Intercoms and access control

Intercom or access control: what is the difference?

An intercom lets a visitor request access through a calling and answering system. A keypad, card reader or dial-to-open device provides another way to authorise entry. One entrance may need both: a visitor calls, while a resident uses a credential. A device that opens a gate from a phone does not necessarily provide an intercom conversation or video.

Which system suits a home or shared entrance?

Start with the people using it. For a home, decide how visitors call and how household members enter. For flats, workplaces or shared gates, include the number of properties, entrances and answering points, plus who will add users or revoke access when somebody leaves. Those management requirements can matter more than the appearance of the outdoor panel.

There is no single best system for every site. Compare the required functions, retained equipment, communications and ongoing service requirements before comparing equipment prices.

What does wireless actually mean?

Ask which connection is wireless: the visitor call, the link to an indoor handset, the button-to-receiver signal, or the phone connection. It does not mean that every component works without power or cabling. For mobile or app-based equipment, confirm the required service, coverage or local network and any continuing charges for the selected product.

Choosing FAAC access control?

Start with how people should enter: a key switch, push button, keypad or tag reader. If you are replacing an existing FAAC unit, send us its full reference and a photograph so we can help find the matching listing. An electric lock is a separate choice where the gate needs one; a keypad or reader alone does not latch the gate.

Need help with an older BFT intercom or access-control part?

Send us the full model code and a photograph of the existing unit. Tell us whether visitors need to call you, people need code entry, or you are replacing a receiver or controller. The older BFT items in this part of our catalogue are not currently orderable, so we can help you identify a current route rather than assume a new unit will fit the same wiring. If you only need a gate keypad, explore electronic keypads.

Can I add access control to an existing electric gate?

Often the task is to add an opening command, not replace the gate motor. Identify the existing control board and the proposed device, then confirm their supported connection and power requirements. Adding access control is different from automating a manual gate; for a new motor system start with electric gate automation kits.

Keypad and reader interfaces

A reader head or keypad may need a separate decoder/interface. Match the input device, interface and receiving control board as one documented connection; a familiar brand name is not enough. A motor control board, radio receiver and access-control decoder have different jobs, so identify the full part reference before replacing one.

What opens the gate or releases the lock?

Want to speak to a visitor and let them in from the same handset or supported app? Start with an intercom kit. On an automated gate, the chosen system needs a suitable connection to the gate controller. For a manually operated pedestrian gate, we can help put together an electric lock, power supply, entry control and exit button. Tell us what is fitted already and where you want to answer the call, and we can help choose the right combination.

• Push buttons and exit controls
• Electrical gate key switches

Compare complete equipment, not just the headline price

List the outdoor panel or access device, answering units, controller/interface, power equipment, credentials and release equipment required. Compare included quantities and any subscription separately. An extra tag, bare panel module and complete entrance kit are not like-for-like purchases.

Metalines supplies equipment and helps specify it from the information you provide. We do not undertake installation or site visits. Send your equipment references and entrance requirements for help; for gate automation projects, use our gate survey form.