Replacing an Outdated Apartment Entry System with a Modern Fermax Video Intercom Solution
EAC Fire & Security was recently contacted by a residential apartment block in Guildford that was experiencing ongoing issues with an ageing communal door entry system.
The existing intercom installation had become unreliable, with ageing equipment, outdated wiring arrangements, and limited functionality for residents. The management team wanted a modern, reliable video intercom system that would improve security, provide clear communication between visitors and residents, and future-proof the building for years to come.
After surveying the site and assessing the existing infrastructure, we recommended a complete upgrade to a modern Fermax video entry system.
The Challenge
The building consisted of five residential properties sharing a communal entrance.
The existing system was showing its age, with older equipment installed within the communal riser cupboard and an external panel that had suffered years of wear and exposure to the elements.
Key objectives included:
- Replacing the ageing communal entrance panel
- Installing new video monitors within each apartment
- Improving image quality and communication
- Increasing system reliability
- Utilising existing cabling where possible
- Minimising disruption to residents
The Solution
We removed the existing door entry equipment and installed a new 5-way Fermax video intercom system.
The upgrade included:
- New Fermax external video entrance panel
- Five internal colour video monitors
- New power supply and control equipment
- System programming and resident setup
- Door release integration
- Full testing and commissioning
The new system provides residents with clear video identification of visitors before granting access, significantly improving security and convenience.
Why Fermax?
For apartment blocks and communal residential buildings, Fermax systems offer an excellent balance of reliability, image quality and scalability.
The Fermax DUOX PLUS platform operates using a fully digital two-wire system, allowing modern video intercom functionality to be installed using existing cabling in many buildings, reducing installation costs and disruption. The system supports colour video communication, electronic door release, and future expansion where required.
This made it an ideal solution for this Guildford property.
Installation Process
Following the initial survey, our engineers carefully removed the old equipment and prepared the communal system infrastructure for the new installation.
New internal video monitors were fitted within each apartment, providing residents with:
- Live video viewing of visitors
- Two-way audio communication
- Door release functionality
- Clear colour display
- Easy-to-use controls
The communal entrance panel was replaced with a modern video unit featuring a built-in camera and individual call buttons for each property.
A new Fermax power supply and system controller were installed within the building’s service area to ensure reliable operation throughout the development.
Benefits for Residents
Since the upgrade, residents now benefit from:
- Improved building security
- Clear visitor identification before entry
- Reliable communication with callers
- Modern colour video display
- Improved property presentation
- Reduced maintenance requirements
- Future-proof digital technology
For apartment buildings, video entry systems provide an additional layer of security by allowing residents to visually verify visitors before unlocking communal entrances.
Door Entry System Upgrades in Guildford
Many apartment blocks, flats, and communal residential buildings across Guildford still rely on ageing intercom systems that are becoming increasingly unreliable and expensive to maintain.
Modern video intercom systems can often be installed using existing cabling, making upgrades more straightforward than many property managers expect.
At EAC Fire & Security, we specialise in:
- Video Intercom Systems
- Apartment Block Door Entry Systems
- Audio Intercom Systems
- Fermax Intercom Installations
- Door Access Control
- Commercial Entry Systems
- Residential Security Systems
- Intercom Upgrades and Repairs
Whether you manage a small apartment block or a large residential development, our team can design and install a solution tailored to your building’s requirements.
Looking for a Video Intercom Installer in Guildford?
If your current door entry system is outdated, unreliable, or no longer providing the level of security your residents need, EAC Fire & Security can help.
We provide professional intercom and access control installations throughout Guildford, Surrey, and the surrounding areas.
