When people come knocking on our door the first instinct that we have is to answer it so as not to seem rude. This is probably one of the worst things that we can do because the person on the other side might be someone that we do not know and may have ulterior motives. With the rise in burglaries during the day and night time hours it is important that we use something to protect ourselves against this.
The best way to answer your front door is with a door intercom system. A speaker is installed on the outside and inside of the home next to the door. With the simple push of a button you can speak to the person outside and ask them all the information you need to know to decide whether it is safe to open the door to them or not. The more sophisticated systems allow you to speak and look the visitor with the help of a camera and monitoring system.
Try to find a system that has the necessary features that will make it more useful in your home. A regular system with just the speaker will cost you around $50 while one with video might cost you anywhere between $100 to $200. You can also purchase one that is wired in such a way that you can use any landline phone in the home to speak with the visitor.
Installing Video Intercom Systems
- When you purchase the door intercom system with video you need to place the camera next to the door frame and at eye level. Measure and mark the size of the space you will need to fit the camera that came with the system and the wiring that will run behind it. The cable for the camera will run straight through the wall and hook up to the monitor inside.
- Set up the camera box on the wall and connect the cable wires to the back of it. Place the camera inside of the box and screw it firmly into place.
- Inside of the home you will need to screw the mounting bracket for the monitor into the wall and over the electrical outlet. If you don’t want anyone to see the chords you will need to first install a recessed receptacle outlet and place the mounting bracket over it. Now connect the wires to the back of the monitor, plug it into the wall, and secure the mounting bracket to it.
Installing Doorbell Intercom System
- For a standard doorbell intercom system without the video you will first need to turn the off the power that runs to the doorbell circuit. Remove and disconnect all of the wiring to the doorbell and attach the intercom mounting bracket to the wall.
- Now connect all of the wires to the new doorbell module. You will need to transfer all of the doorbell wires in the transformer to the AC adapter of the intercom and plug it in. At the doorbell you will disconnect the wires, twist them together, and cover them using a wire connector.
- Know where you will want to place the intercom and secure it firmly into the wall. Plug it in and turn the power on to test it out.