To ensure security, video intercoms today are increasingly used not only in offices and warehouses, but also in apartments and cottages. To connect this device, you can use the services of specialists, but you can also do it yourself.
A standard video intercom kit for an apartment includes:
This system allows you to open the lock remotely. A camera is built into the calling panel, and an image of what is happening behind the door is displayed on the monitor.
Call panel
The call panel is used to identify guests and visitors. It connects directly to the monitor and receives power from it. Depending on the model, the panel includes the following elements:
- A relay designed to control the lock;
- Backlighting for visibility at night;
- Microphone and speakers for two-way communication.
First you need to decide on a place to install the panel. In an apartment building, it can be placed both at the entrance to the entrance and at the door of the apartment (or you can make a parallel connection and install two panels at once). The optimal height of its location is 1.4-1.6 m from the ground or floor. If all system elements are purchased separately, ensure that the video signal transmitted by the camera matches the signal received by the monitor.
The viewing angle of the built-in video camera is about 60 degrees. It should cover the entire space near the entrance. If the call panel is mounted outdoors, it is better to choose a more expensive but safe device that has anti-vandal properties and is resistant to mechanical and natural influences. First, a through hole is made for the wires, then the panel itself is attached using dowels. To protect the lens from direct sunlight, you can make a visor over it.
Monitor
Color and black and white monitors are available. Black and white have a long service life and lower cost. The monitor is installed indoors. Moreover, it can be placed either directly at the front door or anywhere else in the apartment or house. However, you should not excessively increase the distance between the monitor and the calling panel to avoid weakening and blurring of the video signal. It is necessary to outline in advance the connection points for the panel and monitor, as well as the route for laying the wires connecting them.
When connecting several panels in parallel to one monitor, it is recommended to select certain models with a large number of inputs. If a connection is made to several cameras, they are sent on different lines. The amplitude of the standard signal is 0.7 V, so excessive loads will lead to its loss.
Cable laying
Laying connecting wires between the call panel and the monitor is the most difficult and crucial moment of connecting a video intercom. The quality of work and reliability of the entire system will directly depend on this.
The cable can be “fastened” with fasteners to the walls and ceiling, but it is best, of course, to lay it through a special channel made in the wall, or run it along the baseboards; you also need to pay attention to the presence of the necessary insulation. That is why it is recommended to install a video intercom during renovation work.
Approximate layout of elements
For stable and high-quality signal transmission, the length of the wires should not exceed 50 m. Typically, a ShSM multicable is used, consisting of three cores:
- Yellow (video broadcast);
- Blue (audio broadcast);
- Orange (power, 12 V).
You should connect the contacts carefully; connection errors, for example, connecting the power wire to the video output of the call panel can damage the device. If the distance between the monitor and the panel is more than 50 m, you should use a coaxial cable.
Connecting an electromechanical lock to a video intercom
The lock is connected to the call panel using a two-core wire, the cross-section of which must be at least 0.75 square meters. mm. The contact relay, power supply and lock are connected in series. The electromechanical lock is controlled by a short-term pulse, which is supplied to it from the power supply. One of the lock’s power cores is opened by the control contact of the panel, and the second wire (“–”) remains as is.
As a result, when you press the corresponding button, an impulse is sent to the calling panel, which briefly closes the relay, power is supplied to the lock, and thereby it opens.
Electromechanical lock connection diagram
In a similar way, you can connect an electromechanical lock not to the call panel, but to the monitor, which is provided in some models of video intercoms. In this case, the connection diagram does not change significantly.
Electromechanical lock with remote control
This type of lock consists of two parts: electrical and mechanical. The locking device is opened with a regular key, a special proxy card or a key in the form of a large tablet. The electric lock contains a small motor that locks and raises the bolt. The lock itself is attached to the door structure, then electrical wires are connected to it through the power supply.
Complete set of electromechanical lock
The locking device works simply. At the moment when the doors are supposed to close, one bolt in the mechanical part activates the spring. The second crossbar firmly holds the canvas. To open the sash, it is necessary that, under the influence of an electric current, the element removes the blocker that secures the spring. The spring will then retract the locking bolt that is still holding the door in place. Once the door is closed, the process repeats.
In addition to the bolt, a special electric latch can be installed in the lock structure. The principle of its operation is the same as that of a conventional latch, and it differs only in that it opens using an electric current. It is practical to use such a part for installation together with a locking mechanism to increase resistance to burglary.
To open the lock from the inside, press the button provided on the body. From the outside, the device is opened with a special key, the data of which is stored on the reader.
Some models do not receive power while no one is using them. To open such a lock, you first activate it by pressing a button, then apply the key. A special device analyzes the key code, and if it matches what is in the database, an opening signal is sent.
