Intercoms

Intercoms are technical devices that transmit voice using electronic signals similar to telephones . This is done either via radio technology, WLAN connection or cable . Intercoms are used, for example, in industrial and emergency call stations, but are mainly used as door and intercom systems and are installed in entrance areas for access control purposes. They allow people to communicate from the home with people standing at the front door, asking them to identify themselves before they are allowed in. Video intercommunication systems, which are additionally equipped with camera and monitor, also offer the option of visually checking who is in front of the door.

Door intercom systems are specially designed for installation at entrance areas. They usually consist of a hands-free system with bell switch(s) and microphone, which is intended for installation at the front door, as well as a central unit with door opener (buzzer), which is installed inside the house. Depending on the type of electronic data transmission, both units are connected or disconnected. In order to supply door intercommunication systems with the necessary operating voltage, they are usually connected to a power supply. Battery-operated or battery-operated versions are also available.

Intercoms must be distinguished in intercoms and intercoms. In the case of intercom systems, the participants can speak and listen to each other simultaneously. This is not the case with intercom systems. Here, a voice connection is established by pressing a button, i.e. subscriber A is only heard if he keeps the talk button pressed while speaking. If he releases it, participant B can speak. Two-way intercom systems and two-way intercom systems usually function as door intercom systems, whereby intercom systems can also be used in other ways. For example, they can be used as in-house telephones to communicate over different floors within the house without having to use the telephone network.

In addition, intercoms can be distinguished in terms of their equipment. Simple audio intercoms only work with acoustic signals, that is, the communication takes place solely via talking and listening. Video intercoms add a visual moment. At the outdoor unit of such designs there is a camera, which records the events on the front door. The captured image is transferred to a screen mounted inside the home. In this way it is possible to visually identify the person asking for admission.

IP intercoms offer a high level of user-friendliness. They have the advantage of being integrated into the home network or smart home. IP door entry systems are connected to the Internet via WLAN or LAN and can in most cases be controlled via an app. A permanently installed indoor unit is not absolutely necessary, because the door entry system communicates directly with the tablet or smartphone – even when you are not at home. For example, some IP video intercoms send a signal to the mobile phone as soon as someone rings at the front door. It is even possible to contact the person via smartphone. Wireless door intercommunication systems can be distinguished from IP door intercommunication systems by the way. They transmit the voice signals not via WLAN, but classically via radio technology.

It is also important to consider whether the intercom should be wired or wireless. One advantage of wired designs compared to wireless intercoms is that radio interference does not affect data transmission. In addition, in many cases, they also supply power to the plant, depending on how many wires are available. 2-wire intercoms are the simplest versions and usually supply power only to the outdoor unit. 3- and 4-wire systems are more powerful and also provide better video quality. Whether or not an intercom should be wireless is not only a matter of personal preferences, but also depends on the installation environment. If, for example, an intercom system is already installed in the house, you can use the existing cables and save the effort of a new cabling. If no suitable cables are laid, wireless door entry systems prove to be a more practical option. The reason for this is that the installation of new electrical installations in existing buildings always involves expenditure, time and costs and requires authorization if this is a rental property.

Delay-free voice transmission and good voice quality are also criteria to be considered when selecting an intercom system. Finally, communication becomes very difficult if the voices are distorted or the voice signals are transmitted slowly. Additional features such as an LED illumination of the buttons and bell buttons at the outdoor unit or a camera with night vision mode are also practical.

In our online shop you will find intercoms from different manufacturers, which are suitable for domestic telephony and access control, as well as practical accessories for door entry systems, such as buttons, festoon lamps, housings, relays and much more.

Our practical tip: Observe the range of wireless intercom systems 

If you want to install a wireless intercom in a multi-story house, make sure you have a sufficient range. Manufacturer's specifications usually refer to ranges in open environments without obstacles. The problem here is that such conditions are usually not present within a house or apartment. Walls, ceilings, and doors are obstacles that can affect the range – in the worst case, so much that signal transmission is no longer guaranteed. For this reason, you should choose an intercom with a long range of at least 30 meters, or even 50 meters.