13.1 - What Is A Third Party Device

A third party device is a piece of equipment to be used with a telephone system to perform a specific task, but is not produced by the manufacturer themselves. This means that SLT extensions from other manufacturers are, strictly speaking, third party devices. However the term is usually applied to non-extension devices attached to the system to provide a special facility unavailable using only the manufacturers equipment.

13.2 - Why Fit Third Party Devices

There are two reasons to use third party equipment with a telephone system. The first is to provide a facility which is not inherent within the system itself. Secondly, the third party device may do a simialr job as a manufacturer’s unit, but augment the features of the system further.

Examples of these types of equipment are, Music On Hold units, Voicemail, External Paging systems, Radio Paging systems and Call Logging systems.

13.3 - Connection Of Third Party Devices

Third party devices attach to the system via extension, line ports or private networking connections. It is important that the correct type of connection is made to ensure that the isolation requirement and functionality remain unimpaired.