Adding an intercom system to your home provides convenient communication, security and access control benefits. This guide from Commercial Electrician London covers key steps for installing a fully-featured intercom in your property.
Intercom System Components
A home intercom setup requires:
Control station – Master station inside the home, often wall-mounted, with buttons to call other points.
Door/gate stations – Placed at external access points with call buttons, speaker and microphone.
Internal audio stations – Located in various rooms for room-to-room communication.
Wiring – Cables linking all stations back to the main control unit. Cat5e or Cat6 cable is commonly used.
Power supply – Low voltage transformer to power the system via the wiring cables.
Planning the Layout
Carefully plan where to place your stations for best functionality:
- Main control and power supply in a central, accessible indoor location.
- Door stations at the exterior of each entry door. Consider access control add-ons like electronic locks.
- Gate stations positioned safely near driveway gates for visitor calling and release.
- Interior stations in frequently occupied rooms like kitchen, bedrooms and office.
- Ensure all locations have power outlets available if needed.
Installing the Wiring
Cabling forms the backbone of the intercom system. Take care to:
- Run cables from each station location back to the main control.
- Use the shortest and most direct routes following existing wiring paths.
- Leave ample excess cable at endpoints to simplify connections.
- Clip cables neatly against walls and ceiling with trunking.
- Cables underground to external points should be buried in conduit.
Connecting and Configuring Stations
With cabling in place, stations can be installed and connected:
- Securely mount all intercom stations as per the manufacturer instructions.
- Connect colour coded wiring to corresponding terminals on each station.
- Power up the system once all stations are wired and confirm basic functions.
- Program system settings like ring tones and durations through the master station menu.
- Label stations clearly so users know which points are which.
Added Features and Integration
Consider compatible additions to enhance your intercom system:
- Video intercoms enable seeing your visitors before opening the door.
- Smartphone integration allows system access via your mobile.
- Automation integration can trigger lights, cameras, alarms etc. when the intercom is used.
- Audio only handsets provide portable room-to-room calling.
Intercom Installation By Professionals
For robust performance and seamless integration with other home systems, it is advisable to hire professional intercom installers in London like Commercial Electrician London. We handle the entire process from design through to configuration. Contact us for a quote!
Key Benefits of Home Intercom Systems
Home intercoms offer great functionality and peace of mind:
- Communication – Speak to anyone in or around your home without shouting!
- Visitor screening – See and speak to callers before letting them in.
- Entry control – Remotely unlock doors and gates to allow access.
- Security – Integrate with CCTV and alarms for enhanced protection.
- Convenience – Quickly check in on certain rooms like nurseries.
Keeping your home connected and secure has never been easier. Reach out to Commercial Electrician London to upgrade your entry, access control and internal communications.
Here are some points I can add about intercom system costs:
A basic two-station audio-only intercom system costs £200-£500 installed. This covers entry and interior master stations.
Additional interior audio stations cost around £50-£100 each supplied and fitted.
Adding external stations at pedestrian gates or driveways costs £150-£300 per station.
Video intercom stations range from £250 for door stations to £500 for gate stations installed. This video intercom in London provides visual verification.
Smart home integration modules start from £150 depending on the level of functionality.
Wired intercom systems are more affordable than wireless options which remove cabling costs.
Complex systems for large properties with multiple stations and integration can cost £2000-£5000+ installed.
Extra cabling, additional access control, custom engraving, programming etc adds cost.
Shop around for quotes as prices vary between brands and installers.
Consider value for money – cheaper systems may lack robust build quality or expansion options.
I can expand this into a section on typical intercom system costs in the UK based on the number of stations and features. Let Commercial Electrician know if you would like me to do this or need any other particulars on pricing.
Here are some tips that can help minimize the cost of installing a home intercom system:
Opt for a wired system rather than a more expensive wireless setup – this avoids the cost of proprietary wireless transceivers.
Choose a basic audio-only system rather than video intercoms if you don’t require seeing visitors.
Only install the number of interior and exterior stations you really need – additional stations add cost.
Use CAT5e cabling which is cheaper than CAT6 and sufficient for most basic intercoms.
Install the wiring yourself if you are able and comfortable doing so rather than paying an electrician.
Purchase equipment online rather than through retailers – reputable brands are often cheaper direct.
Consider buying a refurbished or used intercom system which can save substantially on the control unit.
Go for a simple push button intercom rather than systems with touchscreen displays which come at a premium.
Avoid advanced smart home integration or automation features if not essential. These can be added later if needed.
Look for deals and sales when purchasing equipment – supplies often discount older models.
Get quotes from several gate intercom installers and compare prices – significant savings can sometimes be found.
Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions about reducing costs for a new intercom system installation in London.
