Philadelphia: Home to the Eagles (Go Birds!), home to the cheesesteak wit wiz, and also home to more than 1.5 million people in its city center and outlying suburbs. With such a dense population, the people of Philly tend to reach to the sky for space, living and working in high-rise buildings. Buildings that can have many hundreds of apartments or suites. That would lead to A LOT of doorbells at the front door if there wasn’t a better way.
What you need is an access control system to let your guests in and keep pests out. It’s not so complicated, though. There are plenty of systems that let visitors pick a name, press a button, and voilà, they’re connected with two-way voice and/or video! An elegant solution. However, if you’re a building manager or installation technician, you have a more complex decision to make about which system to place at that front door.
Traditionally, wired intercoms have been the go-to choice for reliable communication between visitors and tenants, but what happens when installing new wires just isn’t feasible? What do you do for existing buildings or sites with long distances between entry points and tenants? That’s where telephone entry systems come in. These flexible solutions provide secure, user-friendly entry control without the need for extensive rewiring. Below, we’ll walk through when a telephone entry system is the best fit, the advantages they offer, and introduce two of the best-in-class options: the DoorKing 1837-90 and the Keri Systems EGT-250HF.
When Is a Telephone Entry System the Right Choice?
Most of us are familiar with two-way intercom systems, mainly because the technology has been tried and true for decades, newer models are updated for video calls, and the user experience is sleek and intuitive. They’re great for smaller buildings with a few dozen residents, but as the number of inhabitants goes up, so does the cost of materials and labor.
If there’s 100 units, you would need to run wire and receivers to every single one to make that system work. That’s a lot of effort and it’s not always possible, especially in older buildings that won’t hold up to cutting and drilling. In that case, instead of an intercom, what you might be looking for is a telephone entry system, or TES. Instead of running wire to a receiving unit in every apartment or suite, you install one TES at your building’s point of entry, connect it to a phone or IP line, and it dials out to residents’ phones, where they can “buzz” in their guests easily from anywhere. No wires, no special devices, just convenient connectivity.
Telephone entry systems are ideal for:
- Existing buildings where rewiring is too expensive or disruptive
- Long cable runs to gates or entrances far from the main building
- Gated communities and parking areas with remote or multiple entry points
- Properties where flexibility or easy expansion is needed
- Sites where integration with key fob or card credentials is a must
Instead of connecting every entry point and apartment with a physical wire, telephone entry systems use standard phone lines, cellular networks, or VoIP to enable two-way communication and remote door release, making installation much simpler and more affordable.
How Do Telephone Entry Systems Compare to Wired Intercoms?
Wired intercoms, like the Aiphone 2-wire and IP-based solutions we offer at A.F.Y., are known for rock-solid reliability, high audio and video quality, and advanced integration capabilities. In new construction or major renovations, installing a wired system can be the best long-term investment. However, when installation would mean tearing open walls or digging up grounds, a telephone entry system can offer:
- Simple installation without invasive construction or trenching
- Lower total cost of ownership in retrofit scenarios
- Flexibility to add, move, or change entry points in the future
- Remote programming and management for property managers
- Seamless integration with key fob or key card credentials for resident convenience
Both approaches have their place and we’re always happy to help you decide which is right for your property!
Featured Telephone Entry Systems
DoorKing 1837-90 Telephone Entry System
The DoorKing 1837-90 is a powerhouse designed for medium to large multi-tenant properties, including apartment complexes, office buildings, and gated communities. Key benefits include:
- Support for up to 3,000 phone numbers and 8,000 access codes
- Expandable to control multiple entry points and doors
- Multiple connection options: landline, cellular, VoIP, or internet
- Integrates with key fob and key card credential readers
- Rugged, weatherproof design built to last in any climate
- Remote or cloud-based programming for easy management
- LCD directory display for simple visitor access
- Additional features: anti-pass-back, elevator control, and event logging
The 1837-90 makes managing large or complex sites much easier with no need for disruptive wiring.
DoorKing
Keri Systems EGT-250HF Entraguard Titanium
The Keri EGT-250HF is an excellent choice for smaller buildings, remote gates, or any property that needs secure, easy-to-use access control without the headaches of major construction. Highlights include:
- Supports up to 250 tenants in a compact, stainless-steel enclosure
- Four-line LCD display with customizable messages
- Simple directory code dialing for visitors
- Remote programming via software or built-in modem
- Seamless integration with key fob/card access and Keri’s full access control systems
- Durable, weather-resistant build for outdoor use
With network capability and flexible features, it’s a smart fit for a wide variety of properties.
Keri Systems
Why Buy From A.F.Y?
When you choose A.F.Y. Security Distributors, you get more than just great products:
- Expert advice from local professionals who understand your needs
- Same-day pickup available for many popular models
- Technical support before, during, and after installation
- Access to leading brands, like DoorKing, Keri, and Aiphone for all your entry and access control needs
Ready to Upgrade Your Entry System?
Whether you’re managing a large apartment complex, a gated community, or a remote office, A.F.Y. Security Distributors can help you find the right solution. Contact us today to discuss your project and get personalized recommendations from our team.
