An intercom system can be a beneficial addition whether you operate a home-based business or manage a corporation in a multi-level property. Finding the right system depends on your needs and budget.

1. Decide if you prefer wired or wireless intercom systems.

2. Sketch a layout of where you want intercom access in your office.

3. Consider adding security functions with an intercom system.

4. Get a system professionally installed, and benefit from training and maintenance for the product.

Business wireless intercom systems and wired systems are a great way to make an office more productive. Using an intercom to communicate can only benefit your productivity and output.

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Find a company in your area to install your intercom system

Compare local companies online. Purchase an intercom system from a company that will install and maintain the system for you.

I recommend: In California, consider Intercom Systems for your purchase and installations needs. Florida based, Top Security Inc. offers a nice selection of systems including industrial wireless intercom systems. Sight and Sound Security of New York, offers intercom and security systems.

Small or home-based business options

When you're doing business out of your home, security and intercom systems usually go hand-in-hand. Find a system, big or small, that works for your small business or home office.

I recommend: Look for Doorbell activated intercom/security systems made specifically for the home-based business community. Talk to people at your front door from anywhere in the house or office with wireless intercom systems for homes or businesses.

Mid-size to large business options

When you need a system for a large business in a big space, find business or industrial wireless intercom systems or wired systems that work with your property.

I recommend: Consider investing in business wireless intercom systems that work with your office structure. Choose between wireless or wired desktop systems, wall-mounted systems, office-wide music integrated systems and large-room intercom systems for warehouse areas.

Security with intercom systems

When your company needs an intercom system that helps keep your property secure, invest in security intercom systems.

I recommend: If you're looking for a system for a new business property, installing an intercom system integrated into a security system could save you time and money. Choose video, phone operated or door and wall mounted systems.

Find window intercoms that are right for your business

Businesses that need a secure way to access customers should find window intercoms.

I recommend: If security is a concern, choose a secure glass window intercom system with features to protect your employees. For concession-type uses where function is more important than security, choose window intercoms that offer hands-free functions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most installation companies will offer to train employees or management. Take advantage of the training sessions so you don't find yourself lost in intercom confusion later.

Intercom systems are a convenient way to interact with coworkers throughout the workplace. Intercom modules placed strategic locations throughout the office or warehouse are hooked up to one another to create an intercom system. This allows people in large buildings to communicate easily when telephones and computers are not readily available.

The pricing and costs of intercom systems are first determined by the type of system you want to set up. Wireless intercom systems for homes will be cheaper than business solutions, for example, because there will be fewer receivers in a home setting. Other factors that determine cost include:

1. How many units are connected to the network.

2. What type of master controls the system has.

3. Additional features you wish add to your intercom solutions.

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Consider business wireless intercom systems for the office

If your business is located in a large building, or just has offices that are spread out, it may be more convenient to install an intercom system in the office for faster communication between coworkers. Business intercom systems cost $200 to $700, depending on the features you choose and how many modules you want to set up. Extra features can include paging options, better volume controls and power options. A simple two module setup will range between $200 to $300, not including installation.

I recommend: IntercomsOnline.com provides a buying guide for those looking to purchase a wireless intercom system for their home or office. JE Systems provides a wide selection of intercom systems for your business.

Purchase industrial wireless intercom systems for warehouses and other industrial settings

An intercom system in an industrial setting needs to be durable and have features that can help workers hear or see when the intercom is working, even if there are loud noises all around. Some industrial intercom models have lights as well as speakers with adjustable volume for this purpose. Industrial models cost $750 to $1000.

I recommend: State Intercom provides affordable options for industrial intercom systems. Fairfax Electronics also offers models of video intercoms, which can be helpful in industrial situations.

Choose window intercoms to better serve customers

Window intercoms are easily recognizable, as these types of systems are used for movie theaters, racetracks, sporting events and other ticket venues. The intercom piece itself costs $500 to $600. You will also have to purchase required accessories for certain systems, which can add $150 to $200 to the total price.

