Ensuring durability in outdoor intercom systems

Intercoms aren’t always installed in clean, predictable environments. Coastal industrial sites, busy car parks, or warehouse loading docks are all common projects where the environment constantly works against your outdoor intercom system.  

Although challenging, these sites still need the strong security that accompanies reliable intercom performance. Let’s delve into the ‘must-haves’ of an outdoor intercom, what 2N do to ensure intercom reliability no matter the conditions, and which of our intercoms we recommend for outdoor, high-risk environments.

Material and component quality

The use of high-quality, vandal-resistant materials and components in outdoor intercoms is critical to ensuring long-term durability, reliable performance, and user safety in challenging environments.

2N construct our intercoms from robust housings made from materials such as anodized aluminium, which offers excellent resistance to corrosion, UV exposure, and extreme weather, helping the device maintain water and impact protection (more on that later!)

Internally, we also ensure the use of premium-grade components—such as cameras, microphones, and circuit boards—to ensure clear communication, secure access control, and resilience against temperature fluctuations or electrical surges.

These quality elements not only reduce the risk of failures and costly maintenance but also contribute to user confidence, consistent performance, and overall building security.

Battling the elements: IP ratings

Two key concerns for any outdoor intercom system are water and dust – rain, snow, sand, salt water, debris from roads, or simply recurrent exposure to freezing temperatures are all common challenges outdoor intercoms face. 

An outdoor intercom that’s not sealed correctly or weatherproofed won’t stand a chance against all these. When that happens, it’s not just inconvenient—it can lead to system failure, costly repairs, and serious security risks. 

So, how do 2N ensure resistance to water and dust? We test for the IP (Ingress Protection) rating.  

Here’s a breakdown of IP ratings for outdoor intercoms: 

• IP65: Completely dust-tight and resistant to water sprayed from a nozzle. 

• IP66: Dust-tight and protected against strong jets of water. 

• IP67: Dust-tight and can withstand immersion in water for up to 30 minutes at depths of up to 1 meter. 

• IP68: Dust-tight and suitable for continuous, long-term submersion in water. 

• IP69: Dust-tight and resistant to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets—ideal for environments requiring frequent washdowns and for offering maximum protection. 

The first digit in these ratings (e.g., the “6” in IP69) indicates protection against solids like dust and is tested by exposing the device to dust chambers or probes.  

The second digit (e.g., the “9” in IP69) reflects protection against water and is tested through methods such as spraying with water jets, immersion in tanks at specified depths and durations, or exposure to high-pressure, high-temperature jets (for IP69).  

Each level of our in-house testing follows strict international standards (IEC 60529) to ensure consistent, repeatable results that reflect real-world durability. 

Resisting accidental (and intentional) physical impact: IK ratings

Then, there’s the question of physical impact. In public spaces or high-traffic industrial zones, outdoor intercom systems are often bumped into by trolleys or cars, scratched by forklifts, or even deliberately vandalized. 

That’s why many installers need a vandal-resistant outdoor intercom system with high IK ratings. This is vital because when a device is damaged, access control breaks down, security teams can’t communicate, visitors are left stranded, and buildings are left vulnerable. 

IK Rating Test Procedure

At 2N, the IK rating test is conducted according to IEC 62262 using a pendulum or spring hammer to deliver a controlled impact at precise locations on the product.

Key steps:

1. Test Setup: The product is mounted in its intended orientation, and impacts are delivered using a calibrated impact tool (usually a vertical hammer or a drop test apparatus).
2. Impact Energy Selection: The correct joule force (from IK01 to IK10) is selected based on the desired rating.
3. Number of Blows: The device receives five impacts at different points, typically including vulnerable areas like edges, corners, and the center.
   
4. Assessment: After impact, the device is inspected for:
   
   
   • Functional performance (still fully operational)
     
   • Structural integrity (no cracking or exposure of internal parts)
   • Safety compliance
   
   
   
5. Result: If the device passes all five impacts without unacceptable damage or malfunction, it is awarded the corresponding IK rating.

