Lobby & Machine Room Communication

Lobby & Machine Room Communication systems are critical for maintaining clear, real-time communication between the elevator cab, building lobby, and machine room. These systems help streamline emergency response, maintenance coordination, and service operations by ensuring reliable voice connection across essential points of the elevator system.

RATH® and JANUS® Lobby & Machine Room Communication systems include both analog and IP-based options, offering hands-free, point-to-point or multi-point communication. Designed for easy integration into new construction and modernization projects, these systems enhance safety, responsiveness, and operational efficiency.

All RATH® and JANUS® Lobby & Machine Room Communication systems are designed with code compliance in mind. Many models meet applicable requirements from NFPA, ASME, CSA, ADA, IBC/ICC, and UL, helping support safe and reliable communication throughout the elevator environment.

Elevator Communication Systems

Includes EMS5, SmartRescue, and Command Center systems designed for elevator communication.

Command Centers

RATH® Command Centers provide centralized communication between designated emergency personnel and elevator passengers during an entrapment or system fault. These stations are typically installed in building lobbies or security offices and serve as the primary point of contact for responding to elevator calls. With multiple form factors and interface options, RATH® Command Centers support direct, reliable two-way voice communication and are designed to meet NFPA, ASME, CSA, and ADA requirements. They are ideal for new construction and retrofit projects where clear communication and code compliance are required.

ADA ASME 17.1 (pre 2019) CSA B44 IBC NFPA 72

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Machine Room Intercoms

JANUS® Machine Room Intercoms enable direct voice communication between elevator technicians in the machine room and other elevator locations, such as the cab or lobby. These compact, purpose-built systems support hands-free or headset-enabled communication to streamline service activities and enhance safety during maintenance. Engineered for durability and ease of use, JANUS® Machine Room Intercoms meet ASME, CSA, and ADA requirements and are trusted by technicians for reliable elevator system coordination.

ADA ASME 17.1 (pre 2019) CSA B44

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SmartRescue System

The RATH® SmartRescue System is an emergency communication solution designed to support lobby and machine room communication for elevator safety applications. It provides reliable two-way voice communication between elevator emergency phones and a centralized base station, giving building personnel a clear point for managing elevator-related events. Visual and audible indicators help staff recognize active calls and respond efficiently. Supporting up to ten elevator phones, the RATH® SmartRescue System offers a straightforward, centralized approach to elevator emergency communication. It helps facilities maintain consistent, code-aligned elevator safety while improving call visibility and response during critical moments.

ADA UL CSA B44 ASME 17.1 (pre 2019)

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Call Director Systems

JANUS® Call Director Systems manage and direct communication between multiple elevator locations and responding personnel. These flexible platforms support hands-free communication across lobbies, machine rooms, and elevator cabs, and can be configured for sequential or priority-based call handling. Built for technician use and emergency response teams, JANUS® Call Director Systems meet ASME, CSA, and ADA requirements and are efficient solutions for complex elevator communication networks.

ADA CSA B44 ASME 17.1 (pre 2019)

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Power Supplies

RATH® Power Supplies are engineered to support reliable operation of elevator communication systems, including lobby and machine room equipment. These units provide clean, regulated power and can include battery backup to ensure communication remains active during a power outage. Available in multiple configurations, RATH® Power Supplies help maintain system uptime and support compliance with NFPA, IBC/ICC, ADA, and UL requirements. They are an essential component in any elevator communication infrastructure focused on safety and code readiness.

UL NFPA 70 (NEC)

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Compare Systems at a Glance

	Command Centers	Machine Room Intercoms	SmartRescue System	Call Director System
Primary Function	Centralized two-way communication with elevator cabs	Voice communication between machine room and elevator system	Two-way emergency communication with added system monitoring	Manages and routes elevator system communications
Ideal Use Case	Mid- to high-rise buildings with staffed security or fire command centers	Facilities with frequent elevator service, testing, or inspections	Multi-use buildings requiring dual elevator and life safety compliance	Large commercial or institutional campuses with multiple elevator banks
Best For	Buildings needing direct, code-compliant emergency call response	Technicians requiring reliable in-room communication during maintenance	Area of refuge or life safety integration with elevator communication	Multi-point coordination across elevator cabs, lobbies, and service areas
Typical Location	Lobby, security office	Machine room	Lobby, stairwell, machine room	Lobby, machine room
Communication Type	Analog / Hands-Free	Analog / Hands-Free or Headset	Analog or IP (varies by model)	Analog / Direct or Sequenced
Compliance	NFPA, ASME, CSA, ADA	ASME, CSA, ADA	NFPA, IBC/ICC, ADA	ASME, CSA, ADA

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Lobby & Machine Room Communication

Elevator Communication Systems

Compare Systems at a Glance

Education, Training and Support

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