I recommend: TheaterProducts.com offers a top of the line intercom system, as well as all the necessary equipment and replacement parts. Bass Burglar Alarms is another store that can offer you a window intercom system for your business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are unsure about which intercom system will benefit your business the most, hire a consultant to check out the workplace and help you determine your needs.

Intercom systems are in demand at offices and factories all over the country. Even basic window intercom system models improve communication in a variety of workplaces, as well as apartments and private residences. Becoming a trained technician certified for business and industrial wireless intercom systems is a good way to enhance your career.

There are many resources you can use to train to become an installer of business wireless intercom systems, or any other type of intercom on the market. There are a variety of ways to get the credentials you need, including:

1. Small training classes that take a few weeks to complete.

2. Single or two day seminars that provide hands-on training.

3. Books that can prepare you for certification tests.

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Choose wireless intercom system training for specific systems

There are a few different types of intercom systems that can be installed in the home or workplace. Companies may choose to install simple, no-hassle intercom systems, all the way up to state-of-the-art systems that include nifty features like links to security cameras.

I recommend: On-Q provides a long list of training services, including training courses for installation of intercoms, cameras, and basic wiring for all types of installation. Linear offers a course on the DMC-10 intercom system model.

Acquire the necessary certifications for wireless intercom systems

Along with knowing how to properly install different types of security systems, you will also want to make sure you have the necessary certifications to install the components in different environments. Many intercom systems installation education and training classes offer certification tests at the end of the course, but you can also take certification tests through accrediting organizations.

I recommend: Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) provides training courses that certify you to install various intercom systems. This program will also train you to work with the wiring for these components. InfoComm offers different types of certifications, depending on how broad or narrow a field you want to work in.

Utilize online resources to keep your window intercoms training up to date

There are many online resources that can help you keep your certifications up to date. Many of these refresher materials and courses can be found and completed online, while others give you the option to attend a proctored test session for re-certification.

I recommend: Smarthome offers many DVDs that can teach you to install and design an intercom system for businesses; these materials can also help refresh your skills. CEPro is a great resource for installers; you can access different types of installation information, as well as the latest news and trends in the industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Whether you want to work for a company or go into business on your own, it's smart to take training courses on multiple intercom solutions for both the home and office.

Intercom systems for a business can be a handy tool, whether the business is home-based or in an office. Intercom systems can either be wired or wireless, depending on the price a business wants to pay. Along with the system itself, there are many optional components an intercom system can have that make using it easier. Call lights and noise canceling headsets work well for loud offices. But no matter what components are used, all of them must be compatible with the intercom system.

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Wireless intercom system

A wireless intercom system uses wireless technology to connect intercom devices. A wireless system is often used for businesses that have remote locations in the same building that need to be connected to the intercom system.

I recommend: Intercoms Online provides a guide that features the different types of wireless systems and the common applications for each.

Attenuator, loss pad

An attenuator, or loss pad, is a device that decreases the amplitude of an electrical signal for prevention of overloading sensitive microphones.

I recommend: Weber VST provides an expanded definition of what a loss pad is and a calculator for determining the speaker and resistor power.

Call light

A call light can serve multiple functions on many business intercom systems. One function of a call light is the blinking call light, which instructs a user to put on a headset. The other function is to serve as a standby light.

I recommend: RTS Two Wire Intercom provides complete specifications and assembly for a two-wire call light indicator.

Circumaural headset

A circumaural headset is a headset that is designed for additional noise isolation. The design has earpieces that surround the ear.

I recommend: Headsets provides ratings, specs and reviews for many types of circumaural headsets for intercom systems and other uses.

Decibel (dB)

A decibel is a unit of measurement equaled to one-tenth of a bel. Decibels are used to measure the level of sound coming from a device.

I recommend: Galen Carol Audio provides a decibel comparison chart that shows the relationship between different levels of noise and their specific decibel level.

Loudspeaker

A loudspeaker function on an intercom system is a way for audible sound to be amplified and heard without a headset attached to the system.

I recommend: Production Intercom provides information on a loudspeaker component that can be used with many types of intercom systems.