Elevator Recall Fire Alarm Systems: Requirements, Devices, and Smoke Detector Activation
Elevator recall is an important part of a building's fire and life-safety system. When a qualifying fire alarm initiating device detects a fire-related condition, the elevator system may be required to automatically return elevators to a designated level and remove them from normal service.
For building owners, property managers, developers, general contractors, and facility operators in Los Angeles and surrounding communities, understanding elevator recall is important when installing, upgrading, or replacing a fire alarm system.
The short answer
Not every building needs a dedicated elevator recall fire alarm system. The requirement depends on factors such as the building's occupancy, height, elevator configuration, applicable California Building and Fire Codes, existing conditions, and the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
In California, elevator emergency operation and fire detection requirements are addressed through the applicable building, fire, and elevator safety regulations. California's current fire code requires smoke detectors or other automatic fire detection in elevator hoist ways where required by the California Elevator Safety Orders to initiate Phase I emergency recall.
For buildings within the City of Los Angeles, LAFD has specific fire/life-safety sequence requirements. Its current high-rise policy states that elevator lobby smoke/heat detectors and elevator shaft smoke/heat detectors can initiate elevator recall functions, depending on the applicable sequence of operations.
Because the requirements are building-specific, a fire alarm professional should evaluate the property before equipment is installed, removed, or reprogrammed.
What Is Elevator Recall?
Elevator recall is an emergency function that automatically returns an elevator to a designated floor when specific fire alarm or fire detection devices are activated.
This is commonly referred to as Phase I Emergency Recall Operation.
Instead of allowing an elevator to continue operating normally during a qualifying fire event, the recall sequence directs the elevator to a designated level so it can be taken out of normal passenger service.
California's elevator safety regulations describe a three-position, key-operated switch for emergency operation and specify sensing devices associated with elevator landings for applicable installations.
Elevator recall is different from the elevator's Phase II emergency in-car operation, which provides firefighters with manual control of the elevator during emergency operations.
The 2024 International Building Code provisions also identify Phase I emergency recall and Phase II emergency in-car operation as separate elevator emergency functions.
1. Does My Building Need a Dedicated Elevator Recall Fire Alarm System?
It depends on the building and elevator requirements
There is no universal rule that every building containing an elevator must have a completely separate, dedicated fire alarm system solely for elevator recall.
The applicable requirements can depend on:
Building height
Occupancy classification
Number and type of elevators
Elevator configuration
Whether the building is a high-rise
New construction versus existing construction
Fire alarm system design
Automatic sprinkler protection
Applicable California code requirements
Local amendments
AHJ requirements
Existing approved fire/life-safety systems
California's current fire code specifically addresses elevator hoistway fire detection where required by the California Elevator Safety Orders to initiate Phase I emergency recall.
California's Elevator Safety Orders also generally apply to elevators throughout the state, with specific exceptions including certain private residential elevators.
High-rise buildings in Los Angeles
High-rise buildings in Los Angeles have additional fire/life-safety considerations.
LAFD's current policy states that, for new high-rise buildings and high-rise change-of-use buildings, activation of an elevator lobby recall device on a floor can recall all elevators serving that floor. The policy also addresses elevator shaft smoke/heat detection and other fire safety sequence functions.
LAFD's high-rise retrofit requirements also identify elevator recall smoke detectors among the fire alarm initiating devices used in applicable buildings.
Therefore, a building owner should not assume that a standard fire alarm installation automatically satisfies every elevator recall requirement.
What Does "Dedicated" Mean?
A dedicated elevator recall system can refer to a fire alarm or detection arrangement specifically designed to provide the signals required for elevator emergency recall.
However, elevator recall may be integrated into a larger building fire alarm system rather than operating as an entirely separate standalone system.
The actual design depends on the approved fire alarm plans, elevator equipment, applicable codes, and AHJ requirements.
For a project in Los Angeles, the fire alarm and elevator interfaces should be coordinated rather than designed independently.
2. What Devices Are Typically Involved in Elevator Recall?
Elevator recall can involve several types of initiating devices and interfaces.
The exact devices required vary by building and applicable code.
Elevator Lobby Smoke Detectors
Elevator lobby smoke detectors are among the most important devices associated with elevator recall.
A smoke detector located in an elevator lobby can detect smoke near an elevator entrance and send a signal to the fire alarm system.
In Los Angeles high-rise applications, LAFD's current fire/life-safety sequence identifies elevator lobby smoke/heat detectors as devices that can initiate elevator recall.
