Intercoms have evolved a lot in recent years with the evolution of technology. Yet, the primary purpose is still the same: to allow access to the visitors you want and make you feel more secure. Keeping that in mind, there are plenty of options available which cater to various needs. The options can be budget friendly as well as expensive. Depending on your budget and requirements, every option can be a good one. But, you may lack the necessary information to decide which intercom system would benefit you. So, with this blog, we will provide you with a complete guide on these system types and installation.
What Is An Intercom System?
An intercom system is simply an electronic device that allows two-way communication. With their help, you can also allow remote access to visitors you want on your property and prevent access to strangers.
The evolution of technology has provided many enhancements to the systems. However, these systems have been available in different forms for many periods. Modern intercoms in their earlier stages made use of audio transmission. But now, clear visuals, as well as audio, have become very common.
While these systems consist of many parts, the major components of these systems include a base station and substation(s).
Base Station: Another name for the base station is “Master station,” and it is the core part of an intercom system. It is installed at the entry point of every property.
Substation: These are the stations that remain connected with the base station. These substations can be installed at different parts of a building. Whereas regular homes usually have a single substation only.
How Does An Intercom System Function?
The functioning of an intercom system relies on the electrical transmission of audio and video signals. The system lets the visitors call the residents to communicate with them.
Base stations are the components that receive the audio and video of the visitor and transmit them to the substations. The substations then receive those signals and complete the communication setup. You can then decide whether you want to allow access to the person. In simple terms, it works like this:
- The visitor first calls the person they want to request access to by using the intercom directory.
- Then the visitor pushes the call button to send a notification.
- The tenant or staff member uses the buzzer on their receiving system to receive the notification. They can either ignore the call or talk to the visitor.
- After deciding to open the door, an electronic signal is sent to the entry point. This signal initiates the door-releasing mechanism and opens the door for the visitor’s entry.
Why Should You Get Intercom Systems Installed?
These systems have become a basic requirement nowadays. These systems are a great option for those looking for easier access management.
Here are some reasons why they are important:
- They provide you with more sense of security with better control over who can enter the property and who can not.
- Provide a helping hand in package management which can become an annoying thing for the property staff.
- With seamless communication between the visitor and the tenant, visitor management also becomes much better.
- Convenience is also another perk of an intercom system which has become a modern requirement in many living spaces.
10 Different Types Of Intercom Systems
There are many varieties of intercom systems that are available for installation. While they all serve the same basic purpose, there are differences in their functioning and their features as well. These intercom systems are as follows:
- Wired
- Wireless
- Audio
- Telephone Entry System
- Video System
- Gate Systems
- Office Systems
- Apartment Systems
- Outdoor Systems
- Commercial Systems
Wired Intercom System
Almost every system involves some level of wiring. However, wired systems have a lot more wiring than all other systems. This is why they are one of the cost-effective options as well when it comes to intercom installation.
Wireless Intercom System
Wireless intercoms may be more expensive. However, the convenience they offer in return is worth it. These systems rely on radio waves for the transmission of signals for their operation. Many systems now also come with WiFi connectivity. It allows a better quality of signal. However, many services advise the use of ethernet cable as WiFi signals can have interference due to electricity.
Various other types stem from the wired and wireless systems as well. We’ll discuss a lot of those as well.
Audio Intercom System
People use the term apartment buzzer as well when referring to an audio intercom system. In these systems, there is only transmission of audio signals which may not be what most people would prefer. However, it would certainly be cost-effective if you are looking for cheaper options.
Some also come equipped with a door release device which allows the tenant to provide access to a visitor. You can find these systems commonly in old-style buildings due to video systems being easily accessible and viable.
Video Intercom System
The popularity of video intercom systems comes from their ability to transmit audio as well as video signals. The requirements of these systems include a camera (for video capture) and a screen to display that video.
Many of these systems come pre-equipped with a video camera. However, you can avoid those and use external cameras as well. To display the video footage captured, you would also need to install separate hardware. For better bandwidth, connecting this system to the internet would be a good idea.
