Installing an intercom handset in an apartment, connection diagram

Which intercom to choose

There are many companies on the Russian market that manufacture devices for intercoms. High production technologies allow us to produce improved models every year. What kind of intercom system there will be in the house is up to the owners to decide.

When choosing an intercom, you should pay attention to the switching system. Based on this parameter, coordinate and digital intercoms are distinguished. Their difference lies in the wire through which the connection to the apartments is made.

When installing a digital intercom, one line is laid to connect the switch with all apartments. The coordinate system is designed in such a way that each apartment will have a separate wire connecting it to the switch.

Today, digital intercoms are considered more reliable in operation. But their price is three times higher than the price of coordinate ones.

Another characteristic worth paying attention to is the type of connection. There are audio and video intercoms. The difference between them is the presence of a display on which you can see who is calling. The video intercom provides high security; thanks to it, no strangers will be able to get inside the entrance. But the cost of such devices is high. Apartment owners for the most part give preference to audio intercoms.

Who pays for intercom service

From the moment of installation, the intercom acquires the status of common property and belongs to all apartment owners in the building. According to current legislation, the residents themselves pay for the maintenance and upkeep of the property. After the intercom appears at the entrance, a new receipt will appear in your mailbox.

The obligation to pay amounts for the maintenance of this device is also assigned to those owners who did not install tubes in their apartments.

Previously, people did not think that someone could enter their entrance and cause damage to the property located in it. In Soviet times, there were wooden entrance doors, and flowers in pots bloomed on the staircase landings.

Perhaps the reason for the vandalism of the entrances was the dashing 90s, when the morality of the people wanted better. That’s when they began to come up with and install various means of protection from ill-wishers. At first these were combination locks installed by housing and communal services, then they were replaced by intercoms. Let's see what else they will invent to protect common property.

Recommendations

To protect yourself as much as possible from uninvited guests, follow these tips:

Only let people you know into the entrance. If a person introduces himself as a government official (for example, a police officer), ask him to show his identification when he arrives at your entrance.
Many video systems allow you to record video or take photos. If a stranger comes to you, do not open the door for him, but be sure to take a photo/video in case you contact the police.
If possible, try to negotiate with your neighbors to install a shared video system on the floor. This will save a lot of money and improve the security of the entrance.

Types of modern intercoms and their features

An audio or video intercom is used to reliably identify visitors. The latter is often installed in private cottages and is created for additional visual control of the space in front of the front door.

A handset that is equipped with buttons for accepting a call and opening an entrance electromagnetic or electromechanical lock. The device is installed by a company that provides intercom installation and maintenance services. If such devices were not installed in some apartments when installing the entrance, there is the possibility of installing them yourself. You can also use the services of a specialist service company.
A call panel equipped with a numeric dial field that allows the visitor to signal the intercom by pressing the required code, usually the apartment number. In addition, there is a reading device on the panel, with which you can use a special key to open the electromagnetic lock that blocks the entrance doors.
Locking device with power supply. The most common type of lock today is electromagnetic. Until recently, electromechanical latches equipped with sliding mechanisms were ubiquitous. Such devices are often present in the entrances of apartment buildings even now. To operate a remotely controlled unit, you must use a DC voltage of 12 or 24 V.
Switch. This device is designed to transmit a signal from the call panel to the subscriber handset of a specific apartment.

Depending on the type of signal processing, digital and analog intercoms are distinguished. For digital and analog models, various types of receiving devices are used. Before purchasing such a device, you should definitely find out what type is installed in the entrance.

There are two types of intercoms that can be successfully used both in a private house and in an apartment building: digital and coordinate matrix. Both types show high reliability, but their connection is somewhat different.

Digital

The alarm call is transmitted by a two-wire line system.
It determines the number of the desired apartment.
In this option, jumpers are used that transmit a signal to a specific subscriber over a twisted mesh.

