From a bell on a rope to VoIP: the evolution of the lift alarm in the UK

This paper will give the reader the opportunity to learn about the evolution of the design and provisioning of devices used by lift passengers to signal for help, ‘alarm systems’, in the UK from four perspectives: 1. Requirements in British Standards 2. Design approaches from both lift and component manufacturers 3. Experiences of industry personnel installing and maintaining alarm systems 4. Impact of the development of telecommunications systems in the UK Research will be conducted by reviewing British Standards requirements back to at least 1935, online research into examples of early ad-hoc designs of lift alarm devices, interviews with experienced industry personnel to gain a first-hand perspective of how the installation & maintenance of alarm systems has changed, and a review of information available on the various designs of alarm systems introduced over the years. In additional to this research within the lift industry, the inclusion of interviews and further research into available sources within the UK telecommunications industry will show the impact that changes in telecommunications technology have made both on the design and operation of lift alarm systems. The result will not only be a summary of the development of requirements in British Standards and the design of alarm systems but will also demonstrate how the various changes over the years continue to inform certain industry behaviours and approaches today. The inclusion of research into the telecommunications industry will show that whilst many may, at times, see the UK lift industry as “an island”, decisions made in other adjacent industries have impacted and will continue to impact the UK lift industry.