31 January 2027: The UK’s PSTN switch-off
Lift emergency phones using PSTN need an alternative connection. EN 81-28 requires reliable two-way emergency communication.
Start planning ahead of the 31 January 2027 switch-off. Booking a consultation carries no obligation.
Lift communication since 1995 · Designed to support EN 81-28 requirements · Works alongside a wide range of lift brands · UK-based support
The equipment a trapped passenger depends on should never be the last thing on the list.
SafeLine has developed lift communication products since 1995.
Whatever the brand, there’s a way forward.
The SafeLine SL6 is a modular lift emergency telephone that supports emergency voice calls over 4G VoLTE. When connected to SafeLine Orion, it also gives you a digital, time-stamped record of alarm identification, EN 81-28 test-call results and relevant status information.
Many existing SL6 units can be upgraded through an on-site firmware update. Where that is not possible, we can help you identify a suitable replacement route.
Configuration is completed wirelessly through SafeLine LYNX, with no laptop required.
EN 81-28 in practice
What the rules ask of a lift emergency phone.
A summary from our EN 81-28 guide.
Two-way voice communication
A passenger presses a clearly marked alarm button and can speak to a person.
EN 81-28Rescue service availability
The rescue service must be available whenever the lift is in use. For lifts in use 24 hours a day, that means a 24/7 service.
Lifts Regulations 2016, EN 81-28Lift identification
The rescue centre sees which building and which lift is calling.
EN 81-28Automatic test call
At least every 3 days, to confirm the line to the rescue centre works.
EN 81-28Backup power
At least 1 hour of operation after mains failure, including 15 minutes of voice communication.
EN 81-28Visual and audible signals
A yellow pictogram lights once the alarm is confirmed and stays on until the alarm is closed, and a green pictogram when voice communication is established; an audible signal sounds while the alarm connects.
EN 81-28, EN 81-70Alarm filtering
To avoid false alarms, the system can filter an alarm when the lift is at a floor with the doors open, or while the car is running. If the passenger keeps pressing the alarm button, the filter is bypassed after no more than 30 seconds.
EN 81-28Accessible alarm button
Reachable, clearly marked, usable without prior knowledge.
EN 81-70, Equality Act 2010
Key features of SafeLine SL6
- Emergency voice calls over 4G VoLTE to your chosen Alarm Receiving Centre
- Digital alarm identification and EN 81-28 test-call information logged in SafeLine Orion
- Supports up to six voice stations per system
- Wireless configuration through SafeLine LYNX, with no laptop required
- Compatible with lifts and Alarm Receiving Centres across different brands
- UK-based support throughout the product lifetime
31 January
2027
Changes to older mobile networks are also continuing on separate timelines. Reviewing your lift communication now gives you time to check what is already installed and plan the right route for each site.
The timeline
What needs to happen before the switch-off?
What SL6 + SafeLine Orion means
Three parts, working together.
01 · The phone
SafeLine SL6
The lift emergency telephone. It makes the emergency voice call directly to your chosen Alarm Receiving Centre over 4G VoLTE.
02 · The connection
4G connectivity
SafeLine SIM provides managed, multi-network connectivity and one point of support across your sites. SafeLine SL6 can also operate with other 4G SIMs that support VoLTE.
03 · The digital record
SafeLine Orion
Logs and time-stamps digital alarm identification, EN 81-28 test-call results and relevant status information in one view.
The alarm path
One emergency call. Two separate paths.
The upgrade route
Upgrade where possible. Replace only where needed.
Check
Age and configuration decide the route.
Upgrade or replace
Firmware updated at the lift where possible. New hardware only where needed.
Connected
Alarm identification, test-call information and status logged in SafeLine Orion.
Units manufactured before March 2026 may also need an IF board firmware update at the lift.
What this means for you
Clearer communication. Better visibility.
For lift companies
- A clear upgrade route based on the age and configuration of each SL6
- On-site firmware updates where the existing unit allows
- Emergency-call and EN 81-28 test-call activity logged in one view
- Wireless configuration through SafeLine LYNX, with no laptop required
- Lifetime support from SafeLine on the products you install
For property owners and facilities teams
- Emergency-call events and EN 81-28 test-call activity logged and time-stamped
- A clearer record of test-call and alarm activity across your buildings
- Visibility of relevant status information from connected SafeLine equipment
- One view across mixed-brand lift portfolios
Working together
A practical route forward.
01
Discuss
Tell us what lift communication equipment you currently have and what you need to achieve.
02
Plan
We will help you identify a suitable route, with firmware updates where possible and replacement hardware where needed.
03
Connect
The emergency voice call goes to your Alarm Receiving Centre. Digital alarm identification, EN 81-28 test-call activity and relevant status information are logged and time-stamped in SafeLine Orion.
Watch the film
See how SafeLine SL6 connects.
Next step
Book your 15-minute consultation.
No-obligation first conversation
Prefer to read first? Read the free guide
Questions
Frequently asked questions.
What happens to a lift emergency telephone when the analogue network is switched off?
A lift emergency telephone that depends on an analogue telephone line will lose that connection when the line is switched off. Moving to a suitable 4G VoLTE connection keeps the emergency voice-call route available. SafeLine Orion can separately log digital alarm identification, EN 81-28 test-call information and relevant status information from the connected SafeLine equipment.
Is moving to 4G enough on its own?
Moving to 4G VoLTE keeps the emergency voice call working after the analogue line is switched off, provided there is adequate mobile coverage at the site and the SIM supports VoLTE. Connectivity is only part of the picture: the emergency phone must also be correctly installed, configured and maintained, so that alarm calls, automatic test calls and fault signalling keep working. SafeLine Orion adds a separate digital record of alarm identification and test-call information, which helps you keep track of this. It does not replace the emergency phone or the Alarm Receiving Centre.
Does the emergency call go through SafeLine Orion?
No. The SafeLine SL6 calls your chosen Alarm Receiving Centre directly over 4G VoLTE. SafeLine Orion separately receives and logs digital alarm identification, EN 81-28 test-call information and relevant status information.