How to Wire an Intercom

How to Wire a Intercom

• 1

  Turn off the power. To avoid a possible electric shock, turn off the power source before tampering with wires.

• 2

  Measure and cut hole for your master station. Place your master station on the wall between two studs. Using a pencil, lightly trace the master station. Drill 3/8-inch holes into the wall at the four corners of your penciled outline. Use your saber saw to cut out the hole. Place the master station in the hole to ensure proper fit. Trim the edges if necessary.

• 3

  Locate the power source nearest to your master station. Wiring your intercom will require you to connect a cable from the power source to the master intercom. Make sure your power source is close. If your power source is too far away, it will take you longer to run the wires through the walls. The closer the power source, the easier the wiring.

• 4

  Attach the cable to the power source. Your intercom system will come with a cable that connects your master station to the power source. Attach one end to the power source and prepare to run the opposite end to your master station. Refer to the instructions that come with the intercom system to ensure proper connection.

• 5

  Run cable to master station. Drill a ½ inch hole in the dry wall near the power source. Using metal fish tape, push the tape through the hole towards your master station until it cannot go any further. Make sure your cable is with it. Return to your master station.

• 6

  Connect the master station. All of the substations will run from your master intercom station. Your master station is the only station connected to the home's electrical system. Retrieve your cable through the hole and connect your master station.

• 7

  Connect your substations to the master station. This will involve running a cable from each substation to your master station. You will need to drill a few small holes while running your cable through the wall to the master station if you are running your cables around corners, turns and down hallways. Consider having all wires run to the basement or in a straight line. Then you will only have to run cables up and down as opposed to around corners. Repeat step 2 to prepare your substation. Using metal fish tape, push the tape through the sub station hole towards your master station until it cannot go any further. Make sure your cable is with it. Return to your master station.

• 8

  Connect all cables and communication wires. Refer back to your instructions. Certain systems may require different techniques. The wires are typically color-coded. Connect the wires and cables to your units and test your system.

• 9

  Fasten your units into the wall. If your system is working properly, secure your units and enjoy. If your system is not working properly, check the wiring and try again.