Four Essential Questions for Selecting Your Door Intercom System
Choosing the right door intercom involves considering four key questions:
Wireless setups enhance mobility, allowing call answering from various locations. Wi-Fi-enabled systems facilitate communication with smart devices, adding convenience.
Answering these questions will help you identify the door intercom technology you want to use.
Cell Phone Door Intercoms
These systems utilize cell phone technology to reach any designated phone, regardless of your location. While requiring a cell service subscription, they offer hassle-free installation without the need for wiring to inside stations. Ideal for single-occupant residences or multi-tenant setups such as apartment buildings.
Wireless Door Intercoms
Operating on either 2-way radio frequencies or Wi-Fi, these systems establish a connection between the outdoor door intercom and a monitoring station. Two-way radio intercoms communicate with handheld radios or base station intercoms.
CAT-5 Wired Door Intercoms
Utilizing CAT-5 wiring, these systems, although not necessarily internet protocol-enabled, often feature video-based door intercom functionalities. They are well-suited for multi-tenant configurations.
2-Wire Wired Door Intercoms
These systems employ straightforward 2-conductor wiring between the door intercom and the inside station. Typically offering audio-only communication, they are the most budget-friendly option. For smaller buildings, there are 2-wire multi-tenant intercoms available with video stations.
Evaluating these aspects will help select a door intercom system that aligns with your specific needs, balancing factors like cost, convenience, and functionality. Check out some of the systems below and give us a call at 888-298-9489 to let our experts help you choose the right door intercom for your needs.
1. Do you want a wireless or wired door intercoms?
Assess whether wiring between the door intercom and inside stations is feasible. The cost of wiring, especially for multiple stations, might be prohibitive. Wireless options offer flexibility and easier expansion but could encounter obstructions or signal interference within the building. Some systems operate via cell phones, eliminating such issues but do involve a monthly fee.Wireless setups enhance mobility, allowing call answering from various locations. Wi-Fi-enabled systems facilitate communication with smart devices, adding convenience.
2. Do you want video or audio only?
Determine if the door intercom requires a camera for visual communication with visitors. Video intercoms offer heightened security but are generally pricier. Integration with dedicated monitors or mobile devices, like Android or Apple devices, is necessary for video intercoms.3. Is remote unlocking required?
Most door intercoms facilitate activating an electric door strike or similar mechanisms through a switch contact. This function involves running wires from the intercom to the unlocking device. Users can activate this feature either via buttons on the inside station or by pressing a digit on their telephone keypad. You can see the types of electric door strikes available here: Electric Door Strikes4. What device do you want to use for Call Answering?
Decide whether call answering from visitors is solely on-site or if remote answering is desired. Systems like Wi-Fi, Internet, or cellular-based setups can notify users of visitors from anywhere globally. On the other hand, onsite monitor-based systems lack off-site notification capabilities.Answering these questions will help you identify the door intercom technology you want to use.
Types of Door Intercom Systems
Cell Phone Door Intercoms
These systems utilize cell phone technology to reach any designated phone, regardless of your location. While requiring a cell service subscription, they offer hassle-free installation without the need for wiring to inside stations. Ideal for single-occupant residences or multi-tenant setups such as apartment buildings.Wireless Door Intercoms
Operating on either 2-way radio frequencies or Wi-Fi, these systems establish a connection between the outdoor door intercom and a monitoring station. Two-way radio intercoms communicate with handheld radios or base station intercoms.CAT-5 Wired Door Intercoms
Utilizing CAT-5 wiring, these systems, although not necessarily internet protocol-enabled, often feature video-based door intercom functionalities. They are well-suited for multi-tenant configurations.2-Wire Wired Door Intercoms
These systems employ straightforward 2-conductor wiring between the door intercom and the inside station. Typically offering audio-only communication, they are the most budget-friendly option. For smaller buildings, there are 2-wire multi-tenant intercoms available with video stations.Evaluating these aspects will help select a door intercom system that aligns with your specific needs, balancing factors like cost, convenience, and functionality. Check out some of the systems below and give us a call at 888-298-9489 to let our experts help you choose the right door intercom for your needs.