Outdoor Intercom System
Outdoor Intercom Systems are suitable for gated properties but are not just limited to those. That is because they are designed to withstand even harsh weather conditions. These are equipped with hardware that offers these systems weather protection. Since they are used outside of the properties, the weather protection feature turns out to be an essential asset.
However, note that not all outdoor systems have the same level of weather protection. The level of weatherproofing depends on the IP (ingress protection) rating. The desired level of rating should be IP65. Having an IP65 rating simply means that the system provides a high level of protection from water as well as dust. Going for lower rating systems is also a feasible option; however, you will have to make compromises on the quality of weather protection.
Apartment Intercom System
Apartment intercom systems are made specifically for bigger buildings which we also know as apartments. These systems allow the residents of the property to grant access to their property with the help of a door release mechanism.
The hardware requirement for apartment systems includes the use of master stations and substations which we already talked about in the previous section. Nowadays, many systems also facilitate the use of mobile apps as well for higher convenience.
Commercial Intercom System
As the name implies, commercial intercoms are great for the use of businesses. Thus, they can be more complex in their functioning as well, or rather, they have to be. That is because offices are busier than residential spaces; thus, the systems would also require more efficiency and durability.
Office Intercom System
Intercom systems for offices are major of two types which are internal and external. Internal systems are the type that is used for communication inside the office premises between employees and coworkers. On the other hand, external systems are the type that allows communication between the inside and outside of the office building. They also come with a door-release device.
Gate Intercom System
The gate intercoms are great for bigger properties that have gates in their front entrance instead of doors. These systems allow access to vehicles as well.
The locations where the installation of these systems is common is at:
- Industrial properties
- Gated communities
- Parking garage entrances
- Campgrounds
They also require a master station and substations to allow communication between the visitor and the tenant.
Telephone Entry System
Telephone entry systems are also a popular option for intercom systems. However, they lack video coverage as well. These were pretty popular in the last 2 decades and are still viable in the category of budget-friendly intercoms.
Although, nowadays, people do not prefer using these systems due to the systems being outdated. You can get many better options as well in a similar price range.
How To Install An Intercom System In Your Home?
In this section, we will be covering how you can install an intercom system in your home. This option is great for those who are on a tight budget. However, we would advise you to go for a professional installation service since the process can be a bit tedious.
Now, keeping everything aside, let’s start the steps to install an intercom system using your phone.
- Start by plugging the home phone into a power source and then turn it on.
- Then place the phone in the rooms you want to install the system in and connect the base station phones as well to the power source. However, the process of charging the phone for the first time may take about a full day.
- Next, you need to register the phone with the main phone, which will initiate from the base station.
- Now set up the home phone to complete the connection, for which you can also refer to the installation manual. After the connection is complete, a number will be assigned by the home phone to the phone which is connected to the phone.
- The final steps involve testing the connection of the system. To do that, pick up the home phone and put it in intercom mode by pressing the relevant button. Now, dial the phone number which you want to connect to. You can also check the connection with the home phone by dialing “0”.
After confirming the connections, the setup for the installation of the intercom system is now complete. For a more complex system, however, it would be better if you call a professional for installation. That is because even a simple mess-up can cost you more than the cost of hiring an expert.
Cost Of Intercom System Installation In NYC
The average cost of intercom installation is around $2,500, which includes the cost of labor and materials as well. The cost can also go lower up to $1,000 as there are plenty of cost-effective options available. Similarly, it can go as high as $12,000, especially when there is a need for multiple substations.
Some major factors that determine the overall installation cost include:
- Labor
- Type of system
- Number of substations
How To Choose The Right Intercom System Installation Service In NYC?
With so many intercom providers available, it can be hard to decide the right one for you. Make sure that your installer provides you with a system from a trusted brand and offers quality assurance as well. It is the bare minimum from an installation service. Another thing you should do is the comparison of installation costs. Since budget can be a restriction for many, comparing the cost and quality of service can be a big help.
Safety Hardware Store can also provide a quality intercom installation service at budget-friendly prices.
