Robert - I think Doug's right here, regarding legislation.
I'll add that a POTS line would likely continue working, unless the same incident that knocked out power also severed or damaged, etc., the phone line. Many digital and analog key systems and PBXs have an option to allow dedicated connection of a separate POTS line for power outages and emergency use. >From the scenario you painted, it's likely a key system or PBX was involved, a UPS can help keep things alive and/or a standby battery system. Regards, Peter L. Tarver, PE Product Safety Manager Homologation Services Sanmina-SCI Corp. 2000 Ringwood Ave. San Jose, CA 95131-1749 V: 408-904-2081 F: 408-904-2095 M: 408-234-3529 [email protected] > -----Original Message----- > From: Doug Beckwith > Sent: Monday, November 22, 2004 6:22 AM > > > Robert, > AFIK, there is no safety or legal requirement for > this in the > USA.Maybe someone on the list knows if it is in the E911 > legislation. I understand that there is a legal > requirement in > the UK. > That being said, most of the "reputable" > (depending on your > viewpoint of course) PBX and key system > manufacturer's have a > power fail transfer feature, where a CO line is > transferred to a > designated extension on power fail for emergency purposes. > > Regards > > Doug > --- "Robert A. Macy" <[email protected]> wrote: > > Group, > > > > Is there any "safety" requirement for a > telephone to work > > during a power failure? Aside from the common sense > > requirement? > > > > Scenario: Business office located in California, USA. > > Power failure occurs. All telephones stop functioning > > entirely. It is not possible to answer incoming calls, > > since the phones don't ring. Worse, no > outgoing calls can > > be made using the system. > > > > I thought there was some OSHA, or such, > requirement that a > > phone handset must work under power fail conditions for > > outgoing calls [as long as the telco lines are working]. > > Just in case there is a life threatening emergency. > > > > Can anyone site the reference, or law? > > This message is from the IEEE Product Safety Engineering Society emc-pstc discussion list. Website: http://www.ieee-pses.org/ To post a message to the list, send your e-mail to [email protected] Instructions: http://listserv.ieee.org/listserv/request/user-guide.html List rules: http://www.ieee-pses.org/listrules.html For help, send mail to the list administrators: Ron Pickard: [email protected] Scott Douglas [email protected] For policy questions, send mail to: Richard Nute: [email protected] Jim Bacher: [email protected] All emc-pstc postings are archived and searchable on the web at: http://www.ieeecommunities.org/emc-pstc
