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Area of Refuge Two-Way Communication Systems

As the leading manufacturer of code-compliant Emergency Communication Systems for Rescue Assistance, we provide top-tier, easy-to-install solutions, ensuring safety without compromise, while keeping your building occupants connected and safe.

Area of Refuge Two-Way Communication Systems

In publicly accessible buildings, during a fire alarm emergency, elevators are inaccessible. The “Area of Refuge” or “Area of Rescue Assistance” concept was established to provide a safe location for building occupants, who cannot traverse the stairs without assistance, to assemble and await help or instruction from first responders.  This designated space requires a ​two-way communication system for assisted rescue during an emergency.

An Emergency Communication System for Rescue Assistance is required, by industry standards NFPA, IBC and ADA, at each elevator or bank of elevators, on each accessible floor above/below exit discharge, so the trapped parties can call for rescue assistance.

As the leading manufacturer of code-compliant Area of Refuge Two-Way Communication Systems, we provide top-tier, easy-to-install systems, ensuring safety without compromise, while keeping your building occupants connected and safe.

Are your buildings compliant? Whether you’re a low voltage contractor, a systems integrator, or a fire inspector, we’ve got the right code compliant solution for you.

Unlike conventional two-way communication systems, the SmartCommand Addressable System uses a daisy-chained method, linking up to 32 Call Boxes together. Designed to meet NFPA 72 2002 and fully conforming to UL 2525 Standards, it’s one of the first systems on the market to have the area of refuge specified UL certification, ensuring the highest standard of safety and compliance. This innovative approach reduces wire usage and installation cost, saving time and labor. 
  • Simple Installation
  • Supervised and Programmable
  • Designed for between 1-32 Call Boxes
SmartCommand-Call-Boxes
3300 Series SmartCommand Call Boxes
Each Area of Refuge is required to have hands-free, two-way emergency communication devices (Call Boxes) located on each floor above/below the main exit floor.
The SmartCommand Call Boxes provide distressed parties a means to communicate with rescue personnel during an emergency
The system Call Boxes can be daisy chained for a quick and efficient installation
Fully Conforms to UL 2525 Standard
SmartCommand-Call-Commanders
3200 Series SmartCommand Call Commanders
Code compliant Area of Refuge Systems require a central control point where the Call Boxes call for emergency assistance.
The Call Commander (Master Station) provides a means of communication between stranded individuals, rescue personnel, and offsite parties
Fully conforms to UL 2525 Standards
3400_SmartCommand-BOSS
SmartCommand BOSS 3400
The BOSS, or the “brains” of the SmartCommand System, provides power and communication to the Call Boxes and Call Commander through 2 pair cable.
The BOSS was engineered to include built-in state of the art supervision and communication capabilities and monitored for integrity typically by the fire alarm panel
Fully conforms to UL 2525 Standards for NFPA 72 supervision requirements
1000-Power-Supply_2
UPS Power Supply 1000
Designed to meet essential backup requirements (dictated by NFPA 72), ensuring that your system remains operational for a minimum of 24 hours under quiescent load (when the system is in a non-alarm condition).
Following this period, it retains the capability to activate all alarm notification appliances used for evacuation or directing aid to the area of refuge, functioning for 60 minutes in total darkness.
Our SmartRescue Analog-Based Two-Way Communication System is designed to provide robust two-way communication for an Area of Refuge, utilizing a home run configuration, where each call box is wired directly to the central command base station. With a legacy of reliability and widespread use in the market, these systems offer a proven solution for safety and communication.
  • Home-Run Configuration
  • Independent
  • Compatible
  • Scalable
SmartRescue-Call-Boxes
2100 Series SmartRescue Call Boxes
Each Area of Refuge requires hands-free, two-way emergency communication devices (Call Boxes) on each floor above and below the main exit floor.
The SmartRescue Call Boxes, utilizing an analog home run configuration, offer an efficient means for distressed individuals to communicate with rescue personnel during an emergency
Equipped with built-in battery backup, these Call Boxes ensure uninterrupted communication even during power failures
SmartRescue-BaseStations
2500 Series SmartRescue Base Stations
A code-compliant Area of Refuge System requires a central control point to manage emergency assistance calls from Call Boxes.
The SmartRescue Base Stations, utilizing an analog home run configuration, provide a seamless means of communication between stranded individuals, rescue personnel, and offsite parties
Equipped with built-in battery backup, these base stations ensure uninterrupted communication even during power failures
Designed for smaller installations of up to 10 Call Boxes, the SmartRescue Base Stations provide an affordable yet robust solution without compromising on quality or compliance
