1. A New Development in Building Intercom Standardization
IP-based communication technology has become an important part of modern building security infrastructure. From apartment entrances and office reception areas to commercial facilities and residential communities, network-based intercom systems are increasingly used to support visitor communication, video verification, and controlled access.
As these systems become more sophisticated, consistent technical requirements are important for manufacturers, installers, and building operators. Audio clarity, video quality, network reliability, and information security all influence the performance of an intercom installation.
In 2026, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) published IEC 62820-1-2:2026, titled Building Intercom Systems – Part 1-2: System Requirements – Building Intercom Systems Using the Internet Protocol (IP).
The standard supplements IEC 62820-1-1 and specifies requirements for the composition, functions, performance, and test methods of IP building intercom systems. Its scope covers both residential and commercial building applications.
This development reflects the growing importance of evaluating intercom systems through defined technical requirements rather than relying only on product descriptions and basic feature lists.
2. What Does IEC 62820-1-2:2026 Cover?
The updated standard addresses several important aspects of IP building intercom system design and performance. It provides a technical framework that manufacturers and testing organizations can use when developing and evaluating compatible products.
Its main areas include:
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System functions: Requirements relating to communication between intercom units and supported audio and video functions.
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Audio performance: Technical evaluation of speech quality, audio delay, switching time, and echo-related performance.
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Video performance: Requirements covering image resolution, frame rate, video delay, and audio-video synchronization.
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Network access control: Requirements for identifying users or devices and determining their access permissions.
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Data integrity: Protection of important information, including user alarm data and unlocking control data.
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Testing procedures: Defined methods for verifying whether system performance meets the specified requirements.
These areas are particularly relevant to IP intercom systems that rely on network communication for daily operation. They also provide useful reference points for product development, technical documentation, and project evaluation.
3. Audio Quality Becomes an Important Performance Consideration
Clear two-way communication is one of the fundamental functions of a building intercom system. If visitors and occupants cannot understand each other clearly, even a feature-rich device may provide a poor user experience.
IEC 62820-1-2:2026 includes requirements for several audio performance characteristics, such as overall loudness rating (OLR), audio delay, echo return loss, and audio switching time.
These measurements address different aspects of communication performance.
Audio delay affects how naturally two users can communicate. Excessive delay may make conversations difficult, particularly when users interrupt each other or exchange information quickly.
Echo return loss relates to the system’s ability to prevent received audio from being transmitted back to the other party. Proper echo control is important for hands-free communication, especially in environments where users are not speaking directly into a handset.
The standard also introduces an additional OLR requirement for hands-free intercom units with screens larger than 10 inches when tested at a distance of 30 cm. This provides a more specific performance consideration for large-screen indoor intercom terminals.
For manufacturers, these requirements highlight the importance of evaluating microphone performance, speaker design, acoustic processing, and the overall communication experience.
4. Video Performance Is More Than Image Resolution
Video communication has become a major feature of modern IP intercom systems. Visitors and occupants often rely on visual information to identify people at building entrances and make access decisions.
However, a high-resolution camera alone does not guarantee good communication performance. Video delay, frame rate, image quality, and synchronization with audio can all influence the actual user experience.
IEC 62820-1-2:2026 includes technical requirements for video performance, including:
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Image resolution requirements based on display size.
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Minimum digital video frame rate.
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Video transmission delay.
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Audio and video synchronization.
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Subjective image quality assessment.
These requirements emphasize that an IP video intercom should provide usable and consistent visual communication rather than simply advertising a high megapixel specification.
For example, if the video stream is delayed or poorly synchronized with audio, users may find it difficult to communicate naturally with visitors. Similarly, visible image blur or distortion can reduce the usefulness of video verification.
Manufacturers should therefore consider the complete video transmission process, including camera performance, image processing, network transmission, and indoor display capabilities.
5. Network Security and Data Protection in IP Intercom Systems
Because IP intercom systems operate through network connections, information security is an essential part of system design.
An intercom may communicate with electronic locks, access controllers, indoor monitors, and management platforms. Unauthorized access or tampering with important control information could affect both communication and building entrance management.
The 2026 standard addresses network access control by requiring systems to identify users or devices and determine whether access and associated permissions should be granted.
It also addresses data integrity protection for important information, including user alarm data and unlocking control data. Encryption or other appropriate protective measures may be used to help protect this information.
For system integrators and property operators, these requirements reinforce the importance of secure authentication, controlled user permissions, and reliable data protection mechanisms.
