Access and individual intercoms are reliable devices. But, despite this, during long-term operation, various malfunctions may occur in them. Mechanical elements are especially likely to fail, but some defects can also occur in electronic components. You can fix simple malfunctions If the intercom installed at the entrance does not work, you need to call a specialist.
From the material you will learn:
Design Features
If such a device breaks down, you should most often contact the company that installed it. But the same companies do not always perform both installation and repair.
A device can fail for various reasons; it is important to know the type of failure. Perhaps the cable just came loose; every second man can connect it.
If the breakdown is more serious, you cannot do without a qualified specialist. Intercoms are available in different models, but all of them are required to provide convenient access to the apartment.
Varieties
Various factors may explain why the intercom does not work. The causes of the malfunction can be observed in any node of the overall system. To correct the situation, it is necessary to understand the operating principle of such devices. There are two main types.
The first category includes digital models. Products from Metakom, Marshall, as well as Proel, Raikman, Laskomex and others are in demand today. The second group includes coordinate intercoms. In our country, “Visit”, “Eltis”, “Digital” devices are in demand in this category.
The presented devices differ in the method of signal transmission and the design of the communication line. Digital intercoms have a two-wire line for signal transmission. The apartment number is determined using jumpers located on the handset. Coordinate systems connect the call block with the subscriber's control device using a special switch. If there is no documentation for the device and it is impossible to determine which category of devices it belongs to, you need to disassemble the handset. The presence of jumpers indicates that the intercom belongs to a digital group.
Causes
After installing such a device, users quickly get used to the convenience that the device provides. Most entrances are locked with a combination lock to protect against thieves and various dubious characters. Also, closed doors retain heat in the entrance, and therefore in the apartments. But a variety of people can visit apartment owners, sometimes even unexpected ones.
It is impossible to go down to the first floor every time, open the doors, and then see off visitors. » The intercom allows you to unlock the entrance doors without leaving the apartment . It is convenient, profitable, saves time and effort. The structure of this device is not complicated.
But if the intercom breaks down, apartment owners try to contact competent specialists. After all, this technique is less familiar compared to the usual home technique:
- Why may the intercom not work? The reasons are varied. But it is a complex device consisting of many elements that breaks down faster.
- The cable connection may be broken.
- The control unit transmitting signals also fails.
- Errors are generated in the switch.
- The cable is damaged.
- Vandals often damage the intercom panel installed on the entrance door.
Regardless of the type of breakdown, it is recommended to call professionals about the intercom. The equipment requires competent intervention, because independent repairs can only ruin the equipment even more.
Malfunctions of the subscriber handset
If the calling panel is accessible to all visitors, then the subscriber handset is located in the apartment and some of its defects can be eliminated independently. Apartment meeting rooms (AUC) have almost the same design with the exception of some details. The handset contains a microphone, a speaker, and a circuit board with discrete components. In some models, this board is not located in the handset body, but in the stand. In addition, the UCP includes a switch and a button.
If the intercom handset does not work, the most likely reason will be a failure of one of these elements.
When the handset is placed on the stand, the switch is pressed by the handset body and the line is blocked. When the handset is picked up when a call rings, an audio communication line is connected, which is also responsible for opening the electronic lock. This switch falls over time and when the handset is picked up, the line is not activated, so the call signal is constantly ringing, and there is no way to turn off the lock and open the door.
Since the switch elements are made of plastic , it can be restored using a soldering iron, but if you do not have the skills to work with the tool, then it is better to entrust this to specialists.
More modern models do not have such an unreliable switch. Its function is performed by a reed switch, which is controlled by a small magnet.
The lock opening button is made on the basis of a microswitch. If the lock begins to open unstably and only after several presses, then the microswitch needs to be changed. The microswitch is soldered into the board, and you can replace it yourself. There are often cases when a poorly soldered wire comes off the speaker, so if communication with visitors is lost, you should carefully open the tube body and check all soldering.
What if the integrated individual intercom breaks down?
For security purposes, many residents of apartment buildings install an individual intercom , which is integrated into the general entrance system. Such devices do not have a digital dial pad, but are equipped with a compact calling panel with an electronic key reader and a call button.
If the intercom in the apartment does not work, then anyone with basic knowledge of electrical engineering can check all its elements, including the power source. Of course, you need to have a simple multimeter and know how to use it. It can be used to check the supply voltage, open circuit or short circuit. If you have no experience, you should invite a specialist.
