Wireless Intercom - Advantages/Disadvantages and FAQ

The demand for a wireless intercom is high and shows signs of increasement. And no wonder since a wireless intercom offers so many advantages. Days of running wires through thick wall and connecting everything are long gone. Compared to wireless technology, hard-wired one seems so obsolete. The wireless intercom technology is much like the cell phone technology. Main difference is limited range of recipients.

A wireless intercom can transmit signals up to one thousand feet between the units which are linked to each other. Some wireless intercom brands offer more than one frequency, and others even allow you to have private intercom chat using a public broadcast.

A wireless intercom has two big advantages over a traditional wired one. The first is, as stated before, there is no need for running wires through your home which makes the installation far more easy as there are no wires between intercom units. The second is mobility - you can move units according to your preferences whenever you want. Wireless intercom represent a great communication tool for example if you are working in the shed.

Also it adds a higher level to your home protection. Wireless intercom can help you keep an eye on your kids if they are on one side of the house, and you are on the other. If you have small kid, imagine this situation. Your kid is asleep, and you need to get things done. By installing a station in every room you can listen for them regardless of your position in the house. It is kind of like having a glorified baby monitor!

There is a risk of a wireless intercom interfering with other wireless devices like remote audio speakers, cordless phones and wireless data networks. Some electrical devices can lead to noise such as transformers, lighting fixtures and motors. Also, it is possible, but not likely that in some areas of your home (which than again depends on the home design) the wireless intercom signal is unable to travel due areas called black spots.

But if you can not find reception, then just move around until you do find it. In addition, there may be some concerns regarding privacy as it is possible for some conversations to be picked up by device on the same frequencies ( baby monitor, scanner, cordless telephone). Also, in order for a wireless intercom to function you have to maintain the battery or keep it connected to a power point for the power supply.

1. Question: I need a voice wireless intercom. Should I go with MURS Multi-Mile or WireFree intercom system?

Answer: It all depend on the wireless intercom range. If you need less than a thousand feet, choose WireFree since it is less expensive and ensures you with digital security as oppose to MURS which does not. What MURS has is privacy codes which are there to avoid listening to other on your current channel. Which actuall can happen if someone is set to the same privacy code as yours, but there are 38 available privacy codes from you to choose. Also, the WireFree wireless intercom can run on batteries and comes with an outdoor intercom if you wish to expand later on. MURS system also comes with an outdoor intercom but it is designed in an industrial theme and it is a lot pricier. If range is your main concern then opt for a MURS system since it has the longest wireless intercom range on the market today, and is also set on a frequency that does not receive a lot traffic.

2. Question: Do walls and similar impediments limit wireless intercom range?

Answer: In short, yes. However, some limit less than others. For example, drywall limits less range than brick walls. Wood-framed walls limit less range than metal-framed walls. It is impossible to know how a wireless intercom will function in your area. You need to try it first, and if it does not work properly simply return it.

3. Question: I have a metal building metal workshop in my backyard. Will the WireFree wireless intercom function in it?

Answer: It could work just fine, but generally WireFree wireless intercom signal is too weak to penetrate through metal building and into the house. What you can do here is acquire MURS Multi-Mile which is a much better option for this particular scenario which has enough power to make it through the walls of metal and bricks oft he house. The range will be significantly less than four miles, but for most cases they will work function. If not, use their 40-day complete purchase price return.

4. Question: Will a wireless intercom interfere with my computer wireless network?

Answer: Wireless computer networks operate in the 2.4GHz. Voice only wireless intercoms from previously mentioned companies operate in other frequencies so they will not interfere.

5. Question: I need a wireless intercom in a commercial building. Which is better in this case, wireless or wired?

Answer: It all comes down to your building. Even though a wired intercom would ensure a more reliable service (which is characteristic for most devices when compared to wireless technology), in the majority of situations a commercial wireless intercom would work properly. However, the greater number of electrical devices and the more concrete surrounding it, it is more likely the wireless intercom system will not suit you. If you have a high budget and do not mind spending money on running wires then you are sure that the wired intercom system will work like clockwork.