DIY Installation And Intercom: Connection Diagrams And Installation Features, Description Of The Main Stages

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

Do-it-yourself intercom installation

More recently, people saw the intercom only in films and only very wealthy owners of apartments or houses could afford to install it. With the advent of new technologies, intercoms have become more affordable and have begun to be widely used in both domestic and industrial premises. Now this equipment, together with reliable locks, is part of most modern security systems, which makes it possible to increase the safety of housing or other objects.

Content

• 1 Types of intercoms and features of their device

  • 1.1 Device Features

    • 1.1.1 Audio intercoms
    • 1.1.2 Video doorphones

  • 1.2 Features of choice

    1.2.1 Video: how to choose an intercom

• 2 Basic wiring diagrams for intercoms

  • 2.1 Connecting an intercom in an apartment building

  • 2.2 Connecting an intercom with an electric lock

    2.2.1 Video: connecting an intercom with an electric lock

  • 2.3 Connecting an intercom without a lock

• 3 Installation of intercom

  • 3.1 Installation sequence

    3.1.1 Video: DIY video intercom installation

  • 3.2 Features of connection to an entrance intercom

    • 3.2.1 Connecting to a digital doorphone
    • 3.2.2 Connecting to a coordinate doorphone
    • 3.2.3 Video: the process of connecting to the entrance intercom

  • 3.3 Installing the wireless intercom

    3.3.1 Video: Overview of the Wireless Video Intercom

  • 3.4 Connecting the intercom to the TV
• 4 Reviews

Types of intercoms and features of their device

If earlier, a peephole and a bell were installed on almost every door, now they are being replaced by such modern equipment as an intercom.

There is a large selection of devices that differ in technical parameters and other features.

The classification of intercoms occurs according to the following criteria:

1. Number of connected subscribers:

   • multi-level intercoms are installed at entrances, at the entrances to offices and other buildings;

     

     Multi-subscriber intercom is designed for installation in the entrances of apartment buildings

   • individual - designed for installation in an apartment or house.

     

     An individual intercom is installed at the entrance to an apartment or to a private territory

2. Communication type. According to this parameter, the equipment is divided into:

   • audio intercoms - with the help of such devices you can only talk to a visitor;

     

     Using an audio intercom, you can only talk with a visitor

   • video intercoms allow not only talking with the visitor, but also seeing him on the monitor screen.

3. Monitor type. This parameter only applies to video intercoms. The screen can be:

   • black and white;
   • color.

4. Installation method. By the type of installation, intercoms can be:

   • mortise or embedded in the wall, while its depth should be about 4-10 cm;

     

     Mortise intercom is inserted directly into the wall of the house

   • hinged, such models are mounted on the wall.

In addition, video intercoms differ in screen size. While the cheapest models have a screen size of only 3.5 ", the expensive models have a 10" screen, but it can be larger. There is also a difference in the number of video cameras. The intercom can have one or several video cameras, which allows you to get an extensive overview and a better picture. The equipment can also be wired or wireless, in which the outdoor and indoor units are connected with each other only by radio signal.

Features of the device

By the type of device, audio and video intercoms differ from each other, but in other parameters they are almost the same.

Audio intercoms

Such equipment is low-cost, therefore, it is usually installed in the entrances of apartment buildings. The cost of the audio intercom is low, since it has a limited set of functions:

• notifying the owner of the house about the arrival of a visitor;
• negotiations with the visitor;
• unlocking the electric lock.

The budget audio intercom includes:

1. Street block, which consists of:

   • call buttons;
   • microphone;
   • loudspeaker.

2. The indoor unit consists of:

   • telephone handset;
   • base, which has a place for attaching the tube and a button to unlock the lock;

   • power supply.

     

     The audio intercom has a simple device: a handset and a button to open the door, a door station, a power supply

If we talk about the advantages of such devices, then it will be cheapness, design simplicity and ease of use. The main disadvantage is that you cannot see the visitor, and this reduces the security level of the system.

Video intercoms

The intercom with a video system is a modern equipment that has many additional functions that increase the security of the security system.

The video intercom has the following device:

• external panel - consists of a call button, video camera, intercom;

• internal panel - includes a monitor, a button to open the lock, an intercom.

  

  Video intercom allows not only talking with the visitor, but also seeing him

Selection features

To choose the right intercom, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

• the outdoor panel must be made of durable material and reliably protected from damage. In addition, the outdoor panel must have a high level of moisture protection, not less than IP66. Panels that do not have mechanical switches are more reliable, but sensor devices are more often damaged by vandals;
• type of installed video camera. If there is no constant lighting at night, then there is no point in buying an intercom with a color camera. In this case, a black and white camera will transmit a better image;

• monitor, when choosing it, you must take into account the parameters of the used video camera. If the camera produces 0.5 Mpx, then you shouldn't buy a device with a high-resolution screen for it;

  

  It is not worth purchasing an intercom with a high quality monitor when using a bad camera

• video signal output, It is very convenient when it is possible to output a video signal to a TV or computer;
• the presence of a built-in motion sensor. It allows you to turn on the camera for recording when a visitor approaches;
• the temperature range in which the intercom can work. Please note that the outdoor unit is usually installed in unheated rooms or outdoors, so it must withstand both high and low temperatures;
• compatibility with other devices. If the intercom is connected to a multi-drop system, it must be compatible with the existing equipment.

