Black Box Explains...Telephone entry and intercom systems.
The need to provide secure access to a business or community has never been greater. What should you look for in an entry and intercom system? What does your system need to accomplish? There are some basic choices that all system owners should consider.
A visitor should be able to call an employee’s or a resident’s telephone. The system may have a handset or it may work with a speakerphone. Maybe there is direct access to the phone number via an easy-to-access directory. Or a keypad may be used to gain access through a locked gate or door.
The employee or resident should be able to grant access to the visitor by touching a key on his or her telephone. Most systems should have some form of event memory, which logs who gains access and who permits it. Most systems should enable you to connect via modem or LAN to the overall access control network.
The telephone entry controller may be designed to communi-cate over an ordinary, voice-grade telephone line or a dedicated cabling system.
And finally, some systems might need to offer features for the Postal Service or for persons with disabilities.
The two methods of identifying visitors.
By voice
With a telephone entry and intercom system, the most common way residents or employees can identify a visitor is when the visitor speaks into the call box’s speakerphone or telephone handset. However, a visitor with ill intent might be able to trick the employee or resident into letting him or her in, for example, by misrepresenting who he or she is. In addition, the noise level near the call box might make conversation difficult. For basic ID purposes, a speakerphone is fine. But there is a better measure for added security: closed-circuit TV (CCTV).
By voice and CCTV
If you want to verify your visitor’s identity without leaving the security of your office or home, opt for a telephone entry and intercom system with CCTV capability.
This security method features a CCTV camera at the call box. When your business or residence receives a phone call from a visitor at the gate, you can also get a visual on a nearby CCTV monitor or turn your TV set to Channel 2.
If you have deliveries made after dark to your business or home, voice and CCTV identification bring you added security.
Different sizes of telephone entry and intercom systems.
“One size fits all“ does not apply when it comes to choosing a telephone entry and intercom system.
Which Entraguard solution is right for you?
For small businesses or single-family residences, choose the Entraguard™ Bronze (EGB-50). It is the perfect security solution for up to 50 offices or residences.
For corporate campuses or high-rises, the Entraguards Gold (ENG-750SK) and Titanium (EGT-750) offer security for up to 750 extensions.
For multiunit building complexes, such as military installations and office parks, the Entraguard Platinum (EGP-500HF) handles security for up to 5000 extensions. It’s also for applications that require a larger directory display.