Elevator Landing Two-Way Communication Systems: IBC Requirements, NFPA 72 and All 6 Exceptions Explained
Elevator landing two-way communication systems have become an important part of accessible means of egress design in multistory buildings. Architects, engineers, fire alarm contractors, electrical contractors, elevator professionals, and code officials frequently encounter these systems during design and plan review, yet the exact circumstances that trigger the requirement are often misunderstood.
The primary building-code requirement is found in International Building Code Section 1009.8, which addresses two-way communication at elevator landings on accessible floors located above or below the level of exit discharge. The IBC also contains six important exceptions that can eliminate the requirement under specific conditions.
NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, is also an important part of the discussion because rescue-assistance communication systems fall within the broader category of emergency communications systems.
This guide explains where elevator landing two-way communication is required, how the IBC provisions work, how NFPA 72 relates to the system, and—most importantly—how each of the six IBC exceptions should be evaluated during real-world building design.
Important code note: Building and fire codes are adopted by states and local jurisdictions at different times and may contain amendments. Always verify the exact edition adopted by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for a project. Section numbering, referenced standards, and technical requirements can change between editions.
What Is an Elevator Landing Two-Way Communication System?
An elevator landing two-way communication system is an emergency communication station installed outside the elevator car, typically near the elevators on an accessible floor.
Its purpose is to give an individual who may not be able to use the stairs during an emergency a method of communicating with personnel who can provide assistance.
That distinction is important because this system is not the same thing as the emergency communication device located inside an elevator cab.
Elevator car emergency communication is governed by elevator safety requirements and other applicable codes and standards. Elevator landing communication, by contrast, is tied primarily to the IBC provisions for accessible means of egress.
A person using a wheelchair, someone with limited mobility, or another occupant unable to descend stairs may arrive at an elevator landing during an emergency. If the elevators are unavailable for normal evacuation, the landing communication station gives that person a way to identify their location and communicate with emergency personnel.
IBC Section 1009.8: When Is Elevator Landing Two-Way Communication Required?
The central building-code provision is IBC Section 1009.8, Two-Way Communication.
In general, the section requires two-way communication at the landing serving an elevator or bank of elevators on an accessible floor located one or more stories above or below the level of exit discharge, unless one of the section's exceptions applies.
That single requirement contains several separate concepts that must be evaluated correctly:
- The floor must be an accessible floor.
- The floor must be above or below the level of exit discharge.
- The landing must serve an elevator or bank of elevators.
- No applicable exception can eliminate the requirement.
This means designers should not simply count the number of elevators in a building and automatically specify communication stations at every elevator door.
The correct approach is to evaluate the building floor by floor and elevator bank by elevator bank.
What Does “Each Accessible Floor” Mean?
One of the most important phrases in IBC 1009.8 is accessible floor.
The requirement is connected to accessible means of egress because the communication station is intended primarily to assist occupants who may not be able to use a conventional stairway during emergency evacuation.
Consider a six-story office building with passenger elevators serving Floors 1 through 6. Assume Floor 1 is the level of exit discharge and Floors 2 through 6 are required to be accessible.
Unless an exception applies, the elevator landings serving Floors 2 through 6 would generally need to be evaluated for two-way communication under IBC 1009.8.
Now consider a special mechanical level that is accessed only by authorized maintenance personnel and is not required to be an accessible floor. That condition may produce a different result.
The accessibility provisions for the entire building must therefore be reviewed before determining the number of required communication stations.
Why the Level of Exit Discharge Matters
The level of exit discharge is another critical concept.
In simple terms, it is the level at which an exit ultimately discharges occupants toward the exterior and public way.
IBC 1009.8 focuses on accessible floors located one or more stories above or below that level.
Suppose a building has a lobby at grade on Level 1. Level 1 functions as the level of exit discharge. Accessible floors on Levels 2, 3, 4, and 5 are above the exit discharge level and therefore fall within the basic trigger.
A basement located one story below Level 1 may also fall within the requirement when it is an accessible floor and is served by an elevator.
This is why basement and below-grade elevator landings should never be forgotten during design.
What Does “Elevator or Bank of Elevators” Mean?
Another common design mistake involves interpreting the requirement as one communication station for every individual elevator.
