Door intercommunication systems: Security and comfort in one
If it rings late in the evening, you shouldn't just open the door blue-eyed. . You never know who expects you in front of the house or the apartment door. A door entry system provides clarity even when the door is closed, and anyone who wants to come to visit at the moment will be able to do so. But the intercom is not just for your own safety . It is also the perfect way to welcome and invite dear guests right at the front door.
-
What is a door intercom system?
-
What types of door entry systems are there?
-
What are the advantages of a door entry system?
-
What must be taken into account when purchasing a door intercom system?
-
Frequently asked questions about door intercommunication systems
What is a door intercom system?
A door intercom system is a so-called communication unit . This is mounted on the front door or next to the front door and enables communication with the receiver inside the house.
The voice or the video image are transmitted to the indoor unit by an electrical signal.
This connection can be used to talk to the person in front of the closed door. In the case of a video door entry system, the person can also be viewed.
Thus, even before the door is opened, you have a concrete overview of who is on the front door.
The electric door opener can then be activated immediately upon a welcome visit. In case of an unpleasant visit one can safely save the way to the front door.
In the apartment, you can see who is at the door.
What types of door entry systems are there?
There are two different systems for door entry systems :
Audio (analogue)
In the classical audio intercoms there is a microphone and a loudspeaker in the indoor and in the door station. This makes it possible to establish an audio voice connection between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.
In addition, a button is attached to the outdoor unit, which triggers the function of the bell at the indoor unit.
Video Door Entry Systems
In the case of a video door entry system, a video camera is also integrated in the outdoor unit. A monitor is located in the indoor unit for the playback of the camera signal.
While the audio transmission of the voice signals takes place in both directions, the video signal of the camera is only transmitted from the outside to the inside.
There are further subdivisions within these two supergroups:
Wired door entry systems
Existing bell wires can be used for installation.
As the name implies, the audio or audio and video signals are transmitted from the outstation to the indoor station via a wire connection. The advantage of a wired system is the high interference resistance and that the external station can be supplied with power via the wire connection.
It is often the case that an old doorbell button is to be replaced by a modern intercom outstation. Unfortunately, in most cases only two wires lead from the apartment to the bell button. In order to keep the installation effort as low as possible, there are door entry systems with 2-wire technology . The two existing wires are sufficient to connect the outstation. Only in the apartment the cables have to be reconnected.
WIRELESS DOOR ENTRY SYSTEM
A wireless door intercom system is easy to install.
A wireless door entry system is useful if there is no wire connection to the outdoor station and subsequent installation is too complex.
The power supply of the outdoor unit is usually ensured by batteries or rechargeable batteries. However, it is also possible to supply the outdoor unit with energy via possibly available bell wires.
However, the range of the transmitter must be observed for wireless intercom systems. The manufacturers always indicate this when they are clear from the transmitter to the receiver. Due to structural conditions, the actual range can be significantly lower.
Therefore, it is recommended to test the radio connection before installation .
Smart door entry systems
From the intercom to the Internet and from there to the mobile phone.
The smart and intelligent home , where everything is connected via Smart Home and can be controlled easily via Smartphone, is now a reality. It is no wonder that intercom systems are becoming more and more clever or smarter.
IP door intercommunication systems or IP video door intercommunication systems are equipped with a LAN connection or an access to the WLAN. The Internet connection informs you immediately on the smartphone when someone rings at home . In the corresponding smartphone app, you can see who is standing in front of the door on your mobile phone and establish a voice connection if required. And you don't even have to be at home to do that. This way you can always keep an eye on your entrance area while traveling.
As an alternative to IP door entry systems, some door entry systems can also be paired with the smartphone via Bluetooth. However, a DECT connection with the telephone base station is also possible with some intercom systems. In this case, you simply access the cordless desk phone when someone rings outside.
What are the advantages of a door entry system?
Increased security
The most important aspect of an intercom is security. Especially single persons or older people are no longer forced to open the door with every ring. An intercom system makes it very easy to tell who is standing in front of the door. With a video intercom you can even see who is there.