SmartRescue-Power-Supplies
2500-PWR24U Power Supply
The 2500-PWR24AL provides 24vdc power to the RATH Area of Refuge call boxes while meeting backup requirements as dictated by NFPA 72.
The power supply ensures that your system remains operational for a minimum of 24 hours under quiescent load (when the system is in a non-alarm condition)
SmartRescue-360-Supervision
SmartRescue 360° Supervision
NFPA 72 2016 Supervision requirements state that pathways between the remote call stations and the master control station shall be monitored for integrity. To meet these requirements:
Each 2100 Series Call Box comes with built-in communication verification software and a failure relay output which can be connected to an addressable fire alarm module or the fire control panel
Power Supervision requires an additional purchase of the 2500-PWR24U power supply
The Command Center Two-Way Emergency Communication System is designed to provide efficient two-way, person-to-person voice communication for Area of Refuge, accommodating an impressive range of 1 to 116 Call Boxes. Utilizing a home run configuration with only one pair of wires needed between each Call Box and the head end. All components are crafted to meet current industry codes, ensuring top-tier reliability and compliance.
  • Home-Run Configuration
  • Independent
  • Compatible
  • Scalable
Command-Center-Call-Boxes
2400 Series Command Center Call Boxes
Each Area of Refuge requires hands-free, two-way emergency communication devices (Call Boxes) on each floor above and below the main exit floor.
The Command Center Call Boxes, designed for large-scale installations of up to 116 Call Boxes, provide a reliable means for distressed individuals to communicate with rescue personnel during an emergency
Utilizing a single pair of wires for each Call Box, the system ensures an efficient and cost-effective installation process
The Command Center Call Boxes offer a scalable and robust solution without compromising on quality or compliance, ensuring top-tier reliability and adherence to industry standards
Command-Center-Base-Stations
2500 Series Command Center and Distribution Modules
A code-compliant Area of Refuge System requires a central control point to manage emergency assistance calls from Call Boxes.
The Command Center base stations, designed to handle up to 116 Call Boxes, provide a seamless means of communication between stranded individuals, rescue personnel, and offsite parties
Utilizing an analog home run configuration with a single pair of wires for each Call Box, the system ensures an efficient and cost-effective installation process
The system includes Base Stations and Distribution Modules, Power Supply with battery backup sold separately
Command-Center-Power-Supplies
Command Center Power Supplies
Our range of power supplies for the Command Center system is designed to meet backup requirements as dictated by NFPA 72.
These power supplies ensure that your system remains operational for a minimum of 24 hours under quiescent load (when the system is in a non-alarm condition)
Following this period, they retain the capability to activate all alarm notification appliances used for evacuation or directing aid to the area of refuge, functioning for 60 minutes in total darkness
Tailored to support the Command Center’s analog configuration for up to 116 Call Boxes, these power supplies provide a robust and reliable solution, enhancing the safety and efficiency of your Area of Refuge system
Command-Center-Supervision
Command Center 360° Supervision
NFPA 72 2016 360° Supervision requirements state that pathways between the remote call stations and the master control station shall be monitored for integrity. To meet these requirements:
Each 2400 Series Call Box, Command Center, and outside phone line connect directly into the RATH Supervisor Board (2500__-SPRVSR). The 2500-__SPRVSR has a Communications Failure relay output that can be connected to an addressable fire alarm module or fire control panel
If power supervision is needed, an additional purchase of the UPS Monitor (2500-UPSMONITOR), which includes a Power Failure relay output, is required.
The IP Command Center Two-Way Communication System is more than just a communication tool; it’s a comprehensive solution that integrates with your existing network. Designed to handle between 1-128 Call Boxes, it leverages Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) to provide seamless two-way communication.
  • Scalability
  • Cost-Effective
  • Remote Management
IP-Command-Center-Call-Boxes
IP Command Center Call Boxes
Each Area of Refuge requires hands-free, two-way emergency communication devices (Call Boxes) on each floor above/below the main exit floor.
The IP Command Center Call Boxes, designed to handle up to 128 Call Boxes, provide a seamless means of communication between stranded individuals, rescue personnel, and offsite parties
Utilizing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), these Call Boxes offer a clear connection over a network or internet, ensuring efficient communication
Command-Center-Base-Stations
2500 Series IP Command Center and Distribution Modules
