Replacing an old building intercom: Aiphone, Mircom and wired systems
For property managers and owners in Alberta and BC with a wired intercom that keeps failing.
The quick answer
If parts are still available and the wiring is sound, a repair can buy time. If handsets keep failing, parts are gone or you want video and remote access, replace the lobby panel with a cloud video intercom that rings residents’ or staff phones. The in-suite handsets can then be retired, and the door hardware usually stays.
Common problems with older wired intercoms
In the suites or offices
- Handsets that crackle, buzz or stop working
- No video, or a small black-and-white screen
- No way to answer when nobody’s home or at the desk
In the building
- Damaged or corroded wiring between floors
- Replacement parts that are hard to find
- No entry log and no remote directory changes
- A panel that doesn’t work with access control
Your options
| Option | When it makes sense |
|---|---|
| Repair | Parts are available, the wiring is sound and the system mostly works. |
| Cloud video intercom at the door | You want video, phone answering and remote management. Suite handsets are retired. |
| Staged change-over | A large building that wants to replace entrances one at a time, starting with the main door. |
| Intercom plus access control | You’re also replacing fobs or readers, so both systems are planned and installed together. |
What stays and what changes
The door, the lock and the door release usually stay. The lobby panel is replaced, and the cable to it can often be reused. Suite handsets and the wiring to them are usually retired once residents or staff answer on their phones.
We plan the work so the entrance stays secure and the directory is ready before the new panel goes live.
Systems we install
We install and fully support ButterflyMX and 1VALET cloud video intercoms for multi-family buildings, and Axis network door stations for offices, warehouses and gates. Comparing? Read ButterflyMX vs 1VALET.
Offices, warehouses and gates
Intercoms aren’t only for apartments. A video intercom at a shipping door, a staff entrance or a yard gate lets reception or a manager see who’s there and open the door from a desk or phone, with every call logged. It pairs with access control and cameras.
Intercom acting up?
We repair and replace intercoms installed by other companies, and our 24/7 emergency service covers entrances that won’t lock.
Video intercom near you: EdmontonCalgaryRed DeerKelowna. See also Enterphone replacement and system rescue
Stuck with a system nobody will fix?
We repair and take over cameras, access control, intercoms and alarms installed by other companies, when your current provider has fallen short.
Questions
Can you repair our old intercom?
Often, if parts are available and the wiring is sound. We’ll tell you honestly whether a repair is worth it or a replacement makes more sense.
Can we keep the in-suite handsets?
With a cloud video intercom, residents answer on their phones, so the handsets are usually retired. If the building wants in-suite screens, we’ll talk through the options.
Can we keep the wiring?
The cable to the door panel can often be reused. Wiring to every suite usually isn’t needed with a cloud intercom.
Does it work with our fobs?
In most cases, yes. We plan the intercom and access control together so the door releases the same way for both.
Do you work on systems another company installed?
Yes. We take over and fix intercoms, access control and cameras installed by other companies.
Do we get admin access?
Yes. You get admin access and full documentation, so the building owns the system.
More answers: Video intercom questionsGlossary: video intercommobile credential
Get an intercom replacement quote
Tell us about the building, the entrances and the current intercom. We’ll follow up to book a site walk.
Call and a real person answers, 24/7 for emergencies.