SENTINEL | The only pro-actively managed, resilient lift emergency connection service in the UK

What is the digital switch?

The digital switch refers to the ongoing changes to the UK telecoms network in which fibre lines are being rolled out across the country to replace copper lines.

This means the end of analogue (PSTN and ISDN switch off) telephone services and the transition to fibre optic lines. While this is great news for internet speed, the digital switch will have a huge impact on key safety devices that will no longer be supported, including emergency lift phones.

How does the digital switch affect emergency telephones in lifts?

The Digital Switch is currently underway and could have already affected your area. The change from copper to fibre lines will affect the resilience of lift emergency phone lines - particularly during power failures, which is the most likely time when an entrapment may occur.

Lift regulations indicate that lift owners are required to provide a resilient 2-way emergency communication connection to the lift. Failure to comply could leave lift owners liable.

What is your responsibility as a lift owner

Lift regulations require that a resilient 2-way emergency phone line is provided to the lift - this responsibility falls with the lift owner.

As the digital switch continues to move forward throughout the UK, existing phone lines are becoming non-resilient and cannot be used during a power cut - one of the most likely moments when a lift entrapment could occur!

Speak to your lift maintenance company today to ensure your emergency equipment is compliant and that the backup batteries are fully charged, regularly monitored and reliable.

How can SENTINEL help?

Ask your lift maintenance company about the benefits of SENTINEL:

• ensure a resilient lift emergency connection
• proactively manage and monitor your lift portfolio, including power status
• with no upfront fees, you can manage the transition of your lift portfolio and receive a single, itemised monthly bill