A code-compliant Area of Refuge System requires a central control point to manage emergency assistance calls from Call Boxes.
The IP Command Center base stations, designed to handle up to 128 Call Boxes, provide a seamless means of communication between stranded individuals, rescue personnel, and offsite parties
Utilizing Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), this system offers clear and efficient communication over a network or internet connection
Versatile solution that can be installed in new construction, retrofit projects, or when the building owner has upgraded their phone system to IP
The system includes Base Stations & Distribution Modules, with Power Supply and battery backup sold separately, providing a complete and robust solution for your Area of Refuge needs
This IP solution is ideal for single or multiple phone installations requiring internal communication with the Area of Refuge Call Boxes, ensuring safety and compliance without compromise
IP-Command-Center-Power-Supplies
RP7700104 UPS Power Supply
Designed to meet essential backup requirements (dictated by NFPA 72), ensuring that your system remains operational for a minimum of 24 hours under quiescent load (when the system is in a non-alarm condition).
Following this period, it retains the capability to activate all alarm notification appliances used for evacuation or directing aid to the area of refuge, functioning for 60 minutes in total darkness
IP-Command-Center-360-Supervision
IP Command Center 360° Supervision
NFPA 72 2016 Supervision requirements state that pathways between the remote call stations and the master control station shall be monitored for integrity. To meet these requirements:
Each 2400 Series Call Box, Command Center, and outside phone line connect directly into the RATH Supervisor Board (2500__-SPRVSR). The 2500-__SPRVSR has a Communications Failure relay output that can be connected to an addressable fire alarm module or fire control panel.
Each IP Call Box, along with the Command Center, has a unique IP address that the 2500-VOIPM “pings” every 10 minutes to ensure connection. If power supervision is needed, an additional purchase of the UPS Monitor (2500-UPSMONITOR), which includes a Power Failure relay output, is required.
Emergency Communication Systems for Rescue Assistance require system pathway survivability requirements that all circuits remain survivable for at least the same time as the fire rating building requirements.
  • Our cable solutions provide a dependable connection between two electronic devices, ensuring seamless communication
  • To meet the required 2-hour rating for pathway survivability, you can opt for either 2-hour fire-rated conduit or 2-hour fire-rated cable
  • 2 or 4 pair options, our communication cable offers flexibility to suit your needs
2-hour-Fire-Rated-Cable
2 Hour Fire-Rated Cable Series
Fire-resistive or fire-rated cable is designed to support Life and Fire Safety, offering “survivability” for 2 hours in harsh environments. The cable will continue to operate in high temperatures and remain fully operational for safe evacuation of building occupants. Choose from Single, 2 or 4 pair.
RP7500094-Cable
RP7500094 Communication Cable
2 Pair, 22 AWG Solid Shielded
RP7500097Communication-Cable
RP7500097 Communication Cable
4 Pair, 24 AWG, 8 Conductor
RP7500094B-Communication-Cable
RP7500094B Communication Cable
2 Pair, 18 AWG 4 Conductor Bare Copper Plenum
Comprehensive communication and evacuation plans are critical in emergency situations. Emergency Communication System for Rescue Assistance code requirements state 4 types proper signage must be visible to direct individuals to these safe locations.
  • Directions for Call Box Use
  • Illuminated
  • Door 
  • Directional 
Call-Box-Directions-for-Use-Sign
Directions for Call Box Sign
Each Call Box REQUIRES a “Directions for Call Box Use” sign to be mounted next to the Call Box in all Elevator Landings and Area(s) of Refuge/Rescue per IBC Section 1007.11 & 1009.11.
Illuminated-Signs
Illuminated Signs
Illuminated signs REQUIRED (per IBC Section 1007.9 & 1009.9)
Elevator Landing REQUIRES an illuminated sign stating “Emergency Communication” to be located by or on each wall providing access to the Elevator Landing.
Area of Refuge/Area of Rescue Assistance REQUIRES an illuminated sign stating “Area of Refuge” to be located by or on each door providing access to the Area of Refuge
Choose from Photoluminescent or Illuminated Wall Signs
Emergency-Communication-Door-Signs
Door Signs
Tactile (Braille) signage is REQUIRED at each door to an Area of Refuge, an Elevator Landing or exterior Area for Assisted Rescue complying with IBC 1007.9, IBC 1009.9 and ICC A117.1.
Direction-Sign
Directional Signs
Directional signs REQUIRED (per IBC Section 1007.10 & 1009.10) that indicate the location of the other means of egress and which are accessible means of egress shall be provided:
At exits serving a required accessible space but not providing an approved means of egress
At Elevator Landings (signs state Emergency Communication)
Within Area(s) of Refuge

Education, Training and Support

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As the code and training experts, our website offers all the documentation and educational resources needed to assist you in making the right decisions.