The handset in each apartment has microcircuits. You can connect either the entire entrance or just one floor to such a controller.

To connect devices of this type, only a cable with two cores is used, through which an encrypted signal is transmitted. The handset installed in the apartment, the number of which was dialed on the call panel, responds to the signal.

To set the correspondence between the dialed code and the handset, special jumpers are used - jumpers - which bridge the required contacts in the answering machine. To correctly program the operation of the handset, jumpers are placed between the numbered terminals so that the sum of the numbers equals the apartment number.

The advantages of such intercoms include ease of installation and connection of new subscribers. The main disadvantage of such equipment is the influence of each tube on the operation of the entire system. When replacing a device due to its breakdown, as well as when connecting new subscribers, the correct installation of jumpers is extremely important.

If there is an error in connecting the digital handset or a short circuit in the lead wires, the system may malfunction.

Currently, to partially eliminate this drawback, floor controllers are used, which allow the fault to be localized within one level.

Another disadvantage of digital intercoms is their relative high cost, which does not allow these devices to become widespread.

Analog

A feature of these intercoms is the relative ease of installation. A commutator is connected to the coordinate communication device. It is this element that switches the call to a specific handset.

This device is connected to each apartment using two cables. Their numbers are not repeated. Communication is established by transmitting a signal to a switch. The modulator then processes the received signal and connects to the desired cable. Next, thanks to the relay, a connection with the apartment occurs.

The most commonly used connection is a parallel connection. This makes the job much easier if you decide to install the intercom yourself. The main thing is to remember the polarity of the calling panel, handsets in apartments and the electric lock.

If you make the connection incorrectly, the operation of not only a specific branch, but also the system as a whole will be disrupted.

Analog installations use a coordinate matrix connection and operate on the principle of a telephone exchange. An additional element of such a system is a switch, which processes and analyzes the signal, as well as redirecting it to a specific subscriber.

To connect the intercom handset to the switch, two buses are used. The contacts of the first of them (D0–D9) correspond to tens, and the second (E0–E9) to ones.

connect the conductor from the positive terminal of the subscriber handset to the contact corresponding to number 7 on the tens bus;
the conductor adjacent to the negative terminal is to the contact corresponding to number 4 on the units bus.

In the considered connection option, a device was used that was designed to serve up to 100 subscribers. There are models that can work with a large number of numbers, but their principle of operation is no different from that discussed above.

If the numbers of apartments located in the entrance do not allow connection, the installer reprograms the control panel with the numbers shifted by a certain number (for example, 84 must be subtracted from each). In this case, some difficulty arises when connecting, since without consulting the specialist who installed the intercom in the entrance, it is difficult to find out the amount of displacement.

At the first stage of work, the location of the intercom handset is selected, then it is fixed to the wall using quick installation.
Next, the installation location of the switch is determined (for analog intercoms). On each floor they are installed in a distribution box for low-current circuits. All of them are connected in parallel, which greatly simplifies the installation process. In the general case, just one switch per entrance is sufficient, but when using such a scheme, you have to stretch wires from the apartments on the upper floors to the installation site of the device.
After removing the protective cover of the switch, the terminals corresponding to tens and ones are determined, then the connection is made so that the sum of the numbers of these contacts shows the serial number of the apartment.
The wires are connected to the tube. It is extremely important to observe polarity. The positive terminal is connected to the contact of the commutator corresponding to tens, the negative terminal to ones.

If the polarity is not observed when connecting the coordinate matrix system device, the operation of the devices of the entire entrance may be disrupted.

Possible faults

During operation of the intercom system, various malfunctions :

mechanical damage to the tube;
When you pick up the handset, the signal continues to sound;
failure of the lock release button;
the voice of the caller is hard to hear;
if you press the door open button, the call is dropped.