IBC terminology recognizes an elevator or bank of elevators.
Where multiple elevator cars are grouped together and operate as a recognizable elevator bank, the communication design is generally evaluated at the landing serving that bank rather than automatically installing a separate rescue-assistance station beside every individual elevator door.
However, large buildings may contain several physically separated elevator banks. For example, an office tower may have a low-rise bank, high-rise bank, service elevator bank, and parking elevator bank.
Each bank needs to be evaluated independently against IBC 1009.8 and its exceptions.
IBC 1009.8.1: Communication With the Fire Command Center or Central Control Point
IBC Section 1009.8.1 establishes critical operational requirements for the system.
The required communication locations must communicate with the building's fire command center or another central control point approved by the fire department.
This concept is fundamental. A rescue-assistance station should not simply ring an unattended telephone in an office that might be empty during an emergency.
The communication path must ultimately reach a location capable of receiving and responding to the call.
What if the Central Control Point Is Not Constantly Attended?
IBC 1009.8.1 also addresses situations where the central control point is not continuously staffed.
Under the IBC framework, the system must provide an appropriate method for calls to reach an approved receiving location when the normal control point is unattended, as required by the adopted code and AHJ.
This requirement is particularly important in smaller commercial buildings where there may be no 24-hour security desk or dedicated fire command center.
For example, consider a four-story medical office building that closes in the evening. If the communication station only calls the receptionist's desk, the system would provide little benefit when that desk is unattended.
The communication system therefore needs an approved method of ensuring emergency calls reach an appropriate receiving location when the normal control point is not staffed.
Audible and Visible Communication Signals
The IBC framework also addresses audible and visible signaling associated with the communication system.
These features help communicate system status to people with different sensory abilities.
For example, a visual indicator can confirm that a call has been initiated or connected while audible communication allows the occupant and responding personnel to communicate.
IBC 1009.8.2: Instructions, Signage and Location Identification
A two-way communication device is only useful during an emergency if occupants understand how to operate it and responders know where the call originated.
IBC Section 1009.8.2 addresses instructions and identification associated with the communication station.
Instructions for using the system and summoning assistance are provided adjacent to the communication device along with written identification of the location as required by the applicable adopted code.
The location identification is particularly important in a large facility.
A call saying, “I need help near the elevators,” is not nearly as useful as clearly identifying the location as:
Level 7 — East Elevator Bank
or:
Parking Level P3 — North Elevator Lobby.
Clear location information allows emergency personnel to determine exactly where assistance is needed.
Elevator Landing Communication and Areas of Refuge
Areas of refuge are closely related to elevator landing communication because both concepts support occupants who may require assistance during emergency evacuation.
IBC Section 1009.6.5 addresses two-way communication associated with areas of refuge.
This relationship becomes especially important because the first exception to IBC 1009.8 can eliminate the separate elevator landing communication requirement when compliant communication is already provided within an area of refuge.
Designers should therefore coordinate accessible means of egress planning before specifying the communication system.
A project that establishes compliant areas of refuge with two-way communication may have a substantially different device layout than a building relying primarily on elevator landing communication points.
How NFPA 72 Applies to Elevator Landing Two-Way Communication
The International Building Code establishes the building-level requirement, but emergency communications systems are also addressed by NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.
NFPA 72 Chapter 24 addresses Emergency Communications Systems. Editions using the Section 24.10 structure address two-way emergency communications systems for rescue assistance.
This is significant because an elevator landing rescue-assistance system is more than a basic commercial intercom.
A life-safety communications system may need to address matters such as equipment listing, system monitoring and supervision, power supplies, fault conditions, communication pathways, interfaces, annunciation, and operational reliability.
The applicable requirements depend on the adopted NFPA 72 edition, building-code edition, local amendments, system architecture, equipment listing, and AHJ interpretation.
UL 2525 and Rescue-Assistance Communications
Modern rescue-assistance communication system specifications may also reference UL 2525, Two-Way Emergency Communications Systems for Rescue Assistance.
UL 2525 addresses equipment specifically evaluated for this life-safety application. Where the adopted code, referenced standards, project specifications, or AHJ require listed rescue-assistance equipment, designers should verify the exact listing of the proposed system rather than assuming a general-purpose intercom is acceptable.
