Wired Intercom FAQs

A wired intercom is an intercom system which uses wires (usually copper or Ethernet wires) to connect intercom stations for transmitting audio (and sometimes video) signals.

Wired intercoms are interference-free and provide reliable communications as they do not rely on radio signals or wireless channels, which can be subject to congestion. Wired intercom systems are commonly used in buildings, offices, schools, and industrial settings where a permanent, high-quality connection is needed.

A wired intercom system is typically composed of a master station (control or monitor) and a number of substations (room-to-room or door communication) connected through dedicated wires or a structured cabling system.

Q: I want a simple intercom that’s not connected to a network. What do you recommend?
A: The AP1044 Master-to-Sub system supports basic wired intercom functionality. For more stations, the 3-call master system is available. You will also need substations and wire for setup.

Q: Can I get a hardwired buzzer system that only notifies entry, not exit?
A: We are not aware of any hardwired systems that notify on entry only. Most systems will alert on both entry and exit.

Q: Do you offer a residential intercom system with room-to-room communication and doorbell functionality for a large estate?
A: No, we do not carry residential systems with that combination. We recommend checking out Intrasonic Technologies for such solutions.

Q: Is there a hands-free intercom system available?
A: The best-performing hands-free option we recommend is using Amazon Echo devices as an intercom solution. They offer reliable room-to-room communication and can be triggered by voice without physical interaction. We do have a wired intercom, AP1044, that is handsfree on one side but requires push-to-talk on the master station side.

Q: Can the Single Door Access System connect to a headset?
A: No, the AP1042 Single Door Access System cannot connect to a headset. There is no headset jack

Q: I need a wired intercom to monitor an elderly parent, with full-duplex communication and no button pressing. What should I use?
A: For full-duplex communication, the recommended option is the Amazon Echo device, which allows hands-free, natural conversation:
https://www.intercomsonline.com/amazon-echo-wireless-intercom . For a low cost wired system use the AP1044. It is handsfree on the parent side and push to talk on your side.

Q: Is there a AP1040 two-door access intercom system with adjustable notification sound?
A: The two-door, two-station, one-master system does not allow adjusting notification tone—only talk volume can be changed. No similar product exists that allows lowering notification tone for such a setup. Alternatives include systems that call phones, allowing ringer volume adjustment, with options for analog or VoIP hot-line intercoms.

Q: For the DF1003 Doorbell Phone Doorbell Intercom System, do I need two strike controllers for two doors, and does it work with regular house phones?
A: Only one strike controller is needed, but you must add another door intercom and another door strike. The system connects to regular phones without internet or a phone line, allowing house phones to ring and unlock doors even without traditional landline service.

Q: Are the AP1037, AP1041, AP1042, AP1043, AP1044, AP1057, or AP1064 intercoms loud enough for a vet clinic with barking dogs, and do they have volume control or amplification?
A: These units are not loud and have no amplified version or noise cancellation. No similar low-cost alternatives are available. The ZT1032 high-definition gate audio model that is significantly more expensive, but would definitely meet your needs.

Q: Do you sell a wired intercom system for a home that allows simultaneous listening to multiple rooms, and if not, can you recommend one?
A: Intercoms Online no longer sells systems that allow room-to-room communication. For this type of residential wired intercom, a recommended source is Intrasonic Technology at https://www.intrasonictechnology.com/.

Q: Do you have a doorbell/intercom for a three-story townhouse that allows communication between floors without using phones?
A: Intercoms Online does not carry this type of residential system. A suggested source is Intrasonic Technology at https://www.intrasonictechnology.com/.

Q: What intercom system can connect a technician at a control counter to a patient in a vault, using an existing ceiling speaker?
A: The AP1038 3-Call Master System Kit may work, but it has not been tested with the other brands of ceiling speakers. Compatibility is uncertain.

Q: What wired intercom is recommended for a caregiving setup where one master station communicates with two other rooms?
A: The AP1038 3-Call Master System Kit with two added substations is recommended. The substations can call the master, and the master can call each substation. It should be wired with 2-conductor shielded wire. A qualified electrician can install it.

