FAQs
Smart Access Control & Intercoms Questions
Every question we get asked about smart access control & intercoms, answered straight.
Questions
How It Works
Can an intercom be added to an existing electric gate?
Often yes. The key checks are whether the gate motor controller has an intercom input, whether the wiring route is practical, and whether the power supply at the access point is adequate. If all three are workable, an intercom can be added without replacing the gate or motor.
Do I need a video intercom or is audio enough?
Audio is enough where you have a clear sightline to the entrance from inside the house. Video adds real value when the gate is out of sight, deliveries are frequent, or a shared driveway serves more than one household. The survey will flag which applies to your property.
What is checked before smart access control is fitted?
The installer checks the gate motor controller for an intercom input, maps the wiring route from the access point to the gate, confirms the power supply at the intercom position, and measures the distance involved. That check determines whether hardwired cabling or wireless linking is appropriate.
Is a keypad safer than a remote fob?
A keypad removes the risk of a lost remote but relies on a code being kept secure. Fobs can be individually programmed and deactivated if lost. For rental properties with changing tenants, a keypad with a regularly updated code or individually programmed fobs both reduce the risk of unauthorised access.
What if the gate opens fine but the intercom keeps failing?
The gate motor and the intercom are separate systems. A fault in the intercom unit, its wiring, or its power supply can cause communication failure without affecting gate operation. A diagnostic check separates the two so only the faulty component is repaired or replaced.
What happens if I delay sorting an unreliable intercom?
An intermittent system tends to fail completely rather than improve. Visitors, deliveries, and contractors get stuck outside, and a partial fault can mask a wiring issue that worsens over time. Catching it early usually means a repair rather than a full rewire.
Tell Us About Your Entrance
We’ll arrange a local installer to survey your entrance, advise on the right gate type, and quote groundwork and wiring to DHF and Gate Safe standards.