Specialist help
Who repairs intercoms? You need to find out this even at the stage of their installation in the house, so that in case of a breakdown you can quickly contact a specialist and restore the equipment, without which life becomes more difficult :
- You can contact a company that offers communication services for repairs.
- There are also companies specializing in the repair of such devices. Their specialists have a lot of practical experience, so they perform services quickly and efficiently (in most cases).
The cost of repair services in different companies does not differ much; the main thing is to choose competent specialists.
Employees of the company that installed the equipment can take the house for maintenance. They will conduct a free diagnosis, but the cost of the repair will depend on its complexity:
- Adjusting the closer will cost about 700 rubles.
- Replacing equipment will cost 1,200 rubles.
- Tube repair – 900 rubles.
- Replacing the lock will cost more, about 1,500 rubles.
But specialized companies provide a guarantee for their services and for the equipment used for replacement. Therefore, it is profitable to use their services.
Video: Do-it-yourself intercom handset repair
Buttons are not pressed
Sometimes it can be very difficult to figure out why the intercom does not work. However, if the buttons are not pressed, the reason is most often obvious. This kind of breakdown usually occurs in digital types of intercoms. They are installed in apartment buildings. A large number of users may press buttons frequently.
To read information from the front panel, such equipment uses the principle of intersecting light rays. This is a fairly sensitive system. If it is dirty or under high loads, it may malfunction. In this case, an error may occur when pressing the apartment number. The letter E or Err will be displayed on the screen.
If the buttons still operate periodically, you will need to thoroughly clean the surface of the front panel. Perhaps dirt and various debris led to the appearance of a similar problem. If the buttons cannot be pressed at all, the processor may have failed. In this case, you cannot do without calling a specialist.
Where to find repairmen
- When drawing up an agreement for the installation of an intercom, the service provider must leave his contact details or the details of the service center. This data may be indicated in the text of the contract itself or in the appendix.
- If payment for the intercom comes as a separate payment, the receipt also often indicates telephone numbers where you can call a technician for a non-working intercom.
- Contacts are also left on the panel of the device, which is installed on the door to the entrance.
The management company can also repair intercom equipment.
ATTENTION! In this case, she will include the payment for the device on her receipt. But in turn, she is obliged to repair faulty equipment. If problems arise, you need to call the management control room immediately and call a specialist.
After the damage is corrected, you will be able to use such profitable and convenient equipment again.
Typical questions
In most cases, repairing the system requires the presence of a specialist, but you can try to fix a number of breakdowns yourself. To do this, it is important to determine whether a digital or coordinated intercom is located in the house, who the manufacturer is and what access codes need to be used.
What intercom is installed at the address?
When breakdowns occur, residents are faced with the question of how to recognize the brand of the installed device at the entrance. This is not a difficult task. There are several ways to clarify the contacts of the company that installed the intercom. The first is to call the management company (MC). Most likely, the organizations are interconnected, and they have data on the intercom. The second is to look at the company’s contacts in the monthly payment invoice. The third is to look at the sign located next to the intercom. It indicates the name of the company, address and telephone number where you can contact the operator or call a technician.
All information about the brand and model of the installed intercom, as well as the company’s contact details, are indicated in the service agreement.
How do you know if the intercom or handset is on?
There is a small switch on the intercom handset in the apartment that controls the activity mode of the device. On standard devices, the position at which the device is active is indicated by a circle.
Who should repair the intercom in an apartment?
The terms of service for intercoms depend on who installed the system. If the residents of the house did it themselves, then they pay all the costs of repairs themselves. In a situation where the management company installs the device and charges a monthly fee from the residents, then the management company must handle the repairs. According to the contract, the list of repair work carried out by the management company includes:
- preventive examination;
- replacement of outdated and failed spare parts;
- communication line failure.
You will have to pay separately for replacing or making an additional key, as well as repairing the handset in apartments.
How to connect the intercom yourself if it was disconnected for non-payment?
The service company can disable the intercom for non-payment by dialing a special code on an external device. If you know the brand and model of the installed system, you can connect yourself.
For example, to connect the Vizit intercom, you need to open the intercom system control unit, where the board is located. Unscrew the housing cover, find the WORK/PRG jumper and move it to the PRG position. Go down to the intercom and dial the following combination: #999-1-8-??#1*, where is ?? - this is the apartment number.
After the manipulation, move the switch in the block to the WORK state and close the board and block. For intercoms of other brands, the combination may be different.
