Elevator Recall System Installation and Testing in Riverside
Elevator recall is a fire alarm and elevator-control function that moves an elevator to a designated landing and takes it out of normal service when a qualifying signal occurs. Installing or changing elevator recall involves coordinating the fire alarm system with the elevator controls, building plans, and the authorities responsible for the project.
For a Riverside property, the first step is confirming the project’s jurisdiction and scope. The City of Riverside and Riverside County have separate permitting processes; requirements depend on the property address and work being performed.
How Does Elevator Recall Work?
During a qualifying fire alarm event, the fire alarm system sends a signal to the elevator controller. The controller then performs the programmed recall operation. California regulations define Phase I Emergency Recall as an elevator being automatically or manually returned to a specific landing and removed from normal service because of firefighters’ service activation. California Code of Regulations, Title 8
The fire alarm contractor works on the fire alarm side of this interface. The elevator contractor handles elevator controls and elevator equipment. Both systems must operate together as intended.
What Does an Elevator Recall Project Include?
Fire alarm devices and interface
The project may involve elevator lobby smoke detectors, machine-room or hoistway detection where required by the design, recall switches, and the relay or interface that communicates with the elevator controller. The specific devices and sequence depend on the approved plans and building requirements.
Elevator controller coordination
The elevator contractor needs to confirm how the controller receives and responds to recall signals. Before work begins, the project team should confirm the interface points, sequence of operation, wiring responsibility, and test plan.
Plans, permits, and approvals
Plan and permit requirements depend on the scope and the local authority. The City of Riverside states that many construction or system alterations require permits and that some projects need plan review and approvals from other agencies. City of Riverside permit information · Riverside Fire Department plan reviews
If the property is in Riverside County rather than the City of Riverside, confirm the applicable fire authority and review process before submitting plans.
How Is Elevator Recall Tested?
Testing should follow the approved project documents and be coordinated among the fire alarm contractor, elevator contractor, building representative, and required inspectors. The plan should identify how each recall signal is initiated, what the elevator should do in response, how the result will be verified, and who records the outcome.
California’s Fire Code requires fire alarm components to be tested in accordance with NFPA 72 after installation, and calls for a record of completion tied to the approved plans and specifications. 2025 California Fire Code, Chapter 9
If the work also qualifies as an elevator alteration, California requires the elevator to be inspected by an authorized representative before it returns to service, subject to the applicable rules and exceptions. Confirm with the elevator contractor and state elevator authority whether that applies to the specific project. California Elevator Safety Orders
Who Should Be Involved?
A typical project may require coordination among:
The building owner or property manager
Fire alarm designer or contractor
Elevator contractor
General contractor or construction manager
Fire prevention or building officials
State elevator inspectors, when applicable
California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health says elevator maintenance and inspection are the owner’s responsibility and provides a directory of certified elevator companies and mechanics. Its FAQ advises contacting a Certified Qualified Conveyance Company for elevator-related maintenance, repairs, alterations, or replacements. Cal/OSHA Elevator Unit · Elevator Unit FAQ
Why Choose Cyber Shield Security?
Cyber Shield Security can discuss fire alarm installation and elevator recall interface needs, including project scope, plans, device requirements, and coordination with the elevator contractor. The work plan depends on the building, existing fire alarm system, elevator equipment, and local approvals.
Cyber Shield Security serves Los Angeles, North Hollywood, Studio City, Burbank, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Pasadena, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood. For projects in Riverside, contact the company to confirm service availability and the applicable project jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is elevator recall?
Elevator recall is an emergency operation that returns an elevator to a designated landing and removes it from normal service when triggered by an appropriate fire alarm or manual signal.
Does elevator recall use the fire alarm system?
Yes. The fire alarm system can provide signals to the elevator controller, which carries out the programmed response. The fire alarm and elevator systems must be coordinated and tested together.
Does the fire alarm contractor work on the elevator controller?
The fire alarm contractor typically works on the fire alarm devices and interface wiring. Elevator controls and elevator equipment should be handled by the appropriate elevator contractor.
Are permits required for elevator recall installation in Riverside?
The required permits and reviews depend on the property’s jurisdiction and project scope. Confirm whether the address is in the City of Riverside or Riverside County and ask the responsible authority which approvals apply.
Who tests the elevator recall system?
Testing is coordinated by the project team, typically including the fire alarm contractor and elevator contractor. Required inspections or witnessing depend on the project and applicable authority requirements.
Does every change to an elevator recall interface require a state elevator inspection?
Not necessarily. Whether the work qualifies as an elevator alteration requiring state inspection depends on the project scope and applicable elevator rules. Confirm with the elevator contractor and state elevator authority before scheduling a return to service.
What documents should the owner receive after testing?
Ask for test results, updated system records or drawings as required, the fire alarm record of completion, and a list of any unresolved issues or follow-up actions.
Contact Cyber Shield Security
Planning elevator recall installation or testing for a Riverside property? Contact Cyber Shield Security to discuss the fire alarm scope, elevator coordination, and service availability. Call (310) 242-3100 or email info@cybershieldsecurity.us.
