Short Answer: An electronic hook switch (EHS) is a device that uses a cable to connect a wireless headset base to a desk phone so that the user can answer, end, and control a call directly from his/her headset without touching the telephone. An EHS operates without mechanical parts, sending electronic signals directly to the phone’s circuit board; a mechanical handset lifter, on the other hand, requires a mechanical link to the machine. This allows the users to have the remote call control up to 350 ft away, ringtone warnings, volume control and mute — without ever lifting the handset.
What is an Electronic Hook Switch?
Also known as EHS, an electronic hook switch is a miniature cable or adapter that establishes an electronic connection between a wireless headset and a desk phone. Instead of the old “hook switch” (the button on the phone handset that is pressed when the handset is inserted into its cradle), it uses a digital signal chain.
The person calling triggers the EHS from the phone directly to the headset base. The user then presses the button on their headset to answer or end the call or control the call while walking around the office. The setup will be quieter, faster and more reliable than more dated setups, as there’s no physical lifting involved.
How Does an Electronic Hook Switch Work?
The EHS cable is connected to a special port on a compatible desk phone (this is often marked as an EHS port, Aux port, or headset port), and on the other end to the charging base or dongle for the headset. Connects to the other device and transmits a series of electronic signals between them that have been predetermined.
Signal Transmission Process
The EHS detects the incoming call signal every time the phone rings, and transmits it immediately to the headset. The headset then beep or tone the person to alert them. When the call-control button on the headset is pressed, the signal is returned via the EHS cable to the phone’s circuit board, which will then cause the phone to lift the handset — thereby initiating a call.
Bluetooth vs DECT Headset Compatibility
The majority of electronic hook switches are compatible with either DECT wireless headsets or Bluetooth headsets. Bluetoothed headsets are usually the ones that are used more for everyday use and lighter settings, whereas DECT headsets are generally used for larger offices with good interference resistance and longer range. Prior to purchasing an EHS cable, it’s worth checking what wireless protocol your headset employs, as different brands employ different wireless protocols.
Key Features of an Electronic Hook Switch
An EHS is more than a remote answering service. It usually contains multiple call-management capabilities in a single add-on:
Answer and End Calls Remotely
Users can either join or drop a call from anywhere in the headset’s range without having to walk back to their desk.
Ringtone Alerts in the Headset
The headset generates a tone for the user when it rings rather than the desk phone, meaning he or she never misses a call in the noisy office environment.
Volume and Mute Control
Time can be saved during meetings or busy calls with the call volume and mute toggling from the headset.
Electronic Hook Switch vs Handset Lifter: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most frequent questions people ask, as both accessories address the same issue in a totally different manner.
How a Handset Lifter Works
Handset lifters are small mechanical arms with adhesive mounting that are used to physically attach to the handset. It actuates when called to lift the handset out of the cradle to answer a call and lower the handset to hang up. It is not dependent on the internal circuits of the phone and, therefore, will operate on almost any phone.
Advantages of EHS Over a Handset Lifter
An electronic hook switch has no moving parts and thus is not going to wear out over time like a mechanical lifter. It also reacts quicker because there’s no lag time associated with an arm lifting a handset. Plus, it leaves the desk looking more tidy and doesn’t have a hunk of attachment hanging about the phone.
Which One Should You Choose?
When choosing desks phones, they tend to be a more cost-effective option in the long run if they have EHS. If your phone isn’t EHS compatible, though, a handset lifter will continue to be a good universal backup, as it is compatible with almost every phone.
Why Do You Need an Electronic Hook Switch?
Some jobs may not require it, but for specific functions, it can have a significant impact on regular productivity.
Remote Call Answering Up to 350 Feet
Staff that move from one location to another (such as taking coffee, going to a meeting room or supporting a staff member) can receive incoming calls without running back to their desk.
Best Suited For These Roles
Receptionists, nurses, paralegals, call center agents, and remote or hybrid employees are among the employees who can benefit most from EHS technology, as they work and must be accessible from their locations.
Which Phones and Headsets Support Electronic Hook Switch?
Some desks phones and headsets are not compatible with EHS out of the box and each phone and headset’s compatibility relies heavily on the manufacturer.
Popular Supported Brands
Brands in the market that provide EHS compatible cables include Cisco, Poly (Plantronics), Jabra, Yealink and Fanvil. There is no one universal EHS cable model from the various manufacturers; each one will have its own.
How to Check Compatibility
Before buying, please look at the model number of your desk phone on the product’s compatibility list or product configurator provided by the headset manufacturer. One of the most common errors people make is purchasing the wrong cable so this saves time and money.
How to Set Up an Electronic Hook Switch
The process of setting up an EHS is typically simple:
- Check the compatibility of your phone and headset.
- Connect the EHS cable to the EHS port of your desk phone.
- Connect the other end to your headset base or dongle.
- Go to the Settings menu in your phone and enable EHS mode (usually under Headset or Preferences).
- If necessary, reboot the phone for the setting to take effect.
- Make a test call with the headset button to check the connection.
Pros and Cons of Electronic Hook Switch
Pros:
- Fast, reliable and electronically activated
- No wear and tear over time.
- Cleaner desk setup
- Up to 350-ft. remote call control.
Cons:
- Needs a dedicated cable for each telephone type
- Not all phones are compatible with EHS
- A little bit more expensive than the basic handset lifter
Conclusion
An electronic hook switch allows hands-free calling, making it much more convenient to answer, hang up to and control calls from a headset. It is faster and more reliable than using a mechanical handset lifter, but it does need to be compatible with the right cable, model, and brand of phone and headset. Whether you spend a lot of your day away from your desk or not, an EHS makes a big difference in daily workflow and is a small investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. If you are not using an EHS, then a wireless headset is fine, but be aware that you will have to answer and end calls from your phone, rather than using the headset.
Not always. EHS cables are typically designed to work with a particular phone brand and model, so you’ll have to ensure that a specific cable is compatible with your phone before making a purchase.
If your phone can accept it, then an EHS is the more likely option to have a quicker response time without any moving parts that tend to wear out over time. Handset lifters are effective as backup for phones that do not have EHS support.
Yes, in most cases. The cable must be compatible with your phone and headset manufacturer and each of these manufacturers has their own EHS protocol.
Remote call answering is possible with most electronic hook switch configurations, and can be up to 350 feet away in the office, depending on the model of the headset and any office obstructions.