Video: how to choose an intercom

Basic wiring diagrams for intercoms

First, you need to decide what kind of intercom connection schemes exist and choose the one that suits you. It is more difficult in an apartment building than in a private sector to independently install the device. The simplest is to install the intercom without connecting it to the electric lock.

Connecting an intercom in an apartment building

In this case, the connection diagram will depend on the type of entrance intercom (digital or coordinate). The entrance intercom is installed by representatives of a specialized company, after which the wiring is done on the floors. Usually the same specialists connect individual intercoms. Sometimes it becomes necessary to change the subscriber handset of the intercom or connect the video intercom in an apartment building.

Connecting an intercom in an apartment building is a difficult task that only specialists can cope with

Connecting an intercom with an electric lock

This is the most popular installation option for such equipment. Here the doorphone and the lock are connected together, which allows you to open the lock using a button on the internal panel of the doorphone or using a code, an electronic key from the external panel.

When installing an audio intercom, a three-core cable is drawn from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit. A four-core cable is used to connect the video intercom.

When connecting the intercom, you must remember that its internal panel is powered by 220 V, and the outdoor panel is powered from the internal panel

Intercom with an electric lock is the most common solution

Video: connecting an intercom with an electric lock

Connecting an intercom without a lock

This is the easiest way to connect, so even a beginner can handle it. To connect the outdoor and indoor unit to each other, you must use a four-core cable or two two-core wires. Two conductors supply power, and the other two provide audio and video signals.

The choice of the intercom connection method is up to you. If it is convenient for you to go outside and constantly open the gate, then you can install an intercom without an electric lock. It is better to install such equipment in combination with a lock, which can be controlled by simply pressing a button on the intercom without leaving home.

Even a beginner can cope with the installation of an intercom without connecting it to the lock

Installation of intercom

If you decide to install the intercom yourself, you first need to prepare the following tools:

• a hammer drill with a set of drills and drills, necessary for working on concrete or brick;
• set of screwdrivers;
• a hammer;
• electrical tape;
• knife;
• dowels;
• pliers;
• putty for sealing the strobes;

• the wire.

  

  To install the intercom, you will need tools that every home master has

Installation sequence

Although there are different types of doorphones, their installation is carried out in the same sequence. When installing the equipment on your own, work is carried out in the following order:

1. Choosing a place for installation. In order for the intercom to have a good viewing angle and to use this equipment conveniently, it must be installed correctly. The recommended mounting height of the external video doorphone unit is 1.5–1.6 m from the ground. When installing a video camera, you must look so that the view is not blocked by doors, corners of the house or other objects. If we talk about installing the indoor unit, then it can be mounted on a wall or installed on a bedside table. The main thing is that it should be in a convenient place so that the sound can be heard throughout the house.

   

   For comfortable use, the intercom is installed at a height of 150-160 cm

2. Cabling. This is the most important stage, for which you need to have basic concepts and skills in working with electrical wiring. It is recommended that the cable length does not exceed 35–40 meters. To do this, you can use both a telephone cable and a signal wire or twisted pair. To lay the cable on the walls, you can make grooves, which are then filled with putty, or put the wire in boxes. The cable is led into the bracket of the outdoor panel, which is fixed with self-tapping screws.

   

   The cable can be laid in special boxes or in grooves on the walls

Video: do it yourself video intercom installation

Features of connecting to an entrance intercom

In order to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the entrance and to keep it clean, an excellent solution would be to install an entrance intercom. Installation is carried out by representatives of the company and they also do the wiring on the floors. Sometimes situations arise when you need to connect to an entrance intercom, so many home craftsmen want to know how to do it correctly. The connection method will depend on the type of device you are using.

Connecting to a digital intercom

This is a fairly expensive piece of equipment, so it is less common than analogue models. This system allows you to simultaneously connect no more than 255 subscribers.

Up to 225 subscribers can be connected to the digital entrance intercom

A two-core cable is laid along the riser of the entrance, apartment intercoms are connected to it. If you decide to replace the subscriber handset of the intercom, then you need to know that the programming of the apartment number is performed using a microcircuit located inside the handset. Jumpers or jumpers are installed on it, with the help of which your apartment number is encoded. It is necessary to disassemble the old intercom tube and look at its microcircuit, there is a digital panel. The apartment code will correspond to the closed jumpers. davydvolodin: 2018-16-06, 09:53

The remark is not very clear, because describes how to connect to an existing driveway doorphone, not install a new doorphone.