In addition to selecting suitable equipment, organizations should maintain secure administrator accounts, apply firmware updates, and review remote access permissions regularly.
Cybersecurity should be considered throughout the system lifecycle rather than treated as a configuration task completed only during installation.
6. Why Standardized Testing Matters for Intercom Manufacturers
Product specifications are useful when comparing different intercom models, but the stated specifications do not always describe how a complete system performs under actual operating conditions.
A device may advertise HD video, noise reduction, or high-quality audio. However, system performance also depends on network conditions, connected equipment, software configuration, and installation quality.
IEC 62820-1-2:2026 includes defined test methods for evaluating important audio and video characteristics. These include audio delay, echo return loss, switching time, video delay, image quality, and audio-video synchronization.
The standard also includes subjective assessment methods for image quality and echo-related performance. This means that certain aspects of system performance are evaluated through structured observation in addition to technical measurements.
For manufacturers, testing provides a clearer basis for product development and quality control. For buyers and project consultants, documented test results can provide useful information when evaluating supplier claims.
It is important to distinguish between designing a product with reference to a standard and demonstrating formal conformity. Manufacturers should only make compliance claims when they have appropriate supporting evidence.
7. What the Updated Standard Means for System Integrators and Buyers
The publication of the updated standard provides a useful opportunity for system integrators and procurement teams to review their technical evaluation processes.
Instead of comparing intercom products only by appearance, screen size, camera resolution, or price, project teams can also consider how the complete system performs in communication, network security, and operational reliability.
For system integrators, several factors deserve attention:
Evaluate Complete System Performance
Audio and video performance should be assessed together with network conditions, indoor monitors, entrance stations, and connected equipment.
Review Security Functions
Check how the system manages user authentication, device access, administrator permissions, and sensitive control information.
Request Technical Documentation
Manufacturers should provide clear product specifications, installation instructions, supported interfaces, and relevant testing information.
Consider the Installation Environment
Different buildings have different network architectures, acoustic environments, and access management requirements. Product selection should reflect the actual project conditions.
Plan for Long-Term Maintenance
Firmware support, replacement parts, technical assistance, and system documentation all influence the long-term reliability of an intercom installation.
These considerations can help buyers make more informed decisions and reduce the risk of selecting equipment that does not meet the project’s operational requirements.
8. Applications in Residential and Commercial Buildings
The updated standard is relevant to IP building intercom systems used in different types of properties.
Apartment Buildings and Residential Communities
Residential projects require dependable communication between entrance stations and indoor monitors. Audio clarity, video quality, and controlled access are important for everyday visitor management.
Commercial Office Buildings
Office properties may use IP intercom systems at reception areas, employee entrances, and restricted access points. Reliable communication and appropriate user permissions help support daily building operations.
Hotels and Serviced Apartments
Hospitality properties need convenient communication between guests, reception staff, and designated service areas. Intercom performance and system reliability can influence the overall guest experience.
Educational and Institutional Facilities
Schools, universities, and institutional buildings may use network-based intercom systems to coordinate communication between entrances, administrative offices, and other designated areas.
For all these applications, the appropriate system configuration depends on the property’s size, network infrastructure, security requirements, and local regulations.
9. The Future of IP Building Intercom Technology
The development of building intercom standards reflects a broader shift toward more connected and technically sophisticated security infrastructure.
As IP intercom systems continue to evolve, manufacturers are likely to place greater emphasis on audio and video performance, secure network communication, system interoperability, and long-term software support.
Integration with access control, video surveillance, and building management platforms will also remain important for projects that require coordinated security operations.
For manufacturers, standardized technical requirements can help guide product development and quality evaluation. For system integrators, they provide useful reference points when preparing technical specifications and comparing solutions.
For building owners, the most important objective remains selecting an intercom system that delivers reliable communication, appropriate security functions, and practical long-term maintenance.
Conclusion
The publication of IEC 62820-1-2:2026 represents an important development in the technical standardization of IP building intercom systems. By addressing audio performance, video quality, network access control, data integrity, and testing procedures, the updated standard provides a more detailed technical reference for residential and commercial building communication solutions.
As network-based intercom technology continues to develop, manufacturers, system integrators, and buyers will need to pay greater attention to complete system performance rather than individual product specifications alone.
Selecting reliable equipment, reviewing technical documentation, and following appropriate installation and security practices can help create more dependable IP intercom solutions for modern buildings.
Post time: Nov-02-2026