How to choose the right video intercom?.
How to choose the right video intercom? The best option for installing an individual video intercom in a city apartment involves the presence of space on the landing, fenced off by an additional metal door. In this case, the main call unit is installed behind the additional door. The door is equipped with a remotely controlled electromagnetic latch or a magnetic lock. When installing a magnetic lock, it is advisable to install a door closer. Depending on the configuration of the landing, either an additional call unit or a miniature video camera is installed inside the fenced space, providing visibility inside the fenced space.
If there is an agreement between the neighbors on the floor, it is much more convenient to install a special low-subscriber call block with a separate call button for each apartment. Unlike multi-subscriber (entrance) systems, standard monitors of an individual video intercom are used here, which allows for partial use of already installed equipment in such a system. All other components are the same as in the previous example.
Of course, in all cases, in order to reduce costs, you can refuse to install an electric lock and (or) an additional video camera. In my opinion, with this approach, the video intercom loses most of its useful qualities as a security element and turns into a toy.
Video intercom in a country house
In most cases, the optimal composition of video intercom equipment for a country house will be almost the same as in the case of a single-apartment video intercom. But there are some features.
In order for a video intercom in a country house to become a full-fledged part of an electronic security system, additional conditions must be met. For example, steel bars or roller shutters/blinds on the windows provide the owner of the house with additional time to take protective measures if an intruder tries to break in. Without these simple elements, the video intercom simply turns into a toy.
The main calling device is installed near the entrance gate of the garden plot, equipped with a remote-controlled lock. In most cases, due to the lack of more or less serious fencing, this lock serves mainly as protection from drafts and stray dogs. Therefore, this part of the system serves rather as a service device, relieving the owner of the need to leave the house in bad weather to open the gate for a visitor.
Even in specialized sources, one has to come across the opinion that intercom calling units and electric locks do not work stably in outdoor conditions. In this regard, some «experts» even suggest abandoning the use of these devices altogether. I will allow myself to categorically disagree with such views. Indeed, we do not refuse, for example, to use a car, scooter, snowmobile or jet ski just because these mechanisms require periodic refueling with consumables and maintenance.
Many years of experience in outdoor installation of video intercoms allows us to conclude that the reliability of an outdoor video intercom with a controlled lock is 80% determined by professional installation and 20% by timely maintenance. And the user must decide how necessary these costs are.