Documentation

The entire pascom world explained in our product documentation

Set up Extension Switches

How to set up function-based extension switches with time-controlled automation to manage your availability.

24. Mar. 2026

An extension switch is a flexible control element within the pascom Cloud PBX that functions like a virtual on and off switch. Use it to manually or automatically (via time control) enable and disable specific call flows, such as routing decisions, announcements, or alternative call forwarding. Unlike rigidly defined business hours, an extension switch lets you react quickly to unforeseen situations, intelligently route calls, and automate complex telephony processes.

Use Extension Switches

Extension switches are a practical tool when you cannot define a fixed day or time period, or when you need to make short-term changes to the call flow.

They are useful, for example, if you want to spontaneously switch the switchboard to the announcement “All employees are currently in a meeting”, or if there are no fixed business hours and the last person to leave the company switches the switchboard to “outside business hours”.

Create an Extension Switch

In the pascom web UI, select > and click to create a new condition. Alternatively, select an existing condition and click .

When adding, select the Extension switch type.

Enter a Name (e.g. “Meeting Announcement” or “AI Agent”).
Enter the Extension (e.g. “502”) under which this switch is reachable.
Use Switch state to determine whether the extension switch is on or off after creation.
Save the configuration by clicking or .

Create extension switch

When a user calls this extension, the switch is active. Calling it again deactivates the switch. When you call the extension switch, you hear an announcement about the current status.

You can then use the extension switch as a condition in the call distribution actions to control your call flows.

Configure a Time-Controlled Extension Switch

You can combine extension switches with intelligent time controls to manage your call forwarding precisely and automatically. Individual time schemes act as fixed rules for your extension switch, and the system handles the automatic switching for you.

For an existing extension switch, click the tab and select . For example, you can set the extension switch to activate automatically in the morning and deactivate at the end of the working day.

Add time rule

Enable the rule by sliding the Rule active switch.
Select the desired Weekdays for your rule from the drop-down menu (e.g. “Monday”).
Enter the exact Time (e.g. “12:00”).
Use the Switch state toggle to determine whether the extension switch turns on (red background) or off (gray background) at this time.
Add multiple rules that build on one another if necessary.
Click .

Create time-controlled extension switch rules

Make Extension Switches Available to pascom App Users

If you want to provide your team with the extension switch as an interactive element directly in their contact list, you must assign the appropriate permissions via roles. Decide which users with the xmpp.group role may interact with the extension switch.

  1. Find more information about Roles.
  2. Learn how to use extension switches in the pascom App.

Set Up Extension Switches on Line Keys (BLF)

LED Status Indicator: You can assign the extension of an extension switch to a line key on your IP phone. The LED lights up as long as the switch is active and turns off when the switch is inactive.

To use an extension switch on a phone’s line key, you must assign it to a user within a User role. The role does not require any specific permissions.

  1. Find more information about Roles.