Key takeaways
- An apartment intercom system with door release offers residents and property managers a secure way to control building access while providing convenience for visitors and deliveries. The ability to remotely unlock doors adds a layer of security by allowing only authorized access.
- Many modern intercom systems integrate with smartphones and other devices, enabling remote access and monitoring. This technology is especially beneficial for larger properties or buildings with frequent foot traffic, allowing easy control from anywhere.
- The system enhances the living experience by reducing the need for physical keys or manual entry, simplifying the process for guests and service providers. It also helps streamline property management operations by providing clear building access records and reducing administrative workload.
An important consideration when choosing an apartment intercom system is its door release mechanism. Door release devices allow building staff and tenants to open the door for visitors with just a button. However, not every intercom system with door release is equal.
Some intercom systems allow you to release the door only when you’re in your apartment. Others allow you to release the door remotely, no matter where in the world you are. It’s important to understand the differences among these intercoms to choose the best system for your building.
Read on to learn about the different apartment intercom systems and door-releasing mechanisms and how the wiring is an important consideration in your decision.
This post covers:
- What is an apartment intercom system with door release?
- How does an apartment intercom system with door release work?
- Types of door release locks
- Wired vs. wireless apartment intercom systems with door release
- Choosing the right apartment intercom system
What is an apartment intercom system with door release?
An apartment intercom system with door release is an intercom device that connects to door locks and is used to open doors into a building. When a building staff member, resident, or visitor receives property access via the apartment intercom, the system triggers the door release mechanism (e.g., the door lock) to unlock the door.
The intercom with door release also empowers residents to grant property access to visitors remotely. Since the intercom system is wired to the door release mechanism, residents must use their in-unit device or mobile app to grant access. This triggers the door lock to be released, which allows visitors to access the building.
How does an apartment intercom system with door release work?
An apartment intercom system with door release works in a few simple steps.
First, a visitor to an apartment uses the intercom’s directory to look up a building tenant. Then, the visitor presses the corresponding button to call the resident.
The tenant gets notified of their visitor on either a device in their apartment or a cell phone. The visitor and resident then communicate with each other.
Finally, the resident grants the visitor property access by pressing a ‘door open’ button to unlock the door release device.
Watch how ButterflyMX works:
Do you have to change the door lock when installing an intercom?
No, you won’t have to change your door’s lock when you install an intercom system as long as it’s an electric strike or maglock. If your door doesn’t have an electric lock, you’ll need to change it so the intercom door release feature works.
Types of door release locks
An apartment building with an intercom system has door and electronic or magnetic locking and releasing mechanisms that facilitate access into the building and the rooms within. Once building staff or residents input their credentials, the system verifies their information and signals the door release mechanism to grant access.
There are two types of apartment building door locking mechanisms:
Ultimately, the difference between electronic strike locks and magnetic locks comes down to fail-secure vs. fail-safe. While fail-secure products lock when power is removed (power unlocks the door), fail-safe products unlock when power is removed (power locks the door).
Both are intended to enable building access for those who require it while restricting access for those who don’t. Ultimately, choosing the right door-releasing mechanism depends on your needs, budget, and the building’s infrastructure.
1. Electronic locks — also known as electric strikes
Electronic locks are fail-secure mechanical devices powered by electricity and installed inside the door frame in the place of the door strike plate. A locked electric strike doesn’t receive any power. Without electricity, the latch inside remains in place, keeping the door locked. When the intercom system sends power to the lock, the latch can move, opening the door.
2. Magnetic locks — also known as maglocks
Magnetic locks (maglocks) are fail-safe devices powered by electricity. A magnetic door release lock comprises a magnet and a metal plate. These pieces of equipment align with the door’s frame, typically at the top. When electricity passes through the magnet, it creates a charge that attracts it to the metal plate. This charge holds the door closed until the intercom system removes power, allowing the door to open.
Wired vs. wireless apartment intercom system with door release
All apartment intercom systems require wiring. However, some only require wiring throughout the entire building — from the entryway to each apartment unit. Others require wiring at the front entryway and use wireless technologies to transmit audio and video to each tenant’s apartment.
The difference between wired vs. wireless apartment intercoms is cost, reliability, and convenience. Once you’ve decided on the right intercom for your apartment building, that decision will determine whether you’ll choose a wired or wireless door release option.
Wired door release systems
Wired door release systems are wired to every unit in the building. Intercom systems wired directly to a wall station in each unit alert tenants of visitors with a buzzing sound. Tenants push the ‘door open’ button on the wall station, which signals the door release system. This signal instructs the electronic or magnetic lock to unlock.
Examples of wired door release systems:
- Telephone entry systems
- Door buzzer systems
- Traditional intercom systems
Wireless door release systems
Wireless door release systems do not require wiring to every unit. When residents have a visitor, they don’t hear a buzzing sound. Instead, they receive a mobile app or phone/video call notification. The tenant then presses a designated door release button on their smartphone to open the door. This sends radio frequencies to the door release system to unlock the electronic or magnetic lock.
Examples of wireless door release systems:
- Cloud-based intercom systems
- Cell phone entry systems
- A Bluetooth-based access control system
Choosing the right apartment intercom system for your building
Having an intercom system at your multi-tenant building is now a necessity. Renters today seek smart access and additional security features in multifamily homes. 63% of renters report they would move out of an apartment with inadequate security. And 61% say they would move into an apartment specifically for electronic access features, like an apartment intercom system with door release.
Whether you need to replace an existing apartment intercom system or purchase one for a new development, here’s what to consider:
- Wiring
- Features
- Functionality
Some apartment intercom systems are wireless, while others require wiring throughout the building. Some offer intercoms with video functionality, while others provide audio. Some allow you to open and manage doors from your smartphone, while others do not.
ButterflyMX apartment intercom with door release
ButterflyMX simplifies access for residents, staff, visitors, and delivery couriers — all while maximizing security.
Features of the ButterflyMX apartment intercom include:
- Wireless system only requires three direct connections: power, internet, and door strike. No in-unit hardware is required.
- Clear two-way video calling between visitors and residents.
- Visitor access solutions like virtual keys.
- Delivery PINs and passes for easy courier access.
- Highly rated mobile app so residents can unlock doors and gates with their smartphones.
- Integrates seamlessly with the rest of the ButterflyMX access control solution.
- Cloud-based software allows building staff to manage the system from anywhere.
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