This is an important procurement issue. A product may provide technically functional two-way audio while still not carry the listing expected for a code-required rescue-assistance application.
All Six IBC 1009.8 Exceptions Explained
Understanding the exceptions is just as important as understanding the basic requirement. A designer who ignores them may specify unnecessary equipment. A designer who applies them too broadly may omit a life-safety system that is required.
Exception 1: Communication Is Provided Within an Area of Refuge
The first exception addresses situations where two-way communication is already provided within an area of refuge in accordance with IBC Section 1009.6.5.
The logic is straightforward. If the accessible means of egress strategy already provides a compliant rescue-assistance communication point within the designated area of refuge, a duplicate communication station at the elevator landing may not be necessary.
Example Scenario
Consider a ten-story office building with designated areas of refuge located at protected stair enclosures. Each required area of refuge contains a compliant two-way communication station.
If those installations satisfy the applicable IBC requirements, the project may use this exception rather than providing a second rescue-assistance station at the elevator landing.
When This Exception Is Commonly Misapplied
Simply calling a stair landing an “area of refuge” on a drawing does not automatically make the exception valid.
The area of refuge itself must satisfy the applicable code provisions. If it does not, the associated communication station may not qualify as the basis for excluding the elevator landing device.
Exception 2: Floors Provided With Compliant Ramps
The second exception applies to floors provided with ramps conforming to the applicable provisions of IBC Section 1012.
The rationale is that a compliant ramp can provide an accessible vertical egress path without requiring an occupant with mobility limitations to wait at an elevator landing for assistance.
Example Scenario
A two-level university building has an upper instructional level connected directly to exterior grade by a compliant egress ramp.
Although an elevator also serves the upper level, the compliant ramp provides an accessible means of leaving that floor.
Provided all requirements of the exception are satisfied, the elevator landing two-way communication station may not be required on that level.
What Designers Should Verify
Do not apply this exception merely because the building contains a ramp somewhere.
The ramp arrangement must satisfy the applicable code provisions and provide the type of egress condition contemplated by the exception.
Exception 3: Certain Service Elevators
The third exception addresses certain service elevators that are not designated as part of the accessible means of egress and are not part of the required accessible route into the facility.
This exception recognizes that some elevators exist strictly for back-of-house operations and are not part of the building's accessible circulation or egress strategy.
Example Scenario
A large hotel has passenger elevator banks for guests and a separate service elevator used by housekeeping and maintenance personnel.
The service elevator opens into secured back-of-house corridors and is not part of the required accessible entrance route or accessible means of egress.
That service elevator may qualify for the applicable exception when all code conditions are satisfied.
Potential Problem
Calling an elevator a “service elevator” on the plans is not enough.
If the elevator actually functions as part of the required accessible route, the exception may not apply.
Exception 4: Freight Elevators
IBC 1009.8 also contains an exception addressing landings serving freight elevators.
A true freight elevator is fundamentally different from a passenger elevator serving the accessible route through a building.
Example Scenario
A distribution warehouse has a dedicated freight elevator transporting palletized products between storage floors. The elevator is not used as the building's passenger elevator and does not form part of the required accessible circulation system.
The freight elevator landing may fall within the applicable exception.
Important Distinction
Designers should verify the elevator's actual classification and permitted use.
An elevator informally called a freight elevator but designed or operated as a passenger elevator should not automatically be treated as exempt.
Exception 5: Private Residence Elevators
The fifth exception covers landings serving a private residence elevator.
These elevators serve a fundamentally different occupancy condition from public or common passenger elevators in commercial and multifamily buildings.
Example Scenario
A private multistory residence contains an elevator used exclusively within the dwelling.
Because the unit is a private residence elevator rather than a common building elevator serving multiple occupants or tenants, the IBC elevator landing communication provisions addressed by Section 1009.8 are treated differently.
Common Mistake
A shared elevator serving multiple dwelling units in an apartment or condominium building should not automatically be described as a private residence elevator.
The distinction between a private residential elevator and a common-use passenger elevator is essential.
Exception 6: Group I-2 and Group I-3 Facilities
The sixth exception applies to Group I-2 and Group I-3 occupancies under the applicable IBC provisions.
