Fire Alarm Elevator Recall Programming

Now that we know what elevator recall is all about, let's move on to programming the fire alarm system. The best way to start this process is to write down all of your fire alarm devices associated with the elevator recall functions. Make a list running vertical (top to bottom) of all the smoke detectors and heat detectors used for these functions. For example:

1 - 1st floor elevator lobby smoke detector
2 - 1st floor elevator equipment room smoke detector
3 - 1st floor elevator equipment room heat detector
4 - 2nd floor elevator lobby smoke detector
5 - 3rd floor elevator lobby smoke detector
6 - 4th floor elevator lobby smoke detector
7 - Elevator shaft smoke detector
8 - Elevator shaft heat detector
9 - Primary elevator recall relay
10 - Secondary elevator recall relay
11 - Shunt trip relay
12 - Elevator battery back-up relay
13 - Elevator fireman's hat relay

Now that we have all of our fire alarm devices associated with the elevator recall functions written down, it's time to place them in groups or zones. This is the process that tells the fire alarm control panel what to do in the event one of these devices is activated.

We know that the smoke detectors on all floors other than the first floor will send the elevator to the 1st floor. We also know that the smoke detectors on the first floor will send the elevator to the second floor. And last, the heat detectors will activate the shunt trip and battery back-up, and the elevator hoistway and equipment room smoke detectors will activate the firefighter's hat.

To make this simple we are going to use 5 different zones: 1 = general alarm, 2 = primary elevator recall, 3 = secondary elevator recall, 4 = shunt trip/battery back-up, and 5 = firefighter's hat light.

With that said, take your list above and write down the zones or groups for each point next to the device description. Also make note of which devices are inputs and outputs.

1 - 1st floor elevator lobby smoke detector (input) -------- 1,3
2 - 1st floor elevator equipment room smoke detector (input) -------- 1,3,5
3 - 1st floor elevator equipment room heat detector (input) -------- 1,4,5
4 - 2nd floor elevator lobby smoke detector (input) -------- 1,2
5 - 3rd floor elevator lobby smoke detector (input) -------- 1,2
6 - 4th floor elevator lobby smoke detector (input) -------- 1,2
7 - Elevator shaft smoke detector (input) -------- 1,2,5
8 - Elevator shaft heat detector (input) -------- 1,4,5
9 - Primary elevator recall relay (output) -------- 2
10 - Secondary elevator recall relay (output) -------- 3
11 - Shunt trip relay (output) -------- 4
12 - Elevator battery back-up relay (output) -------- 4
13 - Elevator fireman's hat relay (output) -------- 5

And that's it. Once you have your device list with the zones written out next to each one, you enter these exact assignments into the fire alarm control panel. Each input device gets mapped to the zones listed next to it. Each output relay fires when its zone activates. Whether you're working with an addressable panel or a conventional system, the logic is the same — this list is the programming.

Testing and Documentation

Once the panel is programmed, every scenario needs to be tested physically. Activate a smoke detector on an upper floor and verify the elevator returns to floor 1. Activate a smoke detector on the 1st floor and verify it goes to floor 2 instead. Activate a heat detector and verify shunt trip and battery back-up. Activate the shaft smoke detector and verify the firefighter's hat light. If any test fails, go back to your zone list — it's almost always a device in the wrong zone.

Your local fire marshal's office will ask for the device list, the zone assignments, the panel programming printout, and signed test results from both the fire alarm technician and the elevator technician. If you can't produce the documentation, you fail inspection even if the system works perfectly.

Connecticut Compliance

Every multi-story building in Connecticut with an elevator needs working recall per NFPA 72 and ASME A17.1. Inspectors enforce it, insurance carriers verify it, and new construction won't pass final without it. AAA Electrical (CT License #E1-0191759) handles fire alarm elevator recall programming across Southern Connecticut — New Haven, Milford, Fairfield, and surrounding towns. We work directly with elevator contractors, building owners, and local authorities to get it done right the first time.

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