How Do Intercom Systems Work With Electric Gates?
An automated gate on its own offers a strong physical barrier but pairing it with an intercom system takes security and convenience to a different level altogether.
Rather than simply restricting access, an intercom allows you to communicate with visitors, verify who is at your gate and grant or deny entry without leaving your home. Here is a closer look at how these systems work and what options are available.
What Is A Gate Intercom System?
A gate intercom system is an electronic communication device installed at the gate entrance that connects to a receiver inside the property. When a visitor arrives, they press a call button at the gate panel. This triggers an alert inside the home, allowing the occupant to speak with the visitor and, depending on the system, see them via a camera before deciding whether to open the gate.
The gate itself remains closed until the occupant chooses to release it, either via a button on the internal handset, a smartphone app or a dedicated wall panel. This gives the homeowner full control over who enters the property at all times.
Types Of Gate Intercom Systems
Audio Intercoms
An audio intercom is the most straightforward option. It allows two-way voice communication between the visitor at the gate and the occupant inside.
When the call button is pressed, the internal handset rings and the two parties can speak before the gate is released. Audio intercoms are a reliable, cost-effective solution for properties where visual verification is not a priority.
Video Intercoms
A video intercom system adds a camera to the gate panel, allowing the occupant to see the visitor clearly before granting access. The live feed is displayed on a monitor, a dedicated screen or, with modern systems, directly on a smartphone.
Video intercoms are particularly popular with homeowners who receive frequent deliveries or who want the added reassurance of visual confirmation before opening their gate.
Smartphone-Compatible Systems
Many modern intercom systems connect to a dedicated app, meaning you can answer calls from your gate and release it remotely from anywhere with an internet connection.
Whether you are in another room, at work or on holiday, you remain in full control of who enters your property. These systems are increasingly popular for their flexibility and are straightforward to integrate with most automated gate setups.
How Does The Intercom Connect To The Gate?
The intercom system is wired directly into the gate's control panel or automation unit. When the occupant presses the release button on the handset or app, a signal is sent to the gate motor, which opens the gate in the same way it would if operated by a remote control or keypad.
This integration is straightforward when the intercom and gate automation are installed together, and can also be retrofitted to existing gate systems in most cases. A qualified gate engineer will assess the existing setup and recommend the most compatible intercom solution.
Combining Intercoms With Other Access Control Methods
An intercom does not have to be the only method of entry. Many properties combine intercom systems with keypads, proximity fob readers or remote controls, so that regular visitors such as family members can enter quickly without needing to call through each time, whilst unexpected visitors are still verified before the gate opens.
This layered approach to access control is common in both residential and commercial settings and can be tailored to suit the specific needs of any property.
