What is the primary function of the elevator recall system in a high-rise building during a fire?

The primary function of the elevator recall system in a high-rise building during a fire is to bring elevators to street level when smoke detectors are activated. This action is crucial for the safety and evacuation of occupants. When smoke is detected, the system recalls the elevators to a designated landing—usually the lobby or street level—preventing them from stopping at floors where fire or smoke may be present. This helps to avoid placing passengers in danger by inadvertently allowing them to exit onto a floor where there could be a fire or smoke.

By managing the movement of elevators in this way, the recall system ensures that they remain available for emergency personnel and helps to facilitate the safe evacuation of occupants, rather than allowing the elevators to operate normally. Hence, the system plays a critical role in the overall fire safety strategy in high-rise buildings, aligning with emergency response protocols during such incidents.