Choosing the Best Commercial or Industrial Intercom System
When selecting a commercial intercom system, your choice often hinges on whether you need a wired or wireless setup, influenced by your property’s infrastructure and specific requirements. The systems below can be used for office buildings, industrial and commercial properties, factories, or anywhere people congregate and emergency communication may be needed.
Wireless Commercial Intercom Systems
Wireless solutions offer mobility and easy installation, especially beneficial in existing buildings. They operate via handheld or base station radios, providing up to a mile range extendable with external antennas. Primarily used at doors and gates, these systems serve to alert occupants of visitors, albeit they do not support individual calling.
Certain intercoms, such as MURS base stations, offer versatile functionalities beyond standard communication. They can broadcast messages to other stations or connect to amplified wireless PA units. Wireless callboxes facilitate two-way conversations, while customer service callboxes trigger a pre-recorded message to a radio upon a customer's button press. Additionally, intercoms utilizing cell phone networks dial landlines or mobile phones, and Wi-Fi units establish communication through dedicated apps on smartphones or tablet PCs.
Wired Intercom System for Business
Wired intercoms are ideal for areas where wiring is feasible, commonly used for door or gate monitoring. Options like the 10-Call Master System enable communication among substations, suitable for diverse applications. There are also systems that use CAT-5 or CAT-6 wiring between stations, but these are typically for door or gate applications.
Commercial Intercom System Technologies
2-Way Radio Commercial Intercom Systems: These systems, operating on UHF and VHF frequencies, offer long-range communication, and can integrate with existing 2-way radios.
MURS System: Utilizing the MURS license-free radio frequencies, this system provides robust coverage, overcoming interference common in business and industrial settings.
Wireless Callbox: Offering a wireless communication method, callboxes enable remote interaction and assistance, eliminating the need for complex wiring. these communicate with either handheld radios or base station intercoms.
Digital Wireless Call Box: Employing encrypted full-duplex communication, these callboxes provide hands-free operation over considerable distances.
GSM or Cell Network Call Box: Leveraging cell phone networks, these systems can call any landline or mobile number, providing a wide-reaching communication solution.
Wi-Fi Call Box: Using existing Wi-Fi networks, these call boxes facilitate video and audio communication, offering remote access and control via smartphone applications.
VoIP Call Box (CAT-5 Wired): Leveraging Ethernet wiring, VoIP intercoms offer exceptional audio quality and can integrate with existing VoIP telephone systems.
Special Capabilities of Commercial Intercom Systems
Multi-Tenant Intercom Features: Multi-tenant systems often incorporate specific functionalities to allow visitors to contact specific units or offices efficiently.
Connections to Gates and Doors: Intercom systems commonly integrate with gates and doors, allowing for remote activation via switches connected to door or gate operators.
Advanced Features: Some systems offer innovative features like QR codes for visitor access, facial recognition, or integration with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Apple Siri.
While alternatives like doorbells exist, commercial intercom systems provide unique functionalities, especially in multi-tenant applications. With numerous considerations, consulting with experts or exploring available products can help pinpoint the most suitable system for specific needs.