the DCP using a simple two-wire connection.
Its slimline design makes it particularly suitable for modernisation projects and installations where sufficient space is available behind the panel. It allows the emergency communication equipment to be integrated discreetly into the lift car.
Benefits of the COP DAU
- Compact and discreet installation
- High-quality digital audio
- Simple two-wire connection to the DCP
- Optional inductive loop for passengers with hearing aids
- Integrated battery back-up
- CAN and LPBus connectivity
- Reduced installation and maintenance requirements

TOC DAU: easily accessible on top of the lift car
The MEMCO Top of Car Digital Audio Unit (TOC DAU) is installed on top of the lift car and connected to the DCP.
It is particularly suitable when space behind the car operating panel is limited or when the Digital Audio Unit needs to remain easily accessible for installation and maintenance. It also provides alarm and engineer intercom buttons on the unit and is well suited to lift-group installations.
Benefits of the TOC DAU
- Easy access for installation and maintenance
- Ideal where space behind the car operating panel is limited
- Supports compatible external microphones, speakers and pictograms
- Suitable for individual lifts and lift groups
- Can be programmed and monitored through the AVIRE Hub
- Alarm and engineer intercom buttons on the unit
- Integrated battery back-up

Frequently Asked Questions
The principal difference is the installation location. The COP DAU is fitted behind the car operating panel, while the TOC DAU is installed on top of the lift car. Both provide the core audio function required by a digital lift emergency communication system.
A COP DAU is generally the better choice when sufficient space is available behind the car operating panel and a compact, fully integrated installation is preferred.
Yes. The COP DAU is suitable for modernising existing lifts when sufficient space is available behind the car operating panel and the required components can be integrated.
Yes. An optional inductive loop is available to support passengers with hearing aids.
Yes. Both units are designed to connect to AVIRE’s Digital Communications Platform as part of a digital lift emergency communication system.
Yes. Both products are designed for use within lift emergency communication systems that comply with EN 81-28. Compliance will depend on the design, installation and configuration of the complete system.
COP DAU stands for Car Operating Panel Digital Audio Unit. It is installed behind the car operating panel and provides the audio connection for the lift emergency communication system.
The principal difference is the installation location. The COP DAU is fitted behind the car operating panel, while the TOC DAU is installed on top of the lift car. Both provide the core audio function required by a digital lift emergency communication system.
A TOC DAU is generally the better choice when there is limited space behind the car operating panel, access to the panel is difficult or the equipment needs to remain easily accessible for maintenance. It is also particularly suitable for lift groups.
Yes. The TOC DAU is suitable for lift-group installations. The number of lift cars that can be connected will depend on the DCP and overall system configuration.
Yes. Both units are designed to connect to AVIRE’s Digital Communications Platform as part of a digital lift emergency communication system.
Yes. Both products are designed for use within lift emergency communication systems that comply with EN 81-28. Compliance will depend on the design, installation and configuration of the complete system.
TOC DAU stands for Top of Car Digital Audio Unit. It is installed on top of the lift car and provides an accessible emergency communication and alarm point.