In the first case, it is easier to replace the damaged part (pipe), because they are not so expensive. The main thing is to choose the right intercom for your intercom system model. In situations where the call signal does not turn off when the handset is picked up, there is no connection with the calling visitor and there is no reaction to pressing the lock control button - look for a breakdown in the handset switch. You can repair or replace it yourself, however, it is still recommended to entrust this to professionals, especially if you have never done anything like this before. This procedure requires some experience and appropriate tools.

If you have to press the electric button several times to open the lock, the microswitch is to blame. It is not difficult to change this part yourself, even if it is located on the intercom handset. It is enough to carefully unsolder the contacts of the faulty part, remove it and solder a new one. If the visitor is hard to hear, the problem is in the speaker or microphone. In some models, such a malfunction may be caused by a clogged “Balance” resistor installed on the intercom handset board .

In the latter case, you can try to twist the resistor lever yourself; in most cases, audibility is restored.

Unauthorized disconnection of a call when the lock is unlocked may be caused by an interruption in the electrical circuit coming from the speaker. In this case, carefully inspect all cable connections - both on the panel and on the intercom. Of course, turn off the device first. If there is a break somewhere, you need to replace the wire or solder the contacts of the wire and terminals. To summarize, we can say the following: in many cases, you can replace a damaged tube of both a digital and a coordinate matrix intercom yourself; this is a fairly simple action. Only in some cases is it worth calling the adjusters of your intercom system.

To learn how to connect different intercom handsets, see the following video.

A handset or apartment intercom device is an integral part of the intercom system. It is installed in each apartment of a residential building and allows you to conduct a dialogue with the visitor and control the electronic lock to open the door. Connecting the intercom handset yourself, if necessary, is not at all difficult. You just need to know a few simple rules.

Handset design

The residential subscriber device consists of two parts. This is a handset and panel that is usually mounted on the wall next to the front door. The handset can be installed anywhere, you just need to lay the wire around the apartment. Inside the handset there is a microphone, a speaker and a small board with discrete elements. The panel has a handset release lever, and the handset itself has a door open button.

The electronic lock button can also be located on the wall panel. In modern models, the lever is replaced by a reed switch, and there is a small magnet on the tube itself. Some models may have a handset switch. On the back of the panel there are two screws marked “+” and “–”. A two-wire line is connected to them.

The wires should be connected to the intercom handset with correct polarity, otherwise the intercom system will not be able to be used - it will not work.

coordinate;
digital.

Based on the types of intercoms, apartment handsets also have slight differences. In coordinate intercoms, a switch installed in the entrance is responsible for the apartment number, and in digital devices, a special chip, which is located on a board inside the handset.

Breakdowns that can be fixed

The most common problem is button failure. This seemingly insignificant detail significantly affects the entire repair of the intercom handset, since it has a direct connection with the switch located inside the device. When a problem arises, a crackling sound is heard at the initial stage, and then many people notice that the intercom is making noise, and significantly.

When the caller presses the button, the crackling sound is clearly audible. At the beginning of the problem, the door will open normally. But if you wait a little time and don’t make an effort to repair it, it will stop opening.

Intercom button

The switch itself cannot be repaired. You just need to purchase a replacement part. Its cost is not high. If a professional is involved in the work, then everything will be done not only quickly, but also efficiently.

When guests come to a person and they ring the intercom, a specific sound appears in the room, after which the owner of the room picks up the phone to clarify who has arrived. But when pressed, the button refuses to function. More often, the culprit is the switch, which is located under the button. To understand in more detail the reasons and repairs, we remove the cover of the device and carefully examine its “insides”.

To understand that in the place where the owner assumes, a new part is connected to the problem area for some time through a four-wire version of the system. Thus, through these 4 cables the problem that has arisen is dealt with.

Pay attention to the speaker that the handset is equipped with. It often becomes the reason that the subscriber is hard to hear. Inside the device there is a special resistor that regulates the microphone and speaker. But you don’t need to immediately turn down or turn up the volume. From the beginning, remember the position in which the resistor was located and only then start twisting it.

