Area of Refuge and Two Way Communication Systems in Los Angeles and the Inland Empire
Elevator landing and area of refuge systems that meet California Building Code requirements. CA License #1132999.
Overview
What is an area of refuge system and when is it required?
What does the code require?
The California Building Code, under Chapter 11B accessibility requirements, requires a two way communication system at areas of refuge and, in many buildings, at elevator landings, so people who cannot use the stairs during an emergency can call for help and be heard by fire department personnel or building staff. We design these systems to meet both the accessibility code and your fire department's monitoring requirements.
What about elevator landing systems?
For mid-rise and high-rise buildings, we install call stations at elevator landings that connect back to a central monitoring point, typically the fire command center or a continuously staffed location, so a call from any floor is answered quickly during an emergency.
What about stairwell communication?
Where areas of refuge are located in stairwell enclosures or exterior landings, we install the same two way call station and monitoring setup, sized to the number of protected floors in your building.
Our process
How we deliver the project.
Plan Design
We lay out call station locations at required elevator landings and areas of refuge, and design the monitoring and wiring back to the central station.
Permit
We submit plans for review against California Building Code Chapter 11B and your local building department's requirements.
Installation
Our crews install call stations, wiring and the central monitoring panel, coordinated with your elevator contractor and electrical trades.
Commissioning
We test every call station for two way audio clarity and confirm proper annunciation at the monitoring point.
AHJ Acceptance Test
We coordinate final testing with your building inspector so the system is verified before occupancy.
Annual Testing
We test call stations and monitoring equipment annually to confirm the system stays functional and compliant.
Equipment
Equipment we use.
RATH
RATH area of refuge and two way communication systems are our standard platform for elevator landing and stairwell call stations, chosen for their reliability in continuous monitoring applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is an area of refuge system required?
Buildings with floors above or below the level of exit discharge that aren't fully sprinklered, or that don't otherwise meet an exception in the California Building Code, generally require areas of refuge with two way communication at each protected floor. High-rise buildings typically require it at elevator landings regardless. Tell us your building's height and occupancy and we'll confirm what applies.
How is the system tested?
We test each call station for clear two way audio to the monitoring point, confirm proper visual and audible annunciation, and verify backup power, on the schedule your AHJ requires, typically annually.
Do you service existing systems?
Yes. We take over monitoring and testing for existing area of refuge systems, and repair or replace call stations and panels that have reached end of life or are failing testing.