Guide to Choosing an Intercom System for Your Electric Gate
If you’re thinking about installing electric gates on your property, it’s important that you remember that you’ll need an intercom as well. Intercom systems are essential for electric gates; they allow you to communicate with visitors and open your gates remotely. Intercoms offer both security and convenience – you can confirm who is at your property and grant them access without having to walk down the driveway yourself.
There are numerous different kinds of intercoms out there. In this guide, we’ll be breaking down different intercom options to help you make the right decision for your property.
Why Do You Need an Intercom for Your Electric Gate?
Before we dive into the different intercom systems on the market, let’s talk a little more about why intercoms are so essential for electric gates.
Picture this – it’s a dark winter night, and someone is at your gate. Without an intercom, you’d have no way of knowing who that person is. You’d have to walk down the driveway and see for yourself. With an intercom, you can speak to them and confirm their identity without leaving your home and grant them access remotely.
This makes them an essential addition to any property. Intercoms offer security and convenience and can help manage visitors and deliveries.
Of course, it’s important to choose the right intercom for your property. Let’s explore some of the different types.
Types of Electric Gate Intercom Systems
Audio Intercoms
Audio intercoms are the most basic form of intercom system. They offer an audio link through which you can communicate with whoever is at your gate. While they don’t come with the bells and whistles seen on more advanced intercom systems, they still offer excellent security measures and will give your property an extra layer of safety.
Given their relative simplicity, it will come as no surprise to learn that audio intercoms are one of the more affordable options. If you’re shopping on a budget, an audio intercom could be the ideal choice.
Video Intercoms
Video intercoms are one step up from audio intercoms. As well as an audio feed, video intercoms offer a visual display through a connected camera. This means you can actually see who is at your gate via a screen on your intercom system. You don’t need to rely on sound alone to verify the identity of your visitor.
Of course, with this video monitoring feature, video intercoms are generally more expensive than audio intercoms. You will need to balance the benefits with the higher price before making any final purchasing decision.
Wired vs Wireless Intercoms
All intercom systems can be grouped into two primary categories: wired or wireless.
Wired intercom systems, as the name might suggest, are connected via physical wires that carry information from the intercom on your gate to the one inside your property. The installation of a wired intercom system can be invasive, but you will benefit from a rock-solid, reliable connection.
Wireless intercoms, on the other hand, make use of wireless tech, such as WiFi or radio waves. What this means is that they are far quicker and easier to set up, with no invasive installation process. A wireless intercom can be more suitable for larger properties where the gate is out of your line of sight. One downside to wireless intercoms is that the connection can be less reliable than wired intercoms.
GSM Intercoms
GSM intercom systems work by connecting to your mobile phone. When someone rings the buzzer on your gate, your mobile will receive a call. You can then speak to the visitor over your phone just like you would through a traditional intercom system. That’s not all, you can also use your phone for access control.
The biggest advantage of GSM intercoms is that they can be used remotely, making them perfect for commercial properties. For example, if you’re away from your property but expecting a delivery, you can verify the identity of the delivery driver before giving them access all from your mobile device.
Wifi & Smart Intercoms
Smart technology is transforming the way in which we interact with our homes, improving convenience and enhancing the user experience. Intercoms are also undergoing a smart tech revolution, and we’re seeing a rise in the popularity of intercom systems equipped with things like smart locks.
As well as app control and remote unlocking features, WiFi and smart intercoms offer an improved level of security. They can be set up to allow biometric access, which means using a fingerprint or face scan to unlock the gate. This ensures that only authorised individuals can access your property.
While WiFi and smart intercoms are among the most technologically advanced intercom systems available, they also come with a steeper price tag. This is something to consider before making a decision.
Why Choose TPS Electric Gates for Your Intercom Installation?
If you’re looking to improve the security of your property with the addition of an intercom system, TPS Electric Gates are here to help. We’re a family-run business with over 20 years of experience, and we can install a wide variety of different intercoms and entry systems.
We don’t just install intercom systems; we offer a comprehensive follow-up service with regular maintenance and support. Choose TPS to ensure that your intercom system is always working reliably.
As you can see from our buying guide, there are plenty of options when it comes to intercom systems. The option you choose will depend on your particular requirements and the characteristics of your property.
Intercom systems require expert guidance, and TPS Electric Gates can provide that for you. We’ve installed countless intercoms on a variety of types of gate, we can talk you through and advise on a system that suits you best and adheres to your budget limitations.
Get in touch with TPS Electric Gates today and let us improve the security of your home.