Installing an intercom in an apartment

Sooner or later, each of us will face the problem of connecting the tube.

Installation of equipment independently in connection with the installation of a protection system.
Connection of the handset due to a breakdown of the previously installed intercom device.

If you still have to do this work yourself, then first of all you should purchase completely new equipment. In this case, you should take into account the fact that the handset must fully comply with the installed intercom system.

Today, buying a handset for an intercom is not difficult, and you can safely purchase it yourself. Thanks to the many modern companies engaged in this production, there is a wide range of products that are publicly available and suitable for any type of intercom.

It is strongly recommended to purchase goods only from authorized dealers, who guarantee the quality of the goods and provide a guarantee for a long service life. The device must meet all the specified quality conditions, since only high-quality intercom handsets can ensure uninterrupted and reliable operation of the security system. Otherwise, re-installation will not take long.

Installation of handsets for digital intercoms

Digital intercom systems are mainly used in apartment buildings. Installing a handset of this type has its own specifics, namely: this addressing scheme requires a two-core cable to which the subscriber handset is attached. Here you should pay attention to the polarity.

Each intercom handset has its own microcircuit, which is programmed with jumpers or jumpers for each apartment number. In this regard, in order to find out your apartment number, you will have to carefully disassemble the handset and carefully examine the existing microcircuit. Near each jumper there is a special digital panel on which the numbers are in ascending order.

Here the apartment code is made up of numbers related to closed jumpers. A disassembled old handset can serve as an example from which you can transfer the code to a new device. Thus, installing a new intercom handset will not be difficult.

Installation of a handset on a coordinate matrix intercom

Connecting the intercom handset to this type yourself is not difficult. Here, all the work consists of transmitting a signal to a special switch, which, when a call is received, processes it and, due to the presence of special keys, sends the call signal to the required subscriber device. Installing a handset for such an intercom will force the owner not only to work hard, but also to show ingenuity.

During installation, the whole problem lies in the cable, which is divided into many wires related to each individual apartment in the entrance. It should also be taken into account here that tens keys generally do not exceed seven, including zero. Thus, the total number of users can be more than eighty.

Do-it-yourself installation of an intercom handset consists of finding the required bus of tens, as well as units. It is very easy to deal with dozens - they are located on the panel of the required floor. All that is required is to find the wire to which the wires related to each apartment in the entrance are connected. This way you will select the cable you need.

To select the correct unit bus, you need to go up to the floor with the apartment number that matches the last digit of your apartment, and again find the cable on the panel. A plus is connected to the tens bus, and a minus to the units bus. This is where all the difficulties end.

Installing the device is not difficult. Then we just connect the handset. To do this, we carry out the entire procedure described, paying attention to the polarity. If all existing rules are followed, we can say that the installation is complete.

Aspects to consider when choosing replacement parts

The correct choice of replacement part becomes important in the repair process. Make purchases in special stores. In addition, pay attention to the intercom model for which you are purchasing parts.

Internal components of the device

If we consider modern models that appear in the assortment, intercoms that do not have stands stand out. Consider the type during the selection process. The differences between the proposed options may be as follows:

Type of call addressing;
Mode of application;
Features of functional work.

There shouldn't be any problems with purchasing and choosing. Moreover, the assortment is full of various models. But it’s still better not to install the equipment yourself, but to turn to specialists for help. Of course, they will ask for a fee for their services, but you can be sure that everything will be done with high quality and with a long-term guarantee of service.

Device repair

Watch our educational video to see how specialists carry out repairs.

In country houses and apartments, you can install inexpensive intercoms that will provide control of entrances to entrances or premises. These systems differ from industrial systems in their simpler design and functionality within the stated cost. Due to the availability of home video surveillance and access control, there is a need to decide how to connect the intercom handset in compliance with technical details and security measures.

