A Look at Intercom Systems, Distributed Speaker Systems, and More

technologies like two-way intercoms are the driving force as they let you communicate and monitor in real time.

03:25 23 June 2023

Enhanced communication and security systems are a need in residential and commercial places. And technologies like two-way intercoms are the driving force as they let you communicate and monitor in real time. A home can incorporate this tool to check on visitors before allowing them to enter. A commercial establishment needs it to authorize access to credible people in certain areas. Large complexes or buildings can find sending instant communication from one corner to another more challenging. But tools like intercoms help send messages to multiple rooms or sections without requiring physical movement, which saves time and boosts productivity. If you are a corporate house, you can use it to announce something crucial to your employees.

Many places have started realizing why two-way intercoms are necessary to have. After all, they can act as an emergency response system to alert everyone of an approaching situation, trigger local bodies for help, and instruct occupants on the critical steps. Schools, hospitals, and businesses require such tools for quick responses. 

Selecting two-way intercoms

The availability of plenty of options in this technologically-advanced device makes you focus on some critical features before deciding on a purchase. For instance, it should provide coverage over a large area. If you want to invest in wireless, you would like to be more careful with this aspect. The distance of the units must maintain communication quality. Then, big buildings and sprawling campuses need it with a more extended range. Look for multipurpose intercom speakers that handle paging, communication, and signals. These should be high quality to ensure precise sound delivery. Remember, some intercoms demand a professional installation process because of their complex structure. You also get simple models that one can install with basic knowledge.

If you are a DIYer or want to save money, you should walk the path of simple-to-install systems. The device and its technology should be intuitive, user-friendly, and accessible. The next thing you can consider is the power source of the device. Some run on batteries, while others feed on electricity. Some corners of the building may be without power outlets. So, account for them when making a choice. Something for an outdoor environment should be weather resistant as it has to face snow, rain, and fluctuating temperatures. Ensure you pick a device that lets you integrate it with other devices to control a situation remotely. When you include a video camera in it, features like movement detection, video recording, and clarity in darkness can be admirable.

Weather-resistant and vandal-proof intercoms

You can check the waterproof protection level of the device by referring to its IP rating, which indicates its efficiency against elements like water and dust. Suppose the rating reads IP67. The first digit represents its tolerance level for dust, and the other digit is for water. The higher the rating, the better! Because the device will be outdoors, you want it to be safe from vandalism. Traditional intercom devices could damage easily, affecting operability. Modern vandal-proof systems have added protection to discourage vandals while allowing smooth communication and access control functions. These devices can be aluminum or stainless steel with secure enclosures and mounting options. These devices have tempered glass and polycarbonate bases for screens, cameras, and buttons to protect them from damage or breakage. 

Speaker systems

When choosing intercom speakers, focus on products with 70-volt- or 100-volt lines. These distributed speaker systems come in handy when covering a large area. Schools, offices, airports, churches, parking lots, stadiums, shopping malls, and clubs often use them. Even a few households also opt for them for music. Choosing distributed speaker solutions can benefit for several reasons. It eliminates the need to calculate overall speaker impedance. You can account for every speaker's wattage and add them. The system can easily accommodate additional speakers and amplifiers. Still, you can control their volume independently of the central volume control. 

Speakers can also be of various kinds, but you can rely on horn speakers. These can operate wonderfully even in a noisy background while providing broader coverage. Schoolyards, car parks, and stadiums can specifically lean on this choice. When planning distributed speaker system, you may ensure that they consume only about 80% of the amp's total power. Suppose you want to connect speakers to a PA amplifier having 120 Watts. Those speakers should use only 100 watts. Otherwise, the system will face an overload issue. 

Installation and maintenance of two-way intercoms

Careful planning is the best way to establish any security and communication system at your place. Figure out the areas where you want to keep these units. In homes, you may choose busy areas and front doors. Businesses need the device at entry points, central offices, and other active parts. If you take the DIY route, you should collect all the necessary tools, like screws, screwdrivers, drill machines, mounting brackets, wires, etc. If it's a wired connection, you must carefully run the wire between the devices when following the manufacturer’s instructions. After installation, you will want to connect them. Wired models will require connecting them to the power outlet. Wireless units require pairing. The user guide will have instructions about this. So, adhere to them. 

Once done, you can test all the devices to check if they work correctly. Focus on video and audio quality, coverage, etc. You can adjust the systems to correct any installation or settings errors. However, your job continues. As soon as intercoms become part of your security and surveillance systems, you must maintain them well for optimal health. Remove dirt and dust from the surfaces with a clean, soft cloth. Please stay away from water, as it can damage electronic items. Watch wires for any damage to avoid performance compromise. Also, a damaged wire can cause safety hazards. Regularly testing audio, video, range, and other functions is a good idea. Keep Wi-Fi or IP software updated to eliminate bugs. 

Every place has unique safety, security, and communication requirements. If you want your people to feel safe in your workplace, you must occasionally upgrade your communication and security tools.