Many homes use outdoor intercoms, which makes it easy to understand their utility, even in a professional or commercial setup. While the fundamentals are similar, technology and components can be much different and large-scale. However, the common understanding is it requires installing an intercom hardware device outside the entrance. And what you choose should be able to tolerate weather conditions. The intercom technology has evolved a lot since its inception. Hence, digging into this area and leveraging it wherever possible or required makes sense.
Outdoor intercom system
This device enables two-way communication between users at two ends of the property: inside and outside. One can open the door through the machine. For external use, waterproof models are more secure. How do you know whether a specific intercom will be safe from water damage? You can refer to the device’s ingress protection (IP) rating to learn about the weatherproofing standards. IP ratings can be of four types, from IP65 to IP68. Each category signifies something crucial. For instance, IP65 models are dust tight. They can resist dust to a high level. At the same time, they can tolerate water sprayed into the system. Finding this IP rating in a professional-grade outdoor intercom system is easy. All other models also offer a high level of dust resistance and varying degree of tolerance levels for exposure to water.
As hinted, outdoor intercoms have been around for a long time, but they have advanced technologically. To be precise, install hardware outside and connect it to proper software to control access and communicate with visitors. Whether you are a commercial building, healthcare facility, educational institution, or place of worship, you can consider an IP65-rated outdoor intercom for its ability to withstand weather and other elements. The two digits 65 indicate different capabilities each. For instance, number 6 signifies the device’s safety level from dust, and number 5 indicates its strength to face rain from different angles. Due to these reasons, the risk of damage to the device will be lower. You can continue using the same set for a long.
Types of outdoor intercoms
Although many options are available, you can focus primarily on wireless and wired systems. Wireless outdoor devices stand out for easy installation and broader application in any property type. If you want to avoid dealing with extensive and expensive wiring installations, plug-and-play wireless models can be your choice. You connect your device to a power outlet and manage the rest of the things on the network or internet. Two options will be available when you explore the wireless category: IP intercom and Wi-Fi intercom. Another name for IP intercoms is Power over Ethernet intercoms. These intercoms have earned such a name because they use the internet and IP methodologies to send data online. IP intercoms run on PoE cables that handle internet connection and power supply.
Some choose Wi-Fi intercoms, but this solution makes sense if your Wi-Fi connection is solid and available across the property. Before investing in this, you must analyze the connectivity factor to avoid disappointment or unwanted surprises. The hardware will need a remote connection with a Wi-Fi router because it’s a wireless system. You can use a PoE cable to link the device located too far from the Wi-Fi range.
Let’s come down to wired intercoms that require connecting to all the in-unit devices inside the building. It is an expensive investment. A few buildings still rely on wired devices. If your property has internet access issues, this can be your preference.
Intercom needs of different commercial buildings
Suppose you need this for your commercial office space to control access to the premises. You would want something that allows you to link different corners of the building. Integrating it with a security system can be another criterion. Plus, it’s best to find anything that allows customization. Healthcare facilities would also want this system to serve their emergency communication needs. In an educational institution, the device should be able to integrate with other devices or management systems. It should also allow faster and more reliable emergency communication services.
Benefits of outdoor VoIP intercom systems
Installing or upgrading an outdoor intercom system can be an intelligent move. You can verify visitors’ credentials before letting them in. As a result, your property feels safe from vandalism and trespassing events. The device eliminates the need to be physically present at the location to open entry for the visitor. Choose something that also offers visual notifications along with a calling facility. It can be particularly admirable in emergencies.
Things to consider
When shopping for this communication tool for your business, you will want to assess your choice on many parameters. However, two things must be part of your consideration, such as installation and IP rating. An outdoor device should be safe from weather and other elements. The IP rating of the device can be a good indicator of this. Many professional systems enjoy an IP65 rating. If you remember, these digits reflect your device can withstand snow, rain, and cleaning solutions. VoIP inter communication offer ease of installation. Hence, you can pick one of them. These usually need a power supply and internet, eliminate the dependency on complex wiring work. Interestingly, some intercoms multitask by also perform the job of a paging speaker. It can be a valuable feature, especially if you are a school, hospital, office, or something else.
Most decisions stop at the cost factor. If you want to improve or upgrade your commercial building communication and safety, outdoor intercoms can be an excellent investment. Depending on their functionality and features, you can expect them to cost anywhere from USD $500-5k. Some common influences on the price point include vendor, complexity, location, and installation requirement. Wired devices can be affordable upfront, but wiring work will eventually make them expensive.
Conversely, wireless or VoIP models can ask for a higher price because of their feature richness and convenience. But they deliver much more than your expectations in every situation. You can get them installed soon as they are less demanding. Make sure to buy your product from a reliable brand only. Also, please read all the details to understand its operability.
