By Fire Alarm BT, Founder, Fire Alarm Blueprint Trainer · Creator of the FireAlarmBT YouTube channel · reviewed against NFPA 72 & NFPA 70 principles
Elevator Recall Phase I Troubleshooting: Cars Don't Recall During the Fire Alarm Test
Elevator recall is where the fire alarm system, the elevator controller and the building's life-safety plan all meet. This case study follows a Phase I recall that fails during the annual test and shows how the detector, relay and controller interface are checked in order.
The setting
Six-story office tower, two traction elevators, addressable FACP with a dedicated elevator recall relay module in the machine room. Annual test with the elevator contractor on site.
ALARM: SMOKE DETECTOR
ELEV LOBBY L3 · ADDR 118 · RECALL: NO RESPONSE
What the technician found on arrival
You activate the 3rd-floor elevator lobby smoke detector. The panel alarms and NACs operate, but the cars do not recall to the designated level. The elevator technician says his controller 'never saw the recall input.'
The question
Life-safety function failed with the elevator contractor waiting. How do you find out where the recall command was lost?
Step-by-step: what the technician did and why
- 1
Check the program: is ADDR 118 mapped to the recall output?
Phase I recall is triggered by lobby, machine room, and hoistway detectors. Each must be mapped to the recall relay — a new or replaced detector may have been left unmapped.
FindingADDR 118 was replaced last month and is mapped to general alarm only — the recall output mapping was not copied over.
- 2
Verify the other recall initiators are mapped correctly
If one was missed, others may be too. Check every elevator lobby, machine room, and hoistway detector against the recall matrix.
FindingAll other lobby detectors and the machine-room detectors are mapped to recall relays R-20 (designated) / R-21 (alternate).
- 3
Fix the mapping and confirm the relay operates
Add ADDR 118 to the recall output group, then re-activate and confirm the relay LED and contact change state.
FindingMapping corrected; R-20 operates on ADDR 118 alarm.
- 4
Retest recall with the elevator technician at the controller
The relay contact must reach the elevator controller's recall input. Have the elevator tech confirm the input state changes and the cars respond.
FindingElevator controller sees the input; both cars recall to Level 1, doors open, and Phase I indicator lights.
- 5
Test the alternate-level recall and the machine-room heat detector
The designated-level lobby detector must recall cars to the alternate level; the machine-room heat detector activates shunt trip (where provided) — both are part of the annual recall test.
FindingLevel 1 lobby detector recalls to Level 2 (alternate) correctly. Machine-room heat detector operates the shunt-trip relay; Fire Hat flashes.
- 6
Restore, document, and update the recall matrix
Reset both systems, record each initiator tested with its result, and leave an updated input/output matrix at the panel so the next replacement doesn't repeat this.
FindingSystems reset and normal. Matrix updated and posted; elevator contractor countersigns the recall test.
Key takeaways
- •A replaced detector must inherit every output mapping — recall included.
- •Recall testing needs the elevator contractor: test to the controller, not just the relay.
- •Test designated AND alternate recall, plus machine-room/hoistway functions.
- •Keep an input/output matrix at the panel and update it after changes.
Code references
NFPA 72 · 21.3 — Elevator Recall for Fire Fighters' Service
Lobby, machine room, and hoistway detectors initiate Phase I recall; designated-level detectors recall to the alternate level.
NFPA 72 · 21.4 — Elevator Shutdown
Where required, detectors in the machine room/hoistway initiate power shutdown (shunt trip) before sprinkler operation.
ASME A17.1 / NFPA 72 14.4 · Fire Fighters' Emergency Operation & annual testing
Recall functions are tested annually with the elevator contractor; results are recorded.
Section numbers vary between editions. Always verify against the edition adopted by your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Sample service report
Found
Annual test 13:15. Level 3 elevator lobby smoke (ADDR 118) produced ALARM at FACP; Phase I recall did not occur. Elevator controller recall input did not change state.
Cause
ADDR 118 replaced (prior service) and mapped to general alarm only — recall output group R-20 mapping omitted.
Action taken
Added ADDR 118 to recall output group; verified all other recall initiators mapped. Retested with elevator contractor present.
Verification
ADDR 118 → R-20 → both cars recalled to Level 1. Level 1 lobby → alternate Level 2 recall OK. Machine-room heat → shunt-trip relay OK. Matrix updated and posted. Elevator contractor countersigned.
Practice this call in the Troubleshooting Lab
Work through the same scenario step by step, with wrong-move feedback and a downloadable completion certificate. Free, no account required.
Frequently asked questions
Which detectors initiate Phase I elevator recall?
Smoke detectors in each elevator lobby, the elevator machine room, and the hoistway where sprinklered, as described in NFPA 72 Chapter 21. Activation of the designated-level lobby detector recalls cars to the alternate level.
Who tests the elevator recall — the fire alarm tech or the elevator mechanic?
Both. The fire alarm technician proves the detectors and output relays operate; the elevator contractor confirms the controller responds. Many AHJs require a coordinated test with both trades present.
Related guide: Fire Alarm System Design Basics
This case study is educational. It does not replace the manufacturer's instructions, the currently adopted codes and standards, a licensed designer or engineer, or review by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.