LAFD's high-rise retrofit requirements likewise identify elevator lobby smoke detectors and state that activation can cause applicable elevators to return to the main entrance level.
Elevator Hoistway Smoke or Heat Detectors
Depending on the building and elevator design, detection may also be installed in the elevator
hoistway.
The 2025 California Fire Code states that smoke detectors or other automatic fire detection must be provided in hoistways when required by California Elevator Safety Orders to initiate Phase I emergency recall or when required for a hoistway ventilation function.
These devices can provide a detection input associated with the elevator emergency sequence.
Elevator Machine Room Detection
Where applicable, smoke or heat detection may also be installed in an elevator machine room, machinery space, control room, or control space.
The specific requirements depend on the elevator and building design.
The goal is to detect a fire-related condition in an area where it could affect elevator operation.
Heat Detection and Other Automatic Fire Detection
Not every application uses smoke detection in every location.
California requirements recognize smoke detectors or other automatic fire detection for applicable elevator hoistway applications.
Depending on the design, approved heat detection or other detection technology may be used where appropriate.
Sprinkler Waterflow Devices
Sprinkler systems can also interact with elevator emergency functions in applicable buildings.
LAFD's fire/life-safety sequence shows sprinkler waterflow as one of the monitored fire protection inputs and identifies elevator recall as one of the functions associated with particular initiating conditions in applicable high-rise systems.
The exact sequence should always be established by the approved plans and applicable requirements.
Fire Alarm Control Panel
The fire alarm control panel (FACP) receives signals from applicable initiating devices and provides programmed outputs to other fire/life-safety systems.
For elevator recall, the fire alarm system may provide an interface signal to the elevator controller.
This means that elevator recall is not simply a matter of installing one smoke detector. The detection devices, fire alarm programming, wiring, elevator controller interface, and required sequence of operation must work together.
Elevator Fire Recall Switch
A manual fire recall switch is another important component of elevator emergency operation.
California's Elevator Safety Orders specify a three-position key-operated switch for applicable elevator emergency operation.
This provides a manual means of initiating or controlling the emergency recall function as required by the applicable elevator design.
3. How Do Smoke Detectors Trigger Elevator Recall?
The process can be summarized as:
Smoke detected → fire alarm signal → elevator recall command → elevator returns to designated level → elevator is removed from normal passenger service
However, the actual sequence is more detailed and depends on the building's approved fire/life-safety design.
Step 1: Smoke Is Detected
A smoke detector in an applicable elevator lobby, hoistway, machine room, or other required location detects smoke above its alarm threshold.
The detector sends an alarm signal to the fire alarm system.
Step 2: The Fire Alarm Control Panel Receives the Signal
The fire alarm control panel identifies the activated initiating device.
The panel's programming determines what fire/life-safety functions should occur in response to that particular device.
This is important because not every fire alarm initiating device necessarily performs the same elevator recall function.
For example, LAFD's current high-rise sequence identifies elevator lobby smoke/heat detectors and elevator shaft smoke/heat detectors as inputs associated with elevator recall, while other devices have different programmed functions.
Step 3: The Fire Alarm System Sends the Recall Signal
When the applicable initiating device activates, the fire alarm system provides the required signal to the elevator control system.
The elevator controller then initiates the programmed Phase I emergency recall sequence.
Step 4: The Elevator Returns to the Designated Level
The elevator returns to the designated level according to the applicable emergency operation sequence.
California's Elevator Safety Orders describe applicable elevators returning nonstop to the designated level when the emergency recall function is activated.
The exact designated level and sequence can vary depending on the building design.
Step 5: The Elevator Is Removed From Normal Service
Once the elevator reaches the designated level, the elevator doors may open and the elevator remains under the applicable emergency operating controls.
This prevents normal passenger operation from continuing during the emergency condition.
Step 6: Firefighters Can Use Emergency Elevator Controls
Phase I recall and Phase II firefighter emergency operation are separate functions.
The applicable elevator system provides firefighters with the controls necessary for emergency elevator operation.
Why Elevator Recall Requires Careful Fire Alarm Programming
A common mistake is to think that connecting every smoke detector to the elevator controller is sufficient.
It is not.
The fire alarm system must distinguish between different initiating devices and provide the appropriate output sequence.
For example, LAFD's current high-rise policy specifies that new high-rise buildings and high-rise change-of-use buildings should recall elevators serving the affected floor when an elevator lobby recall device on that floor activates.
That means the location of the detector matters.
