Routine testing of your property’s emergency phones is one of the simplest ways to ensure they will perform properly when needed. Whether the device is in an elevator, at the pool, in a parking garage, or along a walking path, consistent checks help identify issues before they become safety or compliance problems. Below are five key areas to pay attention to during your next test.

1. Inspect the physical condition of the phone before testing

Before pressing the button, evaluate the phone’s overall condition. Outdoor units, especially pool phones, are exposed to sun, rain, humidity, and day-to-day wear. Look for rust, corrosion, cracked housings, damaged or faded signage, and any loose or missing components. While rust may seem like a cosmetic issue, it can obscure signage and weaken the enclosure, which can expose internal wiring and equipment to the elements. Over time, this may affect call quality or the functionality of the device altogether.

2. Assess the time it takes to reach a live operator

Emergency phone codes often specify a maximum amount of time the call can ring before it must be answered, with many jurisdictions using a benchmark of around 40 seconds. When you press the call button, time how long it takes to reach a live operator. Kings III’s Emergency Dispatch Center answers calls in an average of 7 seconds or less , which supports faster response and peace of mind for both property teams and building occupants.

3. Evaluate call quality

Clear communication is crucial during any emergency. Listen for static, background noise, or audio cutting in and out. If the connection breaks down during a routine test, it may fail when it matters most. This makes call quality just as important as operator training, because even the most highly trained Emergency Dispatch Center operators, including Kings III’s AEMD‑certified team, can only provide effective guidance if the caller can hear and be heard clearly.

If your elevator phone is equipped with video and two‑way messaging features required under ASME/IBC code updates, confirm that these components function properly as well. Verify that on‑screen instructions and questions display clearly to passengers, that messages transmit without delay, and that any camera feed or text‑based communication is visible to operators as intended. These tools are essential for supporting passengers with hearing or speech impairments and ensuring full compliance with modern emergency communication standards.

4. Confirm accurate location identification

After confirming that callers can communicate clearly, the next priority is ensuring the operator can identify the phone’s location instantly. The operator should be able to immediately confirm the phone’s location without relying on information from the caller. This includes the property address and a specific description of the device, such as “Elevator 1,” “North Pool,” or “Parking Garage 1st Floor Help Phone.” Accurate location details help ensure help is sent to the correct place quickly and without confusion during an emergency.

5. Check for call back ability when applicable

In some jurisdictions, code requirements dictate that emergency phones must allow the operator to call back if the line becomes disconnected. Be aware of your local requirements and, if this feature is mandated, test it during your routine check.

Even when call back is not required, having this capability adds an extra layer of reliability during an emergency. Certain technologies, including some VoIP-based setups, can make it harder for operators to reconnect to the correct device, which is why many properties choose more dependable cellular solutions. When testing your phones, hang up and confirm that the operator can reach you again when call back is required or expected.

Bonus Tip: Test Monthly to Maintain Compliance and Reliability

Regular testing keeps your emergency phones reliable and helps ensure compliance across pool, elevator, and outdoor help point locations. At minimum, test each emergency phone every 30 days. By monitoring both the physical condition of the device and the quality of the connection, property teams can catch issues early and maintain a safer environment for residents, guests, and employees. For properties looking to streamline this process, Kings III provides ongoing monitoring, testing support, and 24/7 emergency response handled by AEMD-certified professionals.

Ready to Strengthen Your Emergency Communication Strategy?

Contact Kings III to learn more about how our all-inclusive solution, including equipment, installation, maintenance, and 24/7 AEMD‑certified monitoring, can help keep your property compliant, reliable, and safe.