The remote control lock can be opened using a remote control that is connected to the reader. This is convenient because it is possible to open the lock without touching it, even without being present in the apartment.
Additional recommendations
- The electromechanical lock must be powered from a separate source; an attempt to power it from other elements of the system can be fraught with instability, failures and lack of power;
- When installing a relay, you need to take into account the characteristics of the lock: when the voltage is above 12 V, the current is reduced;
- It is unacceptable to use a telephone cable when connecting;
- There should be no electrical wiring or powerful sources of magnetic fields (microwave oven, refrigerator) near the cable installation;
- The cable must be solid and not have connecting blocks;
- It is not recommended to install the call panel on moving parts of doors - systematic shaking can cause the lens to shift, and even fractions of a millimeter significantly reduce the viewing angle;
- When connecting, you must follow the instructions supplied with the device;
- Do not remove or damage the seal on the back of the panel to avoid voiding warranty service.
It is better to tighten the panel screws after complete assembly and checking the functionality of the entire system. If the system is working properly and the signal quality is at the required level, you can start using the video intercom.
The convenience and compactness of an access control system such as an intercom has led to the growing popularity of these solutions not only when equipping access doors.
Ringing devices with a contact pad for an electronic key can be seen on houses, long-distance gates and other private property.
At the same time, the connection diagram for an intercom with an electromagnetic lock is simple enough to install the entire effective access system yourself.
Features of lock installation
This is a difficult task that requires extreme care. The location of all structural elements should be taken into account. If you allow even a slight inaccuracy when inserting, then the crossbar will affect the counterpart. In turn, this will lead to the failure of the special electric drive.
Installing a lock on the door
The cost of such products is high, and shortcomings can be costly. And if you are careless or inattentive, you can “burn” the electronic circuits of the device.
An electronic apartment lock, which can be opened with keys and a key fob, will provide a high degree of privacy. If you use a floating dynamic code, attackers will not be able to intercept the signal. A powerful steel bolt will become a serious obstacle for burglars. The rod has a thickness of 16 mm and extends into the box by 22 mm. To damage it, you will have to work hard and use auxiliary equipment.
The operating principle of an electromechanical lock with a remote control is shown in this video:
How to choose the right electromagnetic lock
An electromagnetic lock is one of the most important parts of an intercom system. Not only convenience, but also a guaranteed level of security depends on its functionality.
Therefore, when choosing a specific solution, it is recommended to take into account a number of important factors:
- The weight and dimensions of the product are assessed in accordance with the future installation location. If the door is not strong, it may move, the leaf will stop closing, which will require constant adjustments or intervention in the structure. Also, if the lock is large enough, installing it will reduce the strength of the blade so much that the magnetic block can be torn out with a strong tug.
- Clamping force is another factor selected according to the strength of the door. For a wooden sash, the recommended value is no more than 200-300; a rigid steel sash will ensure reliable operation of the lock with a holding force of 400 to 1000 kg.
- Operation in the absence of power supply is directly responsible for safety. Here you choose from two options. The normal state of the lock during a power outage is open. This is extremely inconvenient in a private home and good in places where there is a need to evacuate people in emergency situations. To ensure that the lock does not open during power failures, the connection diagram for an intercom with an electromagnetic lock includes a battery pack.
External decorative coating is selected in accordance with future operating conditions. For outdoor installation, a lock with a galvanized body, nickel-plated (belongs to the most expensive class) is suitable. Indoors, a product painted and coated with a decorative layer of varnish will show good results.
Neither the design, nor the dimensions, nor the appearance of the lock affects the control methods. All of them have a single data bus standard, while only two contacts responsible for unlocking are connected to the intercom.
A simple description of the installation diagram
Wiring diagrams for a video intercom with an electromagnetic lock or a device with only voice communication are easy to understand.
They include the following parts:
- tube, monitor block. Located inside the house or control room;
- power supply, batteries, their maintenance module - can be mounted anywhere, but it is recommended to place them closer to the handset in order to reduce the length of the cables;
- intercom calling panel;
- electromagnetic lock.
Cables for connection are selected according to the most powerful device: after studying the technical data sheet for the monitor, intercom, lock, the most powerful cable from those specified in the specification is purchased.
Electromagnetic lock with remote control
Manufacturers provide a remote opening method for electromagnetic locks. However, such devices work differently.
Some models come with a unit that recognizes up to 16 remote controls, which ensures uninterrupted operation and good protection.
Lock on remote control
Such locks are used for doors in high-traffic areas. The remote control is convenient to use when a security guard needs to let a person inside. He does not need to come close to the canvas or press a button.