The programming must also correspond with the approved sequence of operations.
Elevator Recall and Fire Alarm Wiring
The wiring between the fire alarm system and auxiliary fire/life-safety equipment must also be properly supervised.
The 2025 California Fire Code states that wiring to auxiliary devices and equipment used to accomplish fire safety functions must be monitored for integrity in accordance with NFPA 72.
This is one reason elevator recall should be treated as an engineered fire/life-safety function rather than simply another low-voltage connection.
Does Every Smoke Detector Recall the Elevator?
No.
The answer depends on the specific detector, its location, the approved fire alarm sequence, and the applicable code requirements.
Elevator recall devices are typically programmed specifically for the elevator emergency operation sequence.
Other fire alarm devices may activate different functions, such as:
Audible and visual notification
HVAC shutdown
Smoke damper operation
Door release
Smoke control
Stair pressurization
Fire department notification
LAFD's current high-rise sequence demonstrates that different initiating devices can activate different combinations of fire/life-safety functions.
Elevator Recall in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has specific fire/life-safety requirements that building owners and contractors need to consider.
LAFD states that applicable systems should be verified by the department before approval and/or installation. Its high-rise sequence documentation identifies elevator lobby and elevator shaft detection among the systems involved in the building's fire/life-safety sequence.
LAFD's high-rise retrofit information also identifies elevator recall smoke detectors as fire alarm initiating devices.
For this reason, projects involving:
New elevators
Elevator modernization
Fire alarm replacement
High-rise renovations
Tenant improvements
Building change of use
Fire alarm upgrades
Elevator recall modifications
should be reviewed for applicable fire alarm and elevator requirements before work begins.
Elevator Recall Testing and Coordination
Elevator recall testing requires coordination between the fire alarm contractor and elevator service company.
California's Cal/OSHA Elevator Unit specifically notes that certain required fire and emergency-condition tests involve coordinating the alarm testing company with the elevator service company so that building-related smoke sensors and heat detectors can be activated and the elevator response verified.
This is important because the fire alarm contractor can verify the initiating device and fire alarm signal, while the elevator service personnel may need to verify the elevator's emergency response.
A successful test should verify the complete sequence rather than simply confirming that a smoke detector activates.
Common Elevator Recall Problems
Building owners and property managers may encounter issues such as:
Incorrect Detector Location
A detector may be installed but not located where the approved design requires it.
Incorrect Fire Alarm Programming
The detector may activate the fire alarm but fail to initiate the required elevator recall sequence.
Communication or Interface Problems
The fire alarm panel and elevator controller may not communicate correctly.
Wiring Supervision Problems
A fault in the fire safety interface wiring can affect system reliability and create trouble conditions.
Elevator Controller Issues
The fire alarm system may send the correct signal while the elevator controller requires service or adjustment.
Changes During Renovation
Tenant improvements, elevator modernization, or fire alarm replacement can change the existing system's requirements.
When Should a Building Owner Have Elevator Recall Evaluated?
Consider an evaluation when:
Installing a new elevator
Modernizing an existing elevator
Replacing a fire alarm control panel
Upgrading a fire alarm system
Renovating a high-rise building
Performing a major tenant improvement
Changing building use
Adding or relocating elevator lobby detectors
Receiving a fire or elevator inspection correction
Experiencing elevator recall testing problems
Early coordination can help identify conflicts between the fire alarm system and elevator controls before the project reaches final inspection.
Do Apartment Buildings Need Elevator Recall?
It depends on the building and applicable requirements.
An apartment building with an elevator may have different requirements depending on its height, construction, occupancy, sprinkler protection, elevator configuration, age, and applicable local regulations.
In Los Angeles, high-rise apartment buildings can be subject to specific LAFD fire/life-safety requirements, including elevator recall functions.
Property managers should have the existing fire alarm and elevator systems evaluated rather than assuming that an existing configuration meets current requirements.
Do Commercial Buildings Need Elevator Recall?
Some commercial buildings may require elevator emergency recall depending on their design and applicable code requirements.
Commercial property owners should consider elevator recall during:
New construction
Building renovations
Fire alarm replacement
Elevator modernization
Major tenant improvements
Change-of-use projects
A fire alarm professional can coordinate with the elevator contractor and the AHJ to determine the appropriate system configuration.
Fire Alarm Installation and Elevator Recall in Los Angeles
If your Los Angeles property has elevators, the fire alarm system may need to interact with the elevator controls as part of the required fire/life-safety sequence.