IK Ratings Overview (IEC 62262 Standard)

For reference:

• 5 joules (IK08) ≈ impact of a 1.7 kg object dropped from 300 mm

• 20 joules (IK10) ≈ 5 kg object dropped from 400 mm

A note on storms and lightning  

Outdoor sites, and therefore outdoor intercoms, are also often exposed to storms. In high-risk areas, such as hurricane zones, storms (and the accompanying lightning strikes) pose serious concerns. They can cause severe damage to outdoor intercom systems, particularly those that are exposed, not appropriately protected, and/or connected via long cable runs.  

A lightning strike can send powerful electrical surges through power lines or Ethernet cables, instantly damaging sensitive components like processors, circuit boards, relays, and network ports.  

This often results in complete loss of functionality—such as dead audio, frozen video, or failed communication. Even if there’s no visible physical damage, firmware may become corrupted, leading to software malfunctions or continuous reboots.  

In severe cases, the entire intercom system can be destroyed, along with other connected equipment like PoE switches or access controllers. 

Therefore, if you’re installing in an area prone to lightning strikes and extreme storms, it's vital that you pay attention to proper installation.  

Two key things to avoid are:

• Using old or poor-quality cabling that will not withstand an electrical surge 

• Running PoE cables alongside power cables. This causes interference and voltage issues. 

Instead, use a combination of preventative measures:

• Surge protection devices (SPDs) should be installed on all power and data lines to divert excess voltage safely to ground.  

• Proper grounding of the entire system is crucial for safely dissipating electrical energy.  

• Using shielded, outdoor-rated cabling helps minimize interference, while isolated or surge-protected PoE solutions provide additional defense.  

• Mounting the intercom in a grounded metal enclosure can offer shielding, and in high-risk areas, lightning arresters can help direct strikes away from the system.  

Together, these strategies significantly reduce the risk of lightning-related failures and extend the lifespan of outdoor intercoms, including the 2N IP Force 2.0 – our choice for the most durable extreme outdoor intercom system.  

To summarize: how the 2N IP Force 2.0 delivers!

One outdoor intercom that meets — and exceeds — all the above criteria is the 2N IP Force 2.0. It was built for environments where other outdoor intercom systems would crack, corrode, or collapse. 

High-quality materials and components

Built with durability in mind and using high-quality, robust aluminum, the 2N IP Force 2.0 is the perfect vandal-resistant intercom. A security relay accessory is available that detects any unauthorised manipulation of the electronic locking system, as well as a tamper switch that detects unauthorised opening of the intercom.

Ingress Protection (IP rating)

The 2N IP Force 2.0 has been tested according to these guidelines and holds a rating of IP69, so you can trust it will perform in even the harshest of outdoor locations.  

Impact resistance (IK rating)

With an IK10 rating for impact resistance and IP69K protection against water and dust, it stands up to the harshest conditions, whether that’s a vandal-prone entrance, a remote perimeter fence, or a coastal industrial facility. 

Component protection

Features like the shatter-resistant glass dome over the camera lens and a durable, shatterproof keypad help the device maintain function and clarity even after rough treatment. 

Extended 5-year warranty

A key indicator of our confidence in the longevity and reliability of the 2N IP Force 2.0 is our 5-year warranty, which is available as standard with all 2N hardware.

Plus: enhanced capabilities that meet today’s challenges!

Did you know that the 2N IP Force 2.0 also offers advanced, next-gen features? It includes a 5MPx camera (with WDR, night vision, and a wide-angle lens with adaptive face zooming), advanced noise cancellation, QR code reading, and more.

So, not only does it offer the proven durability your outdoor intercom system requires, but it will also allow you to meet today’s demanding access control and security needs with enhanced capabilities.

Ensure outdoor intercom system reliability, time and time again

Ultimately, durability isn’t a “feature” — it’s the foundation on which your security is built. If your outdoor intercom system can’t withstand the elements or survive a knock, it won’t matter how advanced its software or how sleek its design is. 

Additionally, don’t underestimate how important reliability is to your brand. A visibly broken or weathered outdoor intercom system outside your premises doesn’t exactly scream “secure and professional”. Whether you’re a property manager, systems integrator, or developer, your reputation is reflected in the hardware you install. 

That’s why 2N continues to innovate in this space, delivering robust systems that meet the highest standards for resilience and reliability.

Want to know more? Read our news release that outlines the benefits of the intercom and the reasons behind its development.