These institutional occupancies use specialized emergency management and evacuation strategies that differ from conventional office, retail, residential, or educational buildings.
Group I-2 Example
Group I-2 occupancies can include facilities where occupants receive medical care and may be incapable of self-preservation.
Hospitals often rely on trained staff, smoke compartments, horizontal relocation, defend-in-place strategies, and specialized emergency procedures rather than expecting every occupant to independently travel to an elevator landing communication station.
The exception reflects this different life-safety strategy.
Group I-3 Example
Group I-3 occupancies include detention and correctional environments where occupant movement is controlled for security reasons.
Emergency evacuation and relocation are managed by trained staff rather than through unrestricted occupant movement.
Again, the broader institutional life-safety strategy explains why elevator landing communication is treated differently.
Do Not Treat the Exception as a Universal Communications Exemption
The fact that IBC 1009.8 may not require an elevator landing station in these occupancies does not mean that the building has no other emergency communication requirements.
Other building, fire, healthcare, institutional, accessibility, or facility-specific requirements can still apply.
Common Elevator Landing Communication Design Mistakes
Most design errors occur because one portion of the code is evaluated without considering the rest of the accessible means of egress strategy.
Mistake 1: Confusing the Elevator Cab Phone With the Landing Communication System
The emergency communication device inside an elevator car serves a different purpose from the rescue-assistance communication station located outside the elevator at the landing.
Having a compliant elevator cab communication device does not automatically satisfy IBC 1009.8.
Mistake 2: Assuming One Station Covers Every Elevator Bank
Large buildings may have multiple elevator banks located in different portions of the floor.
Each applicable elevator or elevator bank should be evaluated independently.
Mistake 3: Forgetting Basement Levels
IBC 1009.8 addresses applicable accessible floors located above or below the level of exit discharge.
Parking levels, basements, and underground occupied floors are therefore important parts of the analysis.
Mistake 4: Sending Calls Only to an Unattended Desk
A reception desk staffed only during normal business hours may not satisfy the intended emergency communication function without the additional communication arrangements required by the applicable adopted code.
Mistake 5: Specifying a Generic Intercom
A generic commercial intercom should not automatically be assumed to satisfy a life-safety rescue-assistance requirement.
Equipment listing, supervision, power, signaling, fault monitoring, communication pathways, and other requirements should be evaluated under the applicable adopted codes and standards.
What Should Be Shown on Construction Documents?
Strong construction documents make the compliance strategy obvious to the plan reviewer.
The drawings should identify required communication station locations, elevator banks, applicable accessible floors, the level of exit discharge, areas of refuge when provided, the location of the fire command center or approved central control point, and the communication pathway between field stations and receiving equipment.
Where an exception is being used, identify it directly in the code analysis.
For example:
IBC 1009.8 Exception: Elevator landing two-way communication omitted at this level based on the specific applicable exception and corresponding code conditions documented in the life-safety analysis.
A concise note can prevent unnecessary plan-review comments because the reviewer immediately understands that the device was intentionally evaluated rather than accidentally omitted.
Coordinate With the AHJ Early
The authority having jurisdiction may include the building official, fire marshal, electrical inspector, elevator inspector, accessibility reviewer, or other agencies depending on the jurisdiction.
Early coordination is particularly valuable when determining where emergency calls terminate, whether a location qualifies as constantly attended, what monitoring arrangement is acceptable, and which equipment listing is required.
IBC 1009.8 Compliance Decision Example
Consider a five-story commercial office building with the main exit discharge on Level 1.
Passenger elevators serve Levels 1 through 5. Levels 2 through 5 are accessible. No areas of refuge are being used to satisfy the communication exception, no qualifying egress ramps connect these floors to grade, and none of the elevators qualify for another applicable exception.
Under those assumptions, the elevator landings serving Levels 2 through 5 would generally need to be evaluated under the IBC 1009.8 requirement.
Now change one part of the design. Suppose Level 2 is provided with a qualifying ramp arrangement that satisfies the applicable IBC exception.
That floor should then be evaluated under the ramp exception while Levels 3 through 5 remain subject to the basic requirement unless another exception applies.
This demonstrates why the correct analysis is performed floor by floor, not simply building by building.
