Intercoms & Access Control

What Are Intercoms and How Do They Work?

An intercom is a two-way communication device that allows a visitor at a gate or entrance to speak with someone inside a property before being granted access. Most systems consist of an outdoor call point and an indoor monitor or receiver that lets the occupant hear, see, and respond to the visitor. Entry can then be granted by pressing a button to release an electric gate or door strike.

Modern intercoms range from basic audio-only units to full video systems with colour screens and smartphone integration. The type you need depends on the security level required, the distance between gate and property, and whether the site is a single household or multi-occupancy. For properties with electric gates, the intercom must be compatible with the gate automation control board. If you are new to electric gate setups, our guide on what is an electric gate kit is a useful starting point.

What Types of Intercoms Are Available?

Rolling Center UK supplies several categories of intercom system, each suited to different installation requirements and property types.

Wired Audio Intercoms

Wired audio intercoms are the entry-level option for most residential gate installations. They transmit voice communication over a dedicated cable, delivering a clear, interference-free signal. These systems are straightforward to install and highly reliable, making them a popular choice for installers working on permanent electric gate projects.

Wired Video Intercoms

Wired video intercoms add a colour camera at the gate post, allowing the occupant to see the visitor on an indoor monitor before granting access. These systems offer the highest image and audio quality because the signal travels over a dedicated cable. Many units include a memory function to capture images of visitors who call when no one is home.

GSM and App-Connected Intercoms

GSM intercoms use the mobile phone network to route calls from the gate directly to a nominated mobile number. When a visitor presses the call button, your phone rings and you can speak to them and release the gate from anywhere in the world. This makes GSM intercoms well suited to unoccupied properties, holiday homes, and remotely managed commercial sites. Some newer systems use Wi-Fi and dedicated apps, offering video streaming, access logs, and multiple user management. Our blog on how to use your mobile phone as an intercom covers this in more detail.

Wireless Intercoms

Wireless intercoms transmit audio or video signals using digital radio frequencies, removing the need for a cable run between gate and property. They are a practical solution where trenching is not possible or a temporary installation is needed. Check the rated range against your actual site conditions before purchasing.

Which Intercom Is Right for My Gate?

The best intercom depends on your gate type, the distance involved, and how you want to manage access. Wired systems suit most permanent electric gate installations where cable can be run underground. GSM systems are the go-to choice when no cable route is available or remote mobile access is the priority. Video systems are recommended wherever visitor identification matters.

It is also worth thinking about future-proofing. A system that supports multiple call points, additional handsets, or integration with keypads and proximity readers will give you more flexibility as requirements evolve. Our choosing an electric gate kit guide walks through the key decisions in plain terms.

Intercoms and Access Control: What Is the Difference?

Intercoms handle communication between a visitor and the property occupant. Access control refers to the broader set of hardware that manages and restricts entry, including keypads, proximity card readers, key fobs, and biometric readers. In practice, most gate installations combine both: an intercom allows two-way communication, while an access control device allows authorised users to enter without calling ahead. The two systems are often wired into the same gate control board.

For sites where multiple users need regular, unattended access, a keypad or proximity reader alongside an intercom provides the best balance of security and convenience. Rolling Center UK stocks access control hardware to complement our intercom range, so you can build a complete entry solution from a single supplier.

Safety and Compliance for Electric Gate Intercoms

The installation of powered gate automation is regulated by the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations, which recognises a powered gate as machinery. Any intercom or access control device fitted to an electric gate must be installed as part of a compliant overall system, including appropriate safety devices such as safety edges and photocells. Our blog on how to make your electric gate safe covers the legal requirements in full and is recommended reading before any powered gate installation.

If you are carrying out a DIY installation, it is your responsibility to ensure the complete system meets the relevant standards. Trade installers working through Rolling Center UK can access technical support and product documentation to assist with compliance.

Why Buy Intercoms from Rolling Center UK?

Rolling Center UK has over 40 years of experience in gate hardware and automation. As Yorkshire and the North of England’s largest gate hardware supplier, we hold stock across a wide range of intercom categories and offer genuine technical advice relevant to your actual installation. We supply trade professionals and direct to the public, with competitive pricing across the range. Find out more about our trade partner programme or use our DIY electric gate installation guide as a practical reference for your full gate project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an audio intercom and a video intercom?

An audio intercom allows two-way voice communication between a visitor at the gate and the occupant inside the property. A video intercom adds a camera at the call point and a screen at the indoor unit, so the occupant can see as well as hear the visitor before granting access. For most residential installations, a video intercom is the recommended choice as it provides clear visual verification of who is at the gate.

Can I connect an intercom to my existing electric gate?

In most cases, yes. The majority of wired intercoms connect to the gate automation control board via a dedicated input, allowing the occupant to release the gate from the indoor handset or monitor. You will need to check compatibility with your specific control board and confirm a cable route exists. Our team can advise on compatibility if you contact us with your gate automation model.

How does a GSM intercom work?

A GSM intercom uses the mobile phone network to connect a visitor at the gate with a nominated mobile number. When the visitor presses the call button, the intercom dials the registered number and the gate can be released by pressing a key on the mobile phone during the call. No indoor handset is required, making GSM intercoms a practical solution for unmanned sites or where running a cable from gate to house is not feasible.

Do I need a professional to install an intercom on my gate?

Wired intercoms on non-automated gates can often be installed by a competent DIYer with basic electrical knowledge. However, when an intercom is fitted as part of a powered gate automation system, the entire installation must comply with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations, and a full risk assessment and technical file should be produced. We strongly recommend using a qualified gate automation installer for any powered gate project.

What brands of intercom do Rolling Center UK stock?

Rolling Center UK stocks intercoms from a number of established, industry-recognised brands suited to residential and commercial gate applications. Our range covers audio, video, GSM, and wireless systems across a variety of price points. Contact our team directly for current stock availability and brand-specific technical guidance.