In an emergency, especially in large buildings, reliable and effective communication with rescue personnel is crucial to ensuring everyone’s safety. Two-way emergency communication systems are vital in guiding people to safety when elevators are out of service, or stairwells are obstructed. This blog explores the range of solutions offered by RATHTM by AVIRE, helping you choose the two-way emergency communication system that best suits your needs.
Why Two-Way Emergency Communication Systems Matter
Imagine a fire in a multi-story building. Elevators stop working, and the only way to evacuate is by using the stairs. But what about individuals who are unable to use stairs due to mobility issues? Or what if the stairs are unusable because they are filled with smoke or flames? This is when two-way emergency communication systems become critical. Building and fire codes require a two-way emergency communication system at every passenger elevator bank on every floor above and below the level of exit discharge.
RATHTM by AVIRE provides trusted two-way emergency communication systems that help trapped building occupants communicate effectively with first responders, ensuring they receive help promptly during emergencies. These systems are required by a variety of safety codes such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Building Code (IBC), and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), so choosing the right one is crucial for code compliance and safety.
Key Considerations for Choosing the Right System
Before selecting a two-way communication system, you’ll need to consider a few key factors:
- Compliance: What codes and standards are required by the local municipality or state?
- Building Size: How many floors is the building?
- Scalability: Will future floors or elevator banks be added to the building?
- Reliability: What are the monitoring requirements for the building? Is the system monitored on-site 24/7 or remotely, or a combination of on-site and off-site?
- Installation: What are the specific building requirements to consider with design and installation of the system? Does it meet survivability requirements? What are the device locations and were distances considered?
- Compliance: What codes and standards are required by the local municipality or state?
Overview of RATHTM by AVIRE Solutions
As a whole, these safety regulations and compliance standards guarantee that life safety products and systems adhere to the highest standards, ensuring they are safe, secure, and sustainable.This assurance gives everyone peace of mind that in an emergency, the two-way communication system for rescue assistance will perform correctly.
| System | Wiring Configuration | Call Box Capacity | Ideal Building Types | Key Features | Code Compliance |
| SmartCommand System | Daisy-chained | Up to 128 | Hotels, hospitals, high-rise towers, offices, stadiums | Reduced wiring, faster installation | NFPA, IBC/ICC, ADA Conforms to UL 2525 standards* |
| Analog SmartRescue System | Home-run | Up to 10 | Small buildings | Independent call box reliability | NFPA, IBC/ICC, ADA |
| Analog Command Center System | Home-run | Up to 116 | Flexible for various building types | Accommodates more call boxes | NFPA, IBC/ICC, ADA |
| IP Command Center System | VOIP/Network-based | Up to 128 | Large or complex buildings with existing network infrastructure | Remote management, scalability | NFPA, IBC/ICC, ADA |
* UL2525 up to 32 call boxes only and up to 128 pending.
Selecting the right two-way emergency communication system for your building may seem complicated, but it comes down to balancing the specific needs of your project with scalability, reliability, and regulatory compliance. RATHTM by AVIRE offers flexible solutions that meet industry standards while ensuring the safety of building occupants during emergencies.
Whether your building is large or small, RATHTM by AVIRE’s SmartCommand, SmartRescue, Command Center, and IP Command Center systems provide reliable communication and peace of mind when it’s needed most.
For more information about the full suite of offerings of two-way communication systems, or to get started on your project, contact RATHTM by AVIRE today.