When shopping for a door intercom system the first question to ask is whether or not you can run wires between the door and the inside area where you want a monitor intercom. If you need multiple indoor intercoms, can you also run wires between those areas (the wires don’t all go back to the door, but run between inside stations)? If you are looking at a wired system, don’t forget to factor in the cost of the installation when calculating the total cost of the system. The cost of installing the wire can be even more than the system itself. If you decide on a wireless door intercom, installation is usually fairly simple and low cost.
If you choose a wireless door intercom then you need to be concerned about factors like the distance between the inside and outside stations and anything that may interfere with the signal. If a building is metal or concrete, the signal may not pass through the walls. If there are other electrical or wireless devices they could also interfere with the signal. Some of the commercial-type intercoms have greater signal strength and can use an external antenna that can help solve some of these issues.
Another issue to be aware of is privacy. If you need the calls between the front door intercom and the inside unit to be private, then a wired system is best. However, the WireFree Wireless Intercom is a digital system that has built-in digital security that keeps others from hearing the conversation.
Another question to ask is whether or not you want to remotely unlock the door or whether you plan to walk to the door and let people in. The WireFree system does not have that capability, but the most other intercoms do as long as you have some sort of electric door strike installed.
If the person who will be answering the door is mobile, you’ll need a wireless system so that person can carry a handheld radio.
A door intercom can also have video capability so you can see who is at the door as well as talk to them.
IntercomsOnline.com has a variety of door intercoms your you to choose from.