Installation and connection of an intercom with an electromagnetic lock

Electromagnetic locks differ in the method of landing on the door leaf.

installation in a cutout with overlays of durable parts of the body on the surface of the sash;
installation in the inner cavity of the door with the mandatory removal of the magnetic pad flush with the surface.

The first installation option requires less carpentry skills, but can be challenging when working with a metal door. The second one is more accurate and will require professional skills to create a recess in a wooden door. To fix the lock, hand tools, self-tapping screws and another type of detachable connection are used. Welding the locking mechanism to the door is highly discouraged.

It is recommended to place the connection wire either at the end of the sash, or so that it is hidden by the cash strips. You can also run the route inside the overhead cable channel.

Installation of calling panel

Where exactly to place the intercom calling panel depends on the wishes of the owner. In this case, you should be guided by basic common sense: to press the call button or place a face in the capture area of the video camera, you do not need to require any special actions from the visitor.

The calling panel is placed so that all its parts (except the front) are closed to prevent accidental or intentional damage and protected from moisture. To connect, it is worth laying the cables in advance. Their connection is carried out according to the instructions for the device.

red cable or terminal – for internal buzzer;
brown – to control the lock;
red – for positive power cable;
green – to internal light signal;
yellow connects to the manual release button (from inside the security zone);
orange connects to the door close sensor (if used);
white – to the key contact device.

The black wire is a single marking of the common contact for all devices in the system; it is connected to the minus power line. If it is impossible to lay the cable structure in advance in a fence, soil, or metal structures, it is recommended to place it in a metal or corrugated pipe; durable aluminum cable channels are also suitable.

The diagram of the intercom calling panel is always given in the technical data sheet; the purpose and marking of the terminal comb or branch contact lines of the device are also indicated there.

Connection diagram for an intercom with an electromechanical lock

An electromagnetic lock brought from a store may have a different number of contacts.

green – main manager, release;
black – neutral wire for condition monitoring;
blue, yellow – transmit a signal of the locking or unlocking state, respectively.

The intercom does not use a detailed monitoring system; it controls only unlocking. Therefore, the lock is connected with only two contacts: in the standard case, green (to the control point of the calling panel) and red (to the positive terminal of the power supply of the appropriate voltage). All necessary technical data are always provided by the manufacturer in the product passport.

How to connect a video intercom to an entrance intercom

To coordinate the video intercom with the entrance intercom, special elements are used - MSC/MSK interface modules. These devices are used to coordinate a video intercom with a digital/coordinate entrance intercom. The adapter is capable of supporting video intercoms from various manufacturers; the manufacturer promises high-quality work with CTV, Commax and Kocom. There are restrictions described in the instructions for the device.

Connecting to a digital entrance intercom

Installation of the MSC adapter is quite simple. You connect the wires that previously went to the intercom handset. Also connect the four wires from the video intercom to the adapter.

The calling panel is connected directly to the adapter, just like the camera. For this purpose, the device has appropriate outputs.

Organization of two-way audio communication with the visitor.
Opening the lock by command from a video intercom.

The connection diagram looks like this:

We connect to the coordinated entrance intercom

The MSC module is needed to work with a coordinated entrance intercom. Connection and operation are similar to the MSC adapter described above.

The connection diagram using MSC looks like this:

Why do you need a BUZ?

The BUZ is intended to protect the electromechanical lock coil from overload. The element also prevents “burning” of the relay control contacts on the calling unit.

Connection diagrams for BUZ and electromechanical lock

Commax intercom: installation instructions, connection diagram

Commax intercoms differ in screen diagonal, type of connection, control method, etc. Some models can divide the screen into four parts. This is convenient if you need to view images from four cameras simultaneously. The user can choose a color or black and white intercom, with a hands-free function and other types of modifications.

If we talk about the device’s memory, then, as a rule, it is enough to take up to 128 frames. Some Commax intercom models can record short videos. Recording begins after the user presses a key, so there is no need to confuse a video intercom with video surveillance.

