What Is the Difference Between a Three-Way Intercom System and a Five-Way Intercom System?
In elevator safety configurations, the emergency intercom system is a crucial element to ensure passenger safety. The most common types are the three-way and five-way intercom systems. Many customers often wonder about their differences when making a selection. In fact, their core goal is the same—to ensure smooth communication when an elevator malfunctions or passengers are trapped—but they differ significantly in communication scope, application scenarios, and safety levels.
1. Three-Way Intercom System
A three-way intercom system typically connects the following parties:
Trapped passengers (installed inside the elevator car)
Property management center / monitoring room / duty room
Elevator maintenance personnel (installed in the machine room)
Features and Advantages:
Simple communication chain, enabling a quick rescue channel
Lower cost, suitable for residential buildings, simple office buildings, or standalone low-rise offices
Meets the basic requirements for elevator emergency rescue
2. Five-Way Intercom System
The five-way intercom system expands upon the three-way system, usually including:
Trapped passengers (installed inside the elevator car)
Elevator car top
Property management center / monitoring room / duty room
Elevator maintenance personnel (installed in the machine room)
Elevator pit
Features and Advantages:
Wider coverage, enabling multiple rescue parties to be notified immediately
Better suited for large public buildings, subway stations, hospitals, airports, and high-rise office towers
Complies with mandatory safety standards in certain countries and regions
Ensures both passenger safety and maintenance personnel safety
3. Key Differences
| Comparison Item | Three-Way Intercom | Five-Way Intercom |
| Communication Parties | Passengers,property management,maintenance staff | Passengers, machine room, property management, maintenance staff,pit / external rescue |
| Safety Level | Basic safety assurance | Higher-level safety assurance with more comprehensive response |
| Application Scenarios | Residential buildings, small-medium offices, commercial premises | High-rise buildings, large complexes, public transport hubs |
| Regulatory Requirements | Meets basic regulatory standards | Complies with stricter safety regulations and industry standards |
4. How to Choose?
For residential buildings, small office buildings, or private residences, a three-way intercom system is sufficient to meet daily safety needs.
For subways, hospitals, airports, or super high-rise buildings, a five-way intercom system is strongly recommended to ensure a higher level of safety and compliance.
A-FLY provides a variety of elevator intercom solutions. Whether you need a three-way or five-way system, we ensure stable communication, clear audio, and strong compatibility with multiple elevator brands to meet the needs of different projects.