How do they turn off the intercom for non-payment?
If the subscriber has a debt, utility employees block the connection between the external intercom and the handset in the apartment. That is, the door will still open with the key, but it will be impossible to open the entrance from the apartment. To do this, utility workers do not need to notify the user and do not need to have access to the apartment. It is enough to have an administrative key, know the disconnection code and the debtor’s apartment number.
There are situations when users are blocked by mistake. To unlock, you need to contact the service company and find out the reason, bring all payment receipts and resolve the issue.
What to do within the law when the intercom is turned off?
First, you need to make sure that the blame for illegal actions lies with the management company, and not with the residents. If a fact of illegal actions of the management company in relation to subscribers is revealed, you can file a complaint with the supervisory authorities. These include:
- consumer protection organization;
- Rospotrebnadzor;
- district prosecutor's office.
The statement is written briefly, without unnecessary fluff, and outlines the main facts and actions. If contacting the authorities does not yield anything, you can file a lawsuit. But this is an extreme measure that is rarely resorted to. Most often, the problem is solved by contacting a service company.
DIY repair
Before the technician arrives, you can take a few simple steps to restore the operation of the device and system.
But this should be done carefully, without delving into the complexity of the design. If you cannot see the image on the video intercom monitor, you should check the position of the brightness indicator, check the peephole - it may be dirty or even sealed.
No sound? The terminals may be loose or the contacts may be loose. You can fix this problem yourself. But the complete absence of sound often indicates a breakdown in communication of the general network. Only a master can fix this.
But setting up the regulator is not difficult; there is a special lever on the equipment that increases the volume of the signal.
Users of intercoms are faced with such a problem as problems with opening the lock. The reason for this problem may be the most trivial - dirty button. Also, after using the intercom for a long time, sometimes the button simply sinks and the plastic wears out. In this case, you need to completely change the tube.
Where to turn if the apartment intercom does not work?
Today it is difficult to imagine life in an apartment without an intercom. Without it, I would have to go down to the first floor from the apartment every time to open the entrance door to guests. And if there is a big holiday coming up in the house, then you will have to take many such “walks” during the day.
This is exactly what happens if an apartment intercom suddenly breaks down. No equipment is immune from this problem. Breakage can be caused by factory defects, careless operation, or natural wear and tear over time.
What to do in such a situation? Should residents of the building have to pay for repairs out of their own pockets? Or is this the responsibility of the service company?
Frequent causes of intercom problems can be found here
You can handle simple breakdowns yourself. First of all, find the instruction manual.
If it is not saved in paper form, go to the manufacturer’s official website and download it in electronic format.
The technical manual for using any equipment always has a section describing the main faults, possible causes and solutions.
If the instruction manual does not help solve the problem, try the following:
- Run a self-diagnosis of the intercom if the device has this function. The algorithm for turning on the system should be described in detail in the user manual.
- Reset settings to factory defaults.
- Restart the intercom.
- Update the firmware or software of the subscriber device.
If the intercom malfunction is caused by problems in the software or other minor failures, the steps listed above will help restore the functionality of the equipment.
If you cannot fix the device yourself, it is better to immediately seek help from a repair service. Experienced technicians have the professional skills and technical resources to quickly diagnose equipment and troubleshoot problems. But who should pay for the repair services of the entrance intercom?
The service company is required to fix some faults free of charge under the official warranty, if its validity period has not yet expired. The list of such works can be specified in the contract. A list of repairs not included in the agreement is provided for an additional fee. Let's look at the most common errors in the operation of the entrance intercom.
power unit
A faulty power supply is indicated by complete failure of the intercom system:
- the electromagnetic lock does not respond to button presses;
- the display on the calling panel does not work;
- no audio signal;
- the door is always open.
The most common cause of power supply failure is damaged fuses. The terms of most contracts provide for free repair of the power supply by a service company.
Control Panel
The keypad on the calling panel is regularly exposed to the negative influence of external factors. The greatest negative impact is caused by precipitation, which penetrates into the housing and oxidizes the contacts. In addition, there is always the possibility of mechanical damage to the keyboard by vandals.
Without a working control panel, the user will not be able to dial a number and call the subscriber. If the keyboard is not functioning properly due to normal wear and tear and long-term use, it is likely that the warranty period has already expired.
In this case, residents of the entrance must pay the cost of repairing the intercom separately. Free replacement is possible if the breakdown occurred due to a manufacturing defect.