A more comfortable solution is the ability to connect a cordless handset. Thus, the signal passes not only to the intercom, but also to the handset itself, which is very convenient if the apartment is large and the call cannot always be heard. The presence of such a handset allows you to use it not only as a means of communication with the intercom system, but also as a telephone, for which it is enough to connect to the telecom operator’s network.

Connection diagram

The Commax intercom connection diagram includes several elements. These include: calling panels, controller, electric lock, 12 V power supply and video cameras. The connection principle is quite simple.

The user may not install a video camera, but instead mount an additional call panel. This is relevant for protecting large areas with two gates. In most cases, instead of a second shooting, a camera is mounted. Thus, it is easier for the user to decide whether to open the door or not.

The calling panel and camera are connected to the controller using four wires: audio, video, power and common. A DC voltage of 12 V is supplied to the input of the calling panel and to the input of the video camera. This is a transformed value obtained as a result of conversion by the power supply of a household alternating voltage of 220 V.

The system provides for the use of two electric locks, but the user can leave only one or exclude them from the circuit altogether. If you decide not to install locks, then the wires must be insulated and hidden under the panel.

In the case when a video camera is used instead of a second calling panel, the sound is transported through one channel, and only the image through the second. Most often, a video camera is installed immediately in front of the entrance to the apartment, and a calling panel is installed in front of the entrance to a long corridor, after passing which the visitor enters the lens frame.

In some cases, two intercoms are connected. This is convenient if the house is large and one post is not enough, then one, for example, is installed on the first floor, and the other on the second.

Connection

The Commax intercom is connected using colored wires. Typically these are red, blue, yellow and white wires. It is important to maintain the order of connections, as incorrect connections can cause equipment failure. In some cases, repair is not possible; the user has to purchase the equipment again.

The blue wire is common; the power potential is measured against it.
Red – audio signal.
Yellow is the positive bus of the main power supply of the equipment.
White – video signal.

When connecting the equipment, it is necessary to ensure that the device is not exposed to direct sunlight. Excessive heat is the main cause of failure. It is better to place the elements at a height of one and a half meters; if there are children in the family, they will not be able to reach them.

If connecting wires are laid close to high-voltage lines, then it is necessary to use a coaxial cable, which is protected by a metal pipe. This is the only way that magnetic fields will not create interference currents - and this can become one of the reasons for a false signal. The pipe, in turn, will reliably protect the connecting wires from external influences.

It is necessary to monitor the integrity of the wiring, as a violation of the insulation leads to a short circuit, which can cause a fire. After all elements are connected, the correct connection is checked again. It is important that the conductors are securely fixed and the order of the wires is not disturbed.

When connecting the monitor and camera, you must make sure that the monitor is not connected to the network. Power is supplied only when the power cord is connected to an outlet. At the end, the specialist turns on the devices and performs a control check of the functionality of all elements.

Intercom Visit - detailed connection diagram

The operating instructions for the “Visit” intercom must indicate safety precautions. It must be remembered that the voltage in the device does not exceed 18 V. It is strictly forbidden to carry out maintenance or repair of the equipment while the power is on.

Repair work or routine maintenance must be carried out by a specialized service organization. The instructions also describe the installation procedure. Before performing installation work, be sure to study it, as well as the connection diagram of the intercom equipment units.

The instructions contain a graphic representation of the device installation process. Direct contact of snow or rain with the external call unit is not allowed. It is prohibited to use electromagnetic locks with a resistance lower than 10 Ohms and higher than 20 Ohms.

power supply voltage;
power consumption;
dimensions of the calling unit (dimensions);
block mass;
operating conditions (minimum and maximum air temperature, relative humidity).

If a video intercom is installed, then the camera parameters must be indicated.

Author: Sergey Vladimirovich, electrical engineer. More about the author.

Why do you need a BUZ?

The BUZ is intended to protect the electromechanical lock coil from overload. The element also prevents “burning” of the relay control contacts on the calling unit.