I plan to gut the second floor of my 1500 s.f. home and I plan to install an intercom system in the rooms upstairs and eventually throughout the whole house. I’m great at doing jobs twice, but I am not getting any younger, so I would like several questions answered. What is a good basic system? Does it work off a transformer, and if it does, should I install this near the subpanel in the basement? Should I use Cat 5 or 5e or the intercom’s special wiring? I plan to use 3/4 thin wall, is it worth the time to use this or is there another recommended way? Am I forgetting anything? Thank you.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Listeners write in about saving frogs, attic ductwork, lime wash, and energy ratings for real estate.
Featured Video
Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With ViewrailHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
The main intercom panel will most likely be fed with 120V, and has it's own transformer. From there, you run wire out to all of the remote locations. You'll want to decide what system you plan to use prior to pulling any wire, as the number of conductors and the type of wire will be dependent on the features included in the system. Check out Nutone- they've got a good selection.
Bob
Run 1/2" pvc flex conduit with a pull string, and you can pull whatever cable you want at a later date.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
Thanks this will save me a lot of time.
Thank for the tips. What do you think of the systems using existing 120volt wiring? We have a basic plug in one now and other than taking up counter space it seems to perform the main operation we are attempting to do, i.e., calling for someone rather than yelling.
We use AT&T that uses existing 120v wiring for transmission. Works great over 750'. Sound actuated included, $35 new on ebay. Or did you want music too?
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
I didn't think of this type, even though we have been using this type for two rooms for several years. I assume they probably have flush mounted models that are hard wired. I'll check into it. Thank you.