What are Two-Way Emergency Communication Systems?

Why Two-Way Emergency Communication Systems Matter

Imagine you are trapped in a stairwell during a fire, or waiting in an area of refuge because you can’t evacuate quickly. In those moments, clear information exchanges with two-way emergency communication systems can make the difference between panic and coordinated response.

That’s exactly why two-way emergency communication systems exist. They provide a lifeline between building occupants and first responders, ensuring people get the help and reassurance they need during critical situations.

More than just good practice, code requires these systems. NFPA 72 Chapter 24 and the International Building Code (IBC) outline when and where you must install communication systems. These codes make them a fundamental part of life safety design.

Where Two-Way Emergency Communication Systems Are Required

Modern codes require these systems in specific building locations, especially where mobility-impaired occupants may wait for assistance:

• Areas of Refuge – Dedicated safe spots where occupants can wait for rescue.
• Stairwells – Essential for multi-story buildings, allowing communication during blocked or impaired evacuation routes.
• Elevator Landings and Occupant Evacuation Elevators – Critical when elevators serve as part of the evacuation strategy.

When building owners and managers place systems in these locations, it ensures everyone has a way to call for help.

For a deeper look at accessibility and egress requirements, see the International Code Council (ICC) accessibility standards.

How These Systems Work

At their core, two-way emergency communication systems like the Shield30 from Space Age Electronics allow building occupants to place a call for help at designated stations. Those calls connect to a central control point—often in a fire command center, security desk, or dispatch office—where trained personnel can respond directly.

But it’s more than just a call box. Reliable systems feature:

• Hands-free operation, so you can make calls under stress or duress.
• Visual and audible feedback, confirming to the caller that help is on the way.
• Direct communication with first responders, ensuring can quickly share accurate information.

This closed-loop communication reduces confusion, speeds response, and provides reassurance to occupants in high-stress situations.

Compliance and Reliability

Code compliance is non-negotiable when it comes to life safety. Two standards are especially important here:

• NFPA 72 Chapter 24 – Details requirements for emergency communications, including intelligibility, coverage, and redundancy.
• UL 2525 – A certification standard ensuring emergency communication systems meet rigorous testing for reliability.

At Space Age Electronics, we emphasize solutions that are UL 2525 certified and designed for integration with broader life safety systems. Space Age purposefully designed Shield30 to meet evolving standards in applications from small single level buildings through mid-rise to high-rise structures. For additional details on certification, visit UL’s official UL 2525 resource.

Designing for Accessibility

Not every occupant can evacuate independently. That’s why area of refuge communication systems and accessible means of egress solutions play such a vital role in building design.

These systems don’t just satisfy compliance—they ensure equal safety for all occupants. By giving everyone a reliable way to call for help, facilities demonstrate commitment to both inclusivity and responsibility.

As codes evolve, accessibility remains a driving force behind communication requirements. Building owners and OEM partners who plan ahead with compliant systems stay ahead of both regulations and liability concerns.

The Value of Two-Way Communication Systems

At the end of the day, two-way emergency communication systems are about confidence—confidence for occupants that they’re not alone, and confidence for responders that they have the information they need to act fast.

When integrated with a building’s life safety infrastructure, these systems provide:

• Faster, more coordinated evacuations
• Reduced risk of liability for owners and managers
• A safer, more reassuring environment for occupants

By treating these systems as more than a checkbox, you create buildings that not only meet code but truly protect the people inside.

Key Takeaway

Two-way emergency communication systems aren’t optional—they’re essential. Whether installed in stairwells, areas of refuge, or elevator lobbies, they provide a direct lifeline during emergencies.

For safety professionals, OEM partners, and project managers, the investment in reliable, compliant communication systems ensures both peace of mind and regulatory compliance.