This article answers questions about how your emergency lift phone services will be affected by the nbn. This information has been supplied by Curt Hensel, VoIPforce.
With the roll-out of the National Broadband Network (nbn™) in full swing and almost one in every two properties “nbn™ ready” there is a growing need for strata managers and building owners to migrate certain services to ensure they are operational at all times. By 2020, the nbn expects all premises in Australia to have access to the network.
A critical service that will be impacted is the emergency telephone service required for all buildings with lift services. Unlike the existing copper lines connecting current residential and commercial properties, the nbn™ cannot guarantee 100% service uptime. As a result, in the event of a network outage, your emergency lift phone will not operate.
Will I be breaking compliance if I don’t upgrade my emergency lift phone technology?
It is a requirement for both Workplace Health & Safety legislation and Building Codes of Australia (BCA) compliance to ensure emergency lift technology comes standard with a battery backup, powering the unit in the event of a network outage, caused either by a power failure or a service issue.
How long before my emergency lift phones are non-compliant?
Your emergency lift phone technology will be non-compliant 18 months after the premises’ nbn™ ready for service date. To register emergency lift telephone lines with the nbn™, click here: Monitored fire alarms. Alternatively, check the nbn™ ‘ready for service’ date for your area here: Check your address.
Which nbn fixed line connections will affect my lift phone technology?
Currently, there are four different types of nbn™ fixed line connections – all four will affect the operation of your emergency lift phone and will require a battery powered backup solution.
- Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) – a connection where an optic fibre line is run all the way to your premises
- Fibre to the Building (FTTB) – used when an apartment block or similar building is being connected to the nbn™
- Fibre to the Node (FTTN) – where nbn™ fibre is run to a newly built cabinet and connected with the existing copper network
- Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) – used in circumstances where an existing ‘pay TV’ or cable network is used to reach the premises
If you have an FTTP, FTTN or HTC connection – the emergency lift phone will not work in the event of a power failure and buildings with these connection types must upgrade their lift’s emergency telephone technology. If you have an FTTP connection with a battery backup, you may still be out of compliance unless the emergency phone line is being actively monitored. It is a BCA requirement for all buildings with lift services to monitor their lift line 24/7, 365.
How do I ensure my lift phone line is operational 24/7 on the nbn?
There are a number of options available, however, it is worth remembering that not all solutions will work with all lifts. Telstra have teamed with VoIPforce, specialists in providing a dual SIM Duress and Emergency Lift Phone Service (DET). DET integrates with existing technology provided by all major lift operators (Kone, Schindler, Otis, Pixel Technology and more). This means that if you ever change lift providers, you won’t need to update your emergency telephone technology. DET also future-proofs your emergency lift phone services with upgrades to your mobile technology where necessary.
The unit comes standard with twelve hours of battery backup, powering the unit in the event of a blackout. All units are proactively monitored 24/7, ensuring you’re always compliant and your lift passengers are always safe.
With no upfront capital outlay and only a small monthly fee, VoIPforce & Telstra offer the cost-effective solution.