Q: Can the VK1005 be used with additional receivers connected through an unmanaged switch?
A: No switch is required. Additional phones can be daisy-chained directly without any networking hardware.

Q: Does the Single Door Access System AP1043 require hardwiring, and does it have battery backup?
A: Yes, all components of the AP1043 system, including the door station and master stations, must be hardwired using 2-conductor shielded cable. It does not have built-in battery backup, but the power supply can be connected to a UPS for backup power.

Q: What wired intercom system works for 8 rooms with substation-to-master communication across different buildings?
A: The AP1037 10 Call Master System is suitable. Substations are listed in Related Items on the product page. No installation services are offered.

Q: Do the Master and Substations of the AP1037 Ten Call Master System need to be on the same network?
A: No. The Ten Call Master System is not an IP or landline phone system. It operates using two wires connected between the intercoms and does not require a network.

Q: What system is needed to set up 13 phones with paging on a large steel boat without using wireless?
A: A VoIP phone system, such as the Grandstream PBX, is required to handle both individual station calling and paging through ceiling speakers. IntercomsOnline does not sell or support these systems, so purchasing and setup would need to be handled through a VoIP supplier or installer.

Q: Can wiring be installed in advance for the AP1043 single door access system with two masters and one sub?
A: Yes, wiring can be installed beforehand. The system requires 2-conductor shielded wire, with distances of 650 feet using 22AWG or 1,570 feet using 18AWG. Separate 2-conductor wiring is needed if using a door release. Even without the door release, the same wiring requirements apply.

Q: Does IntercomsOnline sell a wired home intercom with two masters and one sub, and can wiring be done before shipment?
A: Yes. The AP1043 Single Door Access System with 1 door station and 2 masters can be used. It requires 2-conductor shielded cable. Wiring can be installed in advance following these specifications.

Q: Do you offer a 2-way intercom with one-way video and a monitoring station that can use CAT5 wiring instead of WiFi?
A: WiFi video intercoms like the IO1039 can be used, and they support Cat5 wiring as well. A 10" WiFi touchscreen monitor can be added for in-house monitoring. If WiFi is weak, Cat5/6 wiring can be used, and doubling up pairs increases wire gauge for reliability.

Q: Can I replace an existing wired audio-only intercom at my Airbnb in Costa Rica with a video intercom that also integrates with a gate opener and smartphone app?
A: Yes, you can replace the entire system with a video intercom. Options include the IO1123 or  IO1054  WiFi Video System with Keypad (works via WiFi or Cat5 to a smartphone or tablet) or the AP1068 Large Screen Mobile-Ready Video Intercom (wired to a monitor and also connects to a phone app). Both allow viewing visitors and remotely opening the gate through a smartphone as long as internet is available.

Q: Is the handset-to-handset intercom AP1012 and AP1013 totally wireless and does it work without WiFi?
A: The AP1012 and AP1013 are not wireless. They are wired intercom systems that require two wires between handsets. They can be powered by batteries if needed.

Q: Do the AP1012 Handset-to-Handset Intercom units need a landline or other connection to operate?
A: No. The AP1012 units operate directly with each other by connecting a wire between them. No landline or external power source is required.

Q: What is a good basic outdoor intercom for a simple door communication setup, and should it be wired or wireless?
A: If wiring is possible, the AP1042 Single Door Access System is a good choice for a simple wired setup. If wiring cannot be run, the Black Gas Station Intercom Kit provides a suitable wireless alternative for outdoor-to-indoor communication.

Q: What is the maximum wattage and voltage of the AP1012 handset to handset intercom, and does it require a VK1007 ringdown circuit?
A: The AP1012 uses a 6V DC power supply, which can be viewed under the “Related Items” section on its product page. It does not require a ringdown circuit for operation.