More comfort
You don't have to walk to your front door every time you ring, to find that the visit is annoying or unwanted. The reason for the visit can already be clarified at the intercom and sometimes you can save yourself the way to the door.
Simple operation
Door entry systems are easy to use. This is a great advantage for the elderly and also children. A short instruction is sufficient so that each visitor can be asked for and only a desired visit the door is opened.
Large selection of different models
In the meantime, door entry systems are available in a wide variety of designs. From the basic functions to the connection options to the pleasing design, the prospective buyer has a really large selection. In some cases, the manufacturers add interchangeable panels so that the intercom fits perfectly into the overall concept of the building.
Simple connection
The connection of an intercom is often quite simple. For many products, detailed connection sketches are included. Our download service provides a clear picture of how far the existing wiring can be used for the new intercom system.
What must be taken into account when purchasing a door intercom system?
In order to find the right door entry system, you should answer a few questions in advance:
Those who think extensively about the new door entry system in advance will surely find exactly the right one for the application perfectly suitable.
Audio or audio and video?
First of all, the question has to be clarified whether the door intercom system should only transmit audio or audio and video. In case of doubt, a transmission via video is more sensible, since in the truest sense of the word one can get an idea of the situation in the entrance area.
Number of participants?
The next step is to clarify for how many participants the system is intended for. In a family house with several parties, each participant must have its own indoor unit, which is equipped with a monitor for video systems. It is worth looking at this in more detail, because some manufacturers offer complete sets for 2, 3 or even more participants. In addition, a video door entry system for a 2-family house or a video door entry system for a 3-family house offers a considerable price advantage. And those who have become accustomed to the comfort of a family house video door entry system will not want to miss it any more.
Wired or wireless?
The next question to be clarified is the question of the connection between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. If a cable from an existing bell is already present, a wired system is recommended. This is because the 2-wire wiring of the doorbell can also be used. If subsequent wiring is too complex, a door entry system can be used wirelessly. If it becomes a wireless version with radio, you also have to take a closer look at the power supply of the door station.
Mounting type:
The type of mounting refers to the fastening of the door station. This can be either surface-mounted or flush-mounted. While homeowners prefer flush-mounting because of the appearance, surface-mounting is preferable in rental properties.
What material?
The material also plays an important role. It is particularly important that the transmitter, i.e. the assembly on the front door, is weather-resistant. Rain, cold and moisture must not have any negative effects. The common models are usually made of aluminum or stainless steel. The specification of the IP degree of protection in the technical data provides a concrete statement about the protection against moisture. As the indoor units are not exposed to moisture or long-lasting direct sunlight, the material does not play such an important role.
Frequently asked questions about door intercommunication systems
How is the door intercom connected?
How the new door intercom is connected depends on the respective model. Rather, you should check in advance whether there are already routed lines that can be used for the connection. Even if a wireless door intercom system is planned, you can check whether the existing lines can be used to supply the transmitter with power. This saves the batteries.
Can anyone connect a door intercom?
Basically yes. Especially radio systems are easy to install. However, if an intervention in the existing 2-wire cabling has to be done, it is better to contact an electrician.
Where is the door station ideally mounted?
The door station must be mounted where a local visitor would most likely be looking for the bell button. In addition, the outdoor unit should be weather-proof as well as possible. For camera-equipped door stations, most manufacturers provide mounting instructions so that they can be mounted at the correct height.
What does intercom function mean?
The intercom function enables internal communication between several indoor stations.
What is the difference between an intercom and an intercom?
In an intercom system, one person can speak and the other can hear. Simultaneous listening and speaking is not possible. Simple wireless devices function according to the exchange principle.
With an intercom system, it is possible to hear and speak at the same time. Intercom is used, for example, on telephones.
What does wide angle camera mean?
In a video door entry system, a wide-angle camera is usually installed in the video door station. This camera has a low focal length and a large horizontal opening angle, which can already be 160°. This makes it possible to view a large area in front of the camera. Cameras with a smaller viewing angle can often be mechanically adjusted. This allows them to be optimally adjusted to the area in front of the door.