Cyber Shield Security can evaluate fire alarm installation and upgrade requirements for commercial properties, apartment buildings, offices, and other facilities.
Depending on the project, services may include:
Fire alarm system installation
Fire alarm upgrades
Smoke detector installation
Heat detector installation
Fire alarm control panel replacement
Elevator recall interface coordination
Fire alarm testing
Troubleshooting
Fire alarm monitoring
Low-voltage fire/life-safety wiring
The exact scope depends on the property's approved plans and applicable requirements.
Serving Los Angeles and Surrounding Communities
Cyber Shield Security serves customers throughout Los Angeles and surrounding communities,
including:
Los Angeles
North Hollywood
Studio City
Burbank
Sierra Madre
Arcadia
Pasadena
Woodland Hills
Sherman Oaks
Santa Monica
Beverly Hills
West Hollywood
Whether you are a building owner, property manager, general contractor, developer, or business owner, early fire alarm coordination can help identify elevator recall requirements before installation or inspection.
Why Choose Cyber Shield Security?
Fire alarm systems involving elevator recall require more than simply installing smoke detectors.
The system may need to coordinate:
Detection devices
Fire alarm control panels
Fire alarm programming
Elevator controllers
Interface wiring
Emergency recall functions
Testing procedures
Applicable AHJ requirements
Cyber Shield Security works with property owners, contractors, developers, property managers, and businesses on fire alarm and low-voltage projects.
The goal is to understand the building and its requirements before recommending equipment or installation work.
Depending on the project, Cyber Shield Security can assist with fire alarm installation, fire alarm upgrades, smoke and heat detection, monitoring, security systems, low-voltage wiring, and related life-safety system work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elevator Recall Fire Alarm Systems
1. Does every building with an elevator need an elevator recall fire alarm system?
No. Requirements depend on the building, elevator, occupancy, height, applicable codes, existing conditions, and AHJ requirements. Certain California requirements specifically address elevator recall and fire detection.
2. What smoke detectors trigger elevator recall?
Depending on the building design, elevator lobby smoke detectors, elevator shaft smoke/heat detectors, and other applicable detection devices may be involved. Los Angeles' high-rise fire/life-safety sequence specifically identifies elevator lobby and elevator shaft detection as recall-related inputs.
3. Does every building smoke detector recall the elevator?
No. Elevator recall is based on the detector's location and the approved fire alarm sequence. Different fire alarm initiating devices can perform different life-safety functions.
4. What is Phase I elevator recall?
Phase I is the elevator emergency recall function that returns an elevator to a designated level during a qualifying emergency condition. California's Elevator Safety Orders describe applicable emergency recall operation and designated-level return.
5. What is Phase II elevator operation?
Phase II is the emergency in-car operating mode used by firefighters. It is separate from the automatic Phase I recall function. Applicable elevator codes address both emergency phases.
6. Does elevator recall need to be tested?
Yes. Applicable fire alarm and elevator emergency functions need to be tested according to the requirements governing the system. California's Elevator Unit notes that certain fire/emergency-condition tests require coordination between the alarm testing company and elevator service company.
7. Can a fire alarm company install elevator recall devices?
A qualified fire alarm contractor can perform applicable fire alarm work and coordinate the fire alarm/elevator interface, but elevator-related work may also require coordination with the elevator contractor and applicable authorities. The responsibilities depend on the scope of work and jurisdiction.
8. Does Cyber Shield Security install fire alarm systems with elevator recall?
Cyber Shield Security provides fire alarm installation and related fire/life-safety services. For projects involving elevator recall, the existing system, approved plans, elevator equipment, and applicable requirements should be evaluated to determine the appropriate scope.
Contact Cyber Shield Security
If your building has elevators and you are installing, upgrading, replacing, or troubleshooting a fire alarm system, do not wait until the final inspection to determine whether elevator recall has been properly addressed.
Early coordination between the fire alarm contractor, elevator service company, building owner, and applicable authority can help identify the required detection devices, interfaces, programming, and testing.
Cyber Shield Security can help evaluate your property's fire alarm requirements and coordinate the appropriate scope for your project.
Need fire alarm installation or elevator recall coordination in Los Angeles or surrounding areas?
Contact Cyber Shield Security
Phone: (310) 242-3100Email: info@cybershieldsecurity.us
Whether you are planning a new fire alarm system, replacing an existing panel, upgrading a commercial property, or addressing an elevator recall issue, contact Cyber Shield Security to discuss your project.
