Purchasing Resources for Intercom Systems

Intercom Systems Key Terms

Learn about the components of intercom systems
By Terri Deno 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.

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

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