How to Wire a Building Intercom

Intercoms allow you to save time.

An intercom typically refers to local communication systems that allow people within a home or building to communicate with each other. Unlike landline telephones which can call people in distant places, an intercom can only call other intercoms within a house or building. Intercoms provide various benefits and are typically used to increase productivity by enhancing communications. Learning how to install an intercom can help you take advantage of the many benefits this type of equipment can give.

Things You'll Need

• Level tool
• 3/8-inch drill bit
• Power drill
• Drywall saw
• Metal file
• Masking tape
• Cable staples
• Diagonal pliers
• Wire stripper
• Slotted screwdriver

Instructions

1. Locate the spot on a wall where you wish to place the master station and each sub-station. For the master station, choose a spot close to an electrical outlet.

2. Hold the master station against the wall on the spot where you wish to mount it. Level the intercom horizontally and vertically, using a level tool. Draw the outline of the base using a pencil.

3. Create an opening for the base of the intercom by drilling three-eights-inch holes at each corner of the outline, then cutting along the lines with a drywall saw. Smooth out rough edges, using a metal file. Repeat the same procedures, starting from Step 2, to create wall openings for any sub-station.

4. Hold each intercom cable and wrap a band of masking tape about 3 inches from the tip of each cable at both ends. On each tape, write the sub-station number to which each cable will connect.

5. Match each cable to its corresponding sub-station number and run each cable from each sub-station to the master station. Attach the cable along walls, ceilings or baseboards using cable staples every 2 feet along the route. Do not nick or damage the cable; doing so may cause connectivity problems.

6. Expose the copper conductors at both ends of each cable by cutting away 2 inches of cable sheathing, using diagonal pliers, and stripping off one-half inch of insulation from the tip of each wire with a wire stripper.

7. Loosen the terminal screws typically located at the base of the master station. Connect each cable to the master station by matching the cable number to the sub-station number marked beside each terminal. Wrap each wire around its corresponding terminal screw, following the configurations stated in the owner's manual. Intercoms come in different brands and from different manufacturers, which is why wire color codes may vary from brand to brand. Tighten each terminal screw firmly. Check each connection to make sure there are no loose wires that may cause interference or corroded conductors.

8. Plug the power cord into the the back of the master station. Plug the intercom base into the wall opening. Cover the gap around the edge of the intercom by slipping the trim molding supplied with the intercom between the wall and the edge of the intercom.

9. Connect each cable to its matching sub-station by wrapping each wire clockwise around its corresponding terminal screw according to the manufacturer's configuration shown in the owner's manual. Tighten each terminal screw firmly, using a slotted screwdriver.

10. Mount each sub-station into its corresponding wall opening. Cover the gap between the wall and the intercom base, using the trim molding supplied with the intercom. Slip the molding into the gap and run the molding along each side of the intercom. Plug the power cord into the wall outlet and use the intercom to test the system.

References

• Home Depot: How to Install an Intercom
• Intra Sonic: Retro-M Installation Instructions
• House Intercom.net: House Intercom