Q: Does the AE1006 intercom come with a door strike, and can it be used with 240-volt power in Africa?
A: Intercoms do not come with a door strike because there are many door types. The intercom can activate any compatible strike, which must be purchased separately. The power supply supports 240V but uses a U.S. plug. IntercomsOnline does not ship internationally, though it can send orders to a U.S. freight forwarder arranged for by you for overseas shipment.

Q: What electric door strike system do you recommend for a single-door access kit with two-way communication, electronic unlocking, and a key option for a metal commercial out-swinging door?
A: Choose an appropriate electric strike for the type of door you have. A mag lock is not suitable when a key option is needed. The universal electric door strike for metal and wood doors is suggested, but measurements are required to confirm fit. A locksmith may be needed to ensure compatibility.

Q: Will the DF1003 Doorbell Phone Doorbell Intercom System work with cordless phones, and does frequency matter?
A: Yes, it will work with cordless phones as long as they plug into an analog phone line. The frequency of the cordless phone does not matter because the base station connects directly to the intercom device via wire.

Q: What intercom or monitor do you recommend so I can hear my dog whine without them pressing a button?
A: The AP1044 is recommended. The dog would have the substation so no button pressing is needed for communication.

Q: What is the maximum wattage and voltage of the AP1012 handset to handset intercom, and does it require a ringdown circuit?
A: The AP1012 uses a 6V DC power supply, which can be viewed under the “Related Items” section on its product page. It does not require a ringdown circuit for operation.

Q: Does the AE1006 intercom come with a door strike, and can it be used with 240-volt power in Africa?
A: Intercoms do not come with a door strike because there are many door types. The intercom can activate any compatible strike, which must be purchased separately. The power supply supports 240V but uses a U.S. plug. IntercomsOnline does not ship internationally, though it can send orders to a U.S. freight forwarder arranged for by you for overseas shipment.

Q: Can I get a hardwired buzzer system that only notifies entry, not exit?
A: We are not aware of any hardwired systems that notify on entry only. Most systems will alert on both entry and exit.

Q: I want a simple intercom that’s not connected to a network. What do you recommend?
A: The AP1044 Master-to-Sub system supports basic wired intercom functionality. For more stations, the 3-call master system is available. You will also need substations and wire for setup.

Q: Do you offer a residential intercom system with room-to-room communication and doorbell functionality for a large estate?
A: No, we do not carry residential systems with that combination. We recommend checking out Intrasonic Technologies for such solutions.

Q: Is there a hands-free intercom system available?
A: The best-performing hands-free option we recommend is using Amazon Echo devices as an intercom solution. They offer reliable room-to-room communication and can be triggered by voice without physical interaction. We do have a wired intercom, AP1044, that is handsfree on one side but requires push-to-talk on the master station side.

Q: What are the power specifications and circuit requirements for the AP1012 handset intercom?
A: The AP1012 intercom uses a 6V DC power supply, which can be found at https://www.intercomsonline.com/6v-dc-power-supply. It does not require a ringdown circuit, as that functionality is built in and a separate ringdown device is unnecessary.

Q: Does the AE1006 intercom come with a door strike, and can it be used internationally?
A: The AE1006 intercom, nor any other intercom, does not include an electric door strike because door types vary; users must purchase one separately that fits their door, such as those at https://www.intercomsonline.com/electric-door-strikes. The intercom will activate any compatible strike by connecting two wires. The power supply supports 220V input but has a US plug, so international buyers must ship to a US address and forward it, as IntercomsOnline ships only domestically.

Q: Is part number DF1002 currently in stock, and is it a replacement for the DP-28IT Doorbell Fon model?
A: Stock information must be requested by emailing [email protected] . The DF1002 door box is the correct replacement for the DP-28IT Doorbell Fon model, available in ivory, and can be ordered directly from the website. Orders typically ship promptly.

Q: What system is recommended for a 5-room intercom setup that requires room-to-room communication and allows wiring if necessary?
A: For room-to-room communication, a standard intercom is not sufficient. A phone system like the Grandstream PBX is recommended, as it provides room-to-room connectivity. This system is available from Amazon via the provided link.