Why is my intercom not working?

If you’re reading this, the chances are you’re having trouble with your intercom system.

This article will give you an explanation of what intercom systems are meant to be able to do.

It’s not hugely complicated: any intercom needs to be able to do at least four things:

1. Bell ringing inside flat/office when someone buzzes: You need to be able to hear when somebody is trying to be let in.
2. Speech outside to inside: You need to be able to hear what people outside are saying.
3. Speech inside to outside: The people outside need to hear what you’re saying.
4. Remote door opening: You need to be able to let somebody in without going to the front door in person.

Many intercoms have additional features like video, or a keypad that lets you in via a code, instead of buzzing in.

When a problem arises with any of these four functions, it can be for a number of reasons. Unlike regular locksmith work, though, these issues often have clearly-diagnosable, black and white causes. This is the beauty of electronics: it either works
or it doesn’t.

1. The bell doesn’t ring

This common issue can be caused by a worn-out button on the external intercom panel, or a loose wire attached to that button. Sometimes it’s caused a faulty bell (some bells are a little flimsy) or simply a faulty handset inside the flat.

In London you can find truly ancient intercom systems that hang on to life by a thread, and suddenly just give up.

2. You can’t hear what’s being said outside

This is usually one of two things: either the so-called ‘speech unit’ (the part that transmits sound across the system) is faulty, or the internal handset is no longer working.

In many cases, if just your flat is having a problem, then it’s your handset, while if several units are having the same issue, then it’s more likely the main speech unit.

3. The folks outside can’t hear you

This is normally down to a faulty handset, though it can have something to do with the speech unit, too, as above.

4. The door won’t open when I buzz somebody in

This problem is harder to diagnose. If it’s just your flat that can’t let somebody in, then it’s most likely a problem with the button on your handset, or the handset as a whole.

If others are also having the problem, then it could be one of these issues:

• broken electric release
• faulty connection
• no power to the electric lock
• lock not aligned properly on the door

5. I have a mixture of all the above issues

A mixture of intercom problems means that there’s probably something awry with the main intercom panel or with your handset.

So… What do I do to fix it?

Normally these issues require specialist attention. If you’re in London or around London, we’ll be able to help you out. The standard process would be to conduct a fault-find on the system, after which we would be able to quote for a full repair.

Give us a ring on 020 7608 0809 or contact us! We’ll discuss the process with you.