Using an Alarm Intercom

Making the Choice for an Intercom

By itself or as a part of an electronic alarm system, an intercom is one of the most cost-effective home security devices.  Intercoms are very versatile. With it, you can communicate with someone at the door from a safe distance—even out of view of the person—control a buzzer latch, much like apartment buildings, monitor a baby or child’s room, or even play music through the house.  Intercom systems, besides providing extra security, add plenty of convenience. It is now easy to let someone know they are wanted on the phone, to call the children to dinner or ask them a question without having to search the person out throughout the house.

Though varying in complexity, intercoms are all low-voltage, making them safe to install and have around children or pets. It also makes them relatively easy and safe to install. Pay close attention to the instructions included with the intercom system to ensure your utmost safety.

Unless you are working with new construction, your biggest challenge will be routing the wires from one room to another. This will need to be unobtrusively done to ensure connectivity. With flush-mounted wall components you will also have to cut into walls, but probably won’t have to alter the framing.

The master station contains circuitry that lets you call any or all of the substations. It can also include a radio. Here the electronic gate with buzzer can be unlocked as well. This allows visitors using the outdoor substation (described later) to enter the property.

Low-voltage wiring is similar to that used for telephones. Often you can run it along moldings for low-visibility.

Substations have combined speaker and microphone with switches that transfer from listen to talk modes like a walkie-talkie.

Outdoor substations often include a button to sound the doorbell or chimes. This station can be a simple one-button console, as long as it serves its purpose and is the obvious step for any visitors wishing to enter the house. Outdoor substations can be placed at the edge of the property such as a gate, or right at the entrance to the home at the front door. The choice is up to you and what measure fits your family better.

Yard Signs and Window Stickers

An important value of having an electronic security system is its deterrent value—and that means letting outsiders know you have one. Place stickers or yard signs around your house. Make them easily visible so anyone scoping your neighborhood will know to pass you by.