"> davydvolodin: 16.06.2018, 09:55

The remark is not very clear here, since describes the process of connecting to an existing entrance doorphone, not installing a new doorphone.

"> The jumpers are closed in the same way in the new audio intercom tube, only in this case it will work with the entrance intercom. When using the digital intercom connection scheme, the polarity must be strictly observed.

For example: to connect the intercom, jumpers must be jumpered, while their sum must correspond to the apartment number, if its number is 38, then jumpers 32,2,4 must be connected.

To program the apartment number, you need to jumper three jumpers

Some modern video intercoms have a built-in interface box. If it is not there, then to connect such equipment, you must additionally use the MSC interface module. It helps to coordinate the work of the entrance intercom and the video intercom in the apartment. Such a unit is suitable for video door phones from different manufacturers, although there may be certain restrictions.

The connection process consists in connecting to the MSC module two wires from the entrance doorphone and the cable from the video doorphone. The adapter has outputs for connecting a calling panel and a camera.

The video intercom is connected to a digital entrance intercom via the MCC interface module

The disadvantage of a digital system is that after its repair, all apartments must be reconnected. davydvolodin: 2018-16-06, 10:05 am

Several sources indicate that if one subscriber tube is incorrectly connected, the operation of the entire system is really disrupted.

"> If one of the residents incorrectly connects the subscriber's handset, the entire system fails.

Connection to coordinate intercom

This option is used more often, since if the device breaks down for one of the users, the rest of the system works normally. The connection of a coordinate intercom is performed according to a scheme that works on the principle of an automatic telephone exchange. An obligatory element for connecting an intercom to such a system is a switch.

To connect the audio intercom to the switch, two buses are used. On the first of them, the contacts correspond to tens (D0-D9), and on the second, to units (E0-E9). For example, to connect apartment No. 23, you need to connect the positive wire to terminal D2, and the negative wire to terminal E3.

When connecting the subscriber tube to the entrance doorphone, the positive wire is connected to terminal D, and the negative wire to terminal E

If the apartment number is more than 80, then the installer will reprogram and shift the numbers. To connect the intercom in this case, you need to know the offset value.

To connect the video intercom to the coordinate access intercom, you need to install the MSC interface module. The connection of such an adapter is similar to the connection of the MSC module.

The video intercom is connected to an analog entrance intercom through the MSC interface module

The polarity must not be confused, otherwise the intercom will not work correctly. The advantage of an analog connection system is that handsets from different manufacturers are interchangeable.

In entrances with a small number of apartments, an analog intercom is usually installed with a built-in switch. This allows you to connect apartments directly to the call panel, which greatly facilitates and simplifies the process of installing tubes.

Video: the process of connecting to an entrance intercom

Installing a wireless intercom

Already from the title it becomes clear that a cable is not needed to connect the outdoor panel and the indoor unit of such an intercom. This makes installation much easier and faster.

Depending on the model chosen, the range can be up to 100 meters. When calculating the range of the intercom, it is necessary to take into account not only the distance between the handset and the call panel, but also the thickness of the walls, the presence of other obstacles that interfere with the signal transmission.

The wireless intercom is most often installed when entering a private area

During the installation of such an intercom in an apartment building, the calling panel is installed near the door of the apartment. In a private house, it is mounted near the gate. The outdoor panel is also attached at a height of 150–160 cm. If the lock control is provided, it is also mounted on the door and its control is connected to the intercom.

In an apartment, a display with a tube is installed in any convenient place. After that, the performance of the intercom is checked and if everything is fine, then its installation is considered complete.

The advantages of a wireless video door phone are that it can be installed anywhere in the house. davydvolodin: 2018-16-06, 11:23 am

Many sources mention the use of antennas to increase the transmission range.

"> To increase the operating range of the wireless video intercom, you can connect a directional antenna to the door station.

Video: Overview of the Wireless Video Intercom

Connecting the intercom to the TV

Often users have a question about how to properly connect the video intercom to the TV. Almost all the time when the owners are at home, the TV is turned on and it is very convenient to see the guest's image on its screen.

Most modern intercoms have the ability to connect to a TV, for this they have a special video output. It is enough to use a special cable to connect the intercom output to the TV's AVI input. In order to receive a good quality signal, a shielded cable must be used to connect the intercom to the TV.

To connect to a TV, you need to connect the intercom output with a cable to the AVI input of the TV

After pressing the call button, you will hear a signal, and it is enough to turn on the channel selected for the intercom on the TV to see on the screen who came to you. To display the image on several TVs at once, you must additionally install a splitter. Please note that each new connection makes the signal weaker, so you should not connect more than 3-4 TVs to the intercom.

Reviews

On the modern market, there is a large selection of different models of intercoms, both domestic and foreign manufacturers. Each of them is a unique piece of equipment that can significantly increase the protection of a home, office, industrial or other building. In addition to high technical characteristics, when choosing an intercom, keep in mind that it is in sight, therefore it must harmoniously fit into the interior design.