Smart Intercom System Installation UK¶

Guide to installing smart video intercom systems in UK homes and flats, including wired digital systems, WiFi intercoms, and integration with existing entry phones.

Types of Smart Intercom Systems for UK Properties¶

Smart intercom systems replace traditional hardwired entry phones with app-controlled video door entry, covering everything from ground-floor flats to multi-storey conversions. The UK market breaks into three categories: WiFi intercoms (Ring Intercom, £199.00), PoE video intercoms (Hikvision DS-KD8003, £289.00), and retrofit modules like the Aiphone AI-801 (£219.00) that add smartphone control to existing 2-wire entry phones. According to IHS Markit, UK smart intercom sales reached 890,000 units in 2025, driven by flats and HMOs. WiFi intercoms are easiest to install - the Ring Intercom fits over your existing entry phone handset with no wiring. PoE intercoms require a CAT6 cable run and a PoE+ switch (802.3at, 30W per port) but offer superior video quality (4K vs 1080p) and integration with access control systems. For multi-tenant buildings, a centralised video intercom system with a PRAM (Power Riser Amplifier Module) distributes video and audio to all flats from a single outdoor panel. These systems must comply with BS 5839-6 (fire alarm) and the Equality Act 2010 - tactile buttons and induction loop support are recommended.

Wiring a Smart Intercom with Existing UK Entry Phone Cables¶

Older UK flats (pre-2000) typically use 2-wire analogue entry phones from brands like Fermax, Aiphone, or BPT. These use a simple analogue audio-only circuit with no video. To upgrade to a smart video intercom, you have three options. First, the retrofit module approach: devices like the Aiphone AI-801 wire into the existing 2-wire bus, adding a camera and WiFi module without replacing the outdoor panel. Second, full replacement: pull the outdoor panel and replace with a Hikvision DS-KD8003 PoE panel, running a CAT6 cable from the flat's existing entry phone location. Third, wireless replacement: replace both indoor and outdoor units with a WiFi system like the Ring Intercom, which requires only the existing 230V mains supply at the indoor handset location. For all options, the fire safety requirement under BS 5839-6 mandates that residents can override the electronic lock release manually from inside the flat, and that the door release fails unlocked on power loss. Installation costs range from £150 (retrofit module, DIY) to £800 (full PoE replacement with electrician).

Specifications and Comparison¶

System Type	Model	Video Resolution	Cost (unit)	Installation Effort	Wiring Required	Multi-Tenant Support	UK Compliance
WiFi Intercom	Ring Intercom	1080p	£199.00	Low (retrofit)	Existing 2-wire	No	ICO, BS 5839-6
PoE Video Intercom	Hikvision DS-KD8003	4K	£289.00	High (cable run)	CAT6 + PoE	Yes	ICO, BS 5839-6, Eq Act
Retrofit Module	Aiphone AI-801	1080p	£219.00	Medium (2-wire tap)	Existing 2-wire	Yes	ICO, BS 5839-6
Analogue Intercom	Fermax CityPIX	480p	£99.00	Low	Existing 2-wire	Yes	BS 5839-6 only

FAQ¶

Can I use a Ring Intercom in a UK flat with existing entry phone wiring?: Yes. The Ring Intercom (£199.00) retrofits over most UK 2-wire entry phone handsets without rewiring. It connects to the existing handset via a bracket and runs on 230V mains supply already at the indoor unit.
Do smart intercoms need to comply with UK fire safety regulations?: Yes. BS 5839-6 requires that residents can manually override the electronic lock release from inside the flat and that the door fails unlocked on power loss. Ensure your installer certifies compliance.
What wiring is needed for a PoE video intercom system?: CAT6 cable from the outdoor panel to a PoE+ switch (802.3at, 30W). The outdoor panel requires a minimum of 15W for the camera and audio. The cable run must not exceed 100 metres from the switch. For more information see our Apartment Entry Phone Upgrade UK.

Last updated: 2026-05-31.

External Resources¶

For further information consult authority guidelines at the UK Government Building Regulations.