Instructions for Installing a Home Intercom System

Not too long ago I helped a family member remodel their home and I thought that it would be a pretty neat idea to help them install an intercom system. They have a pretty big family and are constantly yelling to each other if they need something, so I thought that if they had a system like this it would stop them from shouting across the house. My uncle, the family member who had the remodeling done, is one of those guys who likes to go the “cheaper route” and will penny pinch on every little thing imaginable. So, when I presented the idea to him he liked it, but wasn’t about to spend a whole lot of money on hiring a pro to do it.

Because I had never done anything like this before, I was not too sure of the process of installing a system such as this one, but really, it was not that hard to do.

The first thing my uncle had to decide was what type of intercom system he wanted to use. There are a variety of types on the market such as video systems versus just voice, as well as if there can be two way communication or just one way send and receive type intercoms. Depending on the size of your home and the type of communication needs that you may have will determine the best type of system for you. Select the areas in the home where you would like to install

INSTALLING THE SYSTEM

1. The first step is to inspect the master station box to figure out how large of an opening is needed to be cut for the intercom. If this information is not on the station box then check for any enclosures for this information. Be sure to have the included bracket or flange, as well as the mounting screws that will install the system to the wall. Carefully measure the are that the area where the installation will take place. Once you have properly measured the area, place the included studs into the wall and cut in between the studs. Pencil in where you are planning to cut. In each corner of your outline, you will want to drill in about 3/8 inch holes, and then use a saw to cut the hole. Set the master station in the opening to determine if any adjustments to the size needs to be made. Its always better to start too small where adjustments can be made.

2. follow the same steps for installing the master box in the other locations of the home where the receivers are to be placed.

3. Your wiring (may or may not be included in the pack) needs to be set up.

4. Be sure to run cables from each receiver station back to the master. It is advisable to have this wiring take place underneath the carpeting or against the wall and ceiling…whatever you can do to keep the cables out of the way. Work each cable to the master station opening and label each one to indicate which receiver it belongs to.

5. connect three wires to each of the receiver boxes following the color code that is stamped on the boxes’ screws. Attach the unit to the wall stub and attach the molding that surrounds the unit which prevents it from falling out of place.

6. Before you run the wires to the master box, be sure to turn of the circuits to prevent power from flowing through while you are connecting this unit. Once this is done, run the wires to the master box. Attach all receivers and power wires to the master box according to the instructions that came with the system.

7. Once everything is attached, mount the unit to the wall and attach to the studs. Attach the molding around the unit to keep it in place securely and then turn the power back on.

If you test the unit and it does not work, be sure to check all the connections to the master unit and its wires that are connected to it. Once it is working, you have successfully installed an intercom system.