Why Elevator Landing Two-Way Communication Systems Matter
At first glance, these systems can look like another small box on the wall. Their purpose, however, is much more significant.
During an emergency, elevators may be recalled, unavailable, restricted to firefighters, or otherwise inappropriate for normal occupant evacuation.
An occupant who cannot descend stairs may need to remain in a protected location while emergency responders arrive.
Two-way communication gives that occupant a means of requesting assistance and gives responders information about the occupant's location and circumstances.
That communication can significantly improve emergency coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elevator Landing Two-Way Communication Systems
What code requires two-way communication at elevator landings?
The primary International Building Code provision is IBC Section 1009.8, within the accessible means of egress requirements. It addresses two-way communication at applicable elevator landings on accessible floors located above or below the level of exit discharge.
Does every elevator landing require a two-way communication station?
No. The floor must first fall within the scope of IBC 1009.8, and then all applicable exceptions must be evaluated. The section contains six exceptions that can eliminate the landing communication requirement under qualifying conditions.
Is the elevator emergency phone inside the cab the same system?
No. Elevator car emergency communication and elevator landing rescue-assistance communication serve different purposes and are governed by different requirements. A compliant cab communication device does not automatically satisfy IBC 1009.8.
Are elevator landing communication systems required at the level of exit discharge?
The basic IBC 1009.8 trigger focuses on applicable accessible floors located one or more stories above or below the level of exit discharge. The exact configuration of a particular building should always be evaluated using the locally adopted code.
Can an area-of-refuge call station eliminate the elevator landing station?
It can when the conditions of the applicable IBC exception are satisfied and compliant two-way communication is provided within the area of refuge in accordance with the applicable code requirements.
Are freight elevators exempt from elevator landing communication?
IBC 1009.8 contains an exception addressing freight elevators. Designers should verify that the elevator actually falls within the classification and conditions required by the adopted code.
Are service elevators exempt?
Certain service elevators can qualify for an exception when the specific conditions established by the applicable IBC provision are satisfied.
Are private residence elevators exempt?
IBC 1009.8 includes an exception applicable to private residence elevators. This should not be confused with common passenger elevators serving multiple dwelling units in a multifamily building.
Why are Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies treated differently?
These institutional occupancies use specialized evacuation, relocation, supervision, and emergency response strategies. The applicable IBC provisions therefore treat elevator landing communication differently under specified conditions.
Does NFPA 72 regulate elevator landing communication?
NFPA 72 addresses emergency communications systems, including two-way rescue-assistance communication under applicable editions. The IBC establishes the building-level requirement, while NFPA 72 can establish additional system design, installation, supervision, power, signaling, and performance criteria.
What is UL 2525?
UL 2525 is a product safety standard addressing two-way emergency communications systems for rescue assistance. Whether a particular project requires equipment carrying a specific listing depends on the adopted codes, referenced standards, project specifications, and AHJ requirements.
Who should approve where elevator landing calls are received?
The applicable IBC provisions address communication with a fire command center or other approved central control point. The receiving location and any required secondary communication arrangement should therefore be coordinated with the AHJ during design.
Final Takeaway
The best way to determine whether elevator landing two-way communication systems are required is to begin with IBC Section 1009.8 and work systematically through the building.
Identify the level of exit discharge. Identify every accessible floor above and below that level. Identify every elevator and elevator bank serving those floors. Then evaluate all six exceptions individually.
Once the required communication locations are established, review IBC Sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2 for system operation, signaling, receiving location, instructions, and location identification. Finally, coordinate the rescue-assistance communication system with the applicable edition of NFPA 72, equipment listing requirements, local amendments, and the authority having jurisdiction.
Taking this approach early in design can prevent missed devices, unnecessary equipment, change orders, failed inspections, and difficult plan-review comments.
Code and Standards References
For official International Building Code information and the edition adopted in your jurisdiction, consult the International Code Council (ICC).
For NFPA 72 and emergency communications system requirements, consult the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
For product safety certification information relating to rescue-assistance communication equipment, consult UL Solutions.
This article is intended for educational and design-reference purposes and is not a substitute for the adopted building code, fire code, referenced standards, local amendments, engineered design, manufacturer's instructions, or an AHJ determination.