If the entire calling panel is mechanically damaged, users will also have to pay the cost of purchasing and installing a new device.
The electronic key does not open the lock
A fairly common problem is when the reader does not respond to the key fob. That is, the user places an electronic key on the calling panel, but the door does not open. The error can be caused by two reasons. The further algorithm of actions depends on them:
- The reader does not respond to only one specific electronic key.
To solve the problem, you can try to clean the “tablet” from the oxide film. Fine-grit sanding paper is suitable. If this does not help, the user will have to order a new electronic key at his own expense. - The reader does not respond to all electronic keys
. Obviously the problem is in the calling panel. If the malfunction is covered under warranty, the service organization will repair it free of charge.
Sometimes the intercom does not respond to the electronic key due to low air temperature. In this case, you cannot do without the help of a specialist who must find out the cause of the problem. It is possible that when installing the intercom system, a lock or other equipment was used that is not suitable for outdoor use.
Subscriber device
Incorrect operation of the speaking tube can lead to a lack of audio signal, extraneous sound, lack of response to button presses, and other malfunctions.
The source of the problem may be a broken cable line at the entrance or damage to elements in the subscriber device itself. Only an experienced technician will be able to diagnose the cause.
If the warranty period has still expired, repairs will be performed free of charge.
If the access intercom breaks down, it is necessary to raise an agreement with the service organization. It lists all warranty and non-warranty cases. This will help you understand who should pay for repairs and where to go in case of a breakdown. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the work to qualified specialists.
Incorrect actions can lead to complete non-repairability of the equipment and aggravation of the situation. In addition, all interventions in the equipment automatically terminate the warranty period. On the Domofonov website.
net you can find even more information about audio and video intercom malfunctions and ways to restore functionality.
Extend service life
Using an intercom is convenient and pleasant if it is in working order, responds correctly to all actions, and does not fail. To extend the service life of the equipment, you need to choose the right company installing the system and carry out timely maintenance.
All work must be carried out after signing a contract, which specifies the fact of service. Inspection of equipment should be carried out regularly by specialists; this will allow problems to be identified in a timely manner, quickly eliminated and will provide users with a comfortable reception of guests.
Intercom service
Typically, public intercoms are installed centrally through the housing office, after which a subscription service agreement . The monthly payment amount is not too large, and such an agreement brings tangible benefits. In addition to preventive inspections, the subscription service for the intercom also includes the elimination of almost all malfunctions of the public unit, replacement of the keyboard, repair of the power supply, elimination of faults in the switching lines and emergency visit of a technician. If the intercom does not work, you should immediately call the phone number specified in the contract.
The following items are not included in the subscription service:
- Subscriber handsets
- Electronic keys
- Door leaf
Electronic keys are made independently; to repair the door you need to invite a locksmith, and the subscriber handset will be repaired for a fee.
Who pays
- You can lose the key to the intercom. In this case, you will need to make a duplicate at your own expense, ordering it yourself.
- If the intercom handset or the intercom itself breaks down, you need to call a qualified technician. Then everything depends on whether the residents of the house pay a monthly subscription fee or not. If payment for an intercom is made on a regular basis, the technician must carry out repairs or replacements free of charge.
- The door to the entrance on which the call panel is installed may break down. Its repairs are carried out at the expense of the company servicing the house. This is carried out taking into account law number 170, concerning the rules and regulations for the technical operation of the housing stock.
- Devices installed in the apartment premises are repaired either at the expense of the residents or at the expense of the installation and maintenance company.
How to replace old intercoms with new ones? If the equipment is significantly outdated and more than half of the residents want to replace it, you can contact one of the companies specializing in such services. There are companies that perform replacements free of charge, but with the condition of further subscription fees.
For what reasons does the shutdown occur?
Disabling intercom systems is carried out by the utility workers servicing the house. There are several reasons for this. One of them is late payment for services. It is imperative to keep all receipts and receipts for payment, because they help resolve the problem in controversial situations. Disabling occurs without the user’s knowledge by dialing a special combination on the intercom system panel. After this, the disconnected user will not be able to open the door from the apartment, and no one will be able to reach him.
Subscribers are often interested in how to connect an intercom if it has been disconnected for non-payment. You can connect back yourself if you know the special combination. But it is better to contact the management company, find out why the outage occurred, and agree on the resumption of services.
Less often, the intercom is turned off for service purposes - for repairs or routine diagnostics. In this situation, residents must be notified in advance.
