Replacing an Intercom Entrance Panel: Do Apartment Handsets Need to Be Replaced Too?

When an apartment association decides to replace its building’s entrance intercom panel, one of the first questions is whether the handsets inside individual apartments also need to be replaced.

It’s a reasonable concern. Replacing equipment in every apartment requires coordination with residents, additional planning, and potentially a larger budget.

However, keeping old handsets is not always the most economical solution. In buildings where the intercom system has been in use for more than 15 years, replacing the entire system can often prevent compatibility issues, repeated service visits, and unexpected expenses.

Let’s look at how an intercom replacement works, when existing wiring can be reused, and why upgrading the handsets together with the entrance panel may be the better long-term investment.

1. Why 15-Year-Old Intercom Handsets Can Become a Problem

An intercom handset may appear to be a simple device, but after 15 years of daily use, its components can show significant wear.

Common problems include:

Worn-out buttons: The door release button becomes unreliable or stops responding.
Poor audio quality: Residents experience crackling sounds, low volume, or interrupted communication.
Damaged contacts: Internal electrical connections deteriorate over time.
Limited spare parts: Replacement components for older models may no longer be available.

Even if most handsets still work, it is common for older buildings to have a few apartments experiencing intermittent problems.

Replacing only the entrance panel introduces another challenge: compatibility.

The new panel must support the building’s existing handsets and wiring configuration. Finding compatible equipment for older Vizit or Eltis systems can be difficult, and some installations may require additional modifications.

As a result, an apparently inexpensive entrance panel replacement may lead to additional repair work when individual apartment handsets fail to function correctly.

2. How We Replace an Intercom System with Laskomex 2600

One practical solution is to upgrade the building to the Laskomex 2600 intercom system, replacing both the main entrance panel and the apartment handsets.

For a building with approximately 15 apartments, installation can typically be completed within one working day, provided access and wiring conditions are suitable.

Residents do not need to wait at home all day. Installing and testing a new handset in an apartment usually takes around 30 minutes.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Step 1 — Informing residents

Before installation, we provide a notice with the scheduled date and an approximate time window for each entrance. Residents are asked to ensure access to their apartments during the agreed period.

Step 2 — Replacing the entrance panel

Our technician removes the old entrance panel, installs the new Laskomex 2600 panel, and connects it to the building’s electric door lock.

Step 3 — Installing new apartment handsets

The technician visits each apartment, removes the existing handset, and installs the new one, normally in the same location.

Step 4 — Testing the system

Each apartment’s intercom is tested to verify voice communication, incoming calls, and door unlocking.

Step 5 — Completing the installation report

After installation, a service report is prepared, recording which apartments have been tested and confirming the completed work.

Important: If a resident is unavailable during the scheduled installation, an additional visit may be required. Repeat visits are generally subject to an additional charge, so coordinating access in advance helps keep costs under control.

3. Existing Wiring: An Advantage Rather Than a Problem

One of the main advantages of upgrading to Laskomex 2600 is that existing intercom wiring can often be reused.

This is particularly beneficial for apartment buildings where the original cables are still in good condition.

For residents, it means:

No unnecessary drilling or opening of walls.
Less dust and disruption during installation.
No additional renovation of the stairwell.
A faster and more convenient installation process.

For apartment associations, retaining suitable existing wiring can significantly reduce installation costs.

Before confirming the final solution, however, the wiring should be inspected to ensure it meets the technical requirements of the new system.

Comparing Two Replacement Options

	Replace the entrance panel only	Install Laskomex 2600 with new handsets
Entrance panel	New, compatible with existing equipment	New Laskomex 2600
Apartment handsets	Existing handsets, potentially 15+ years old	New handsets
Wiring	Existing wiring	Existing wiring, where compatible
Compatibility	Depends on the older system	Components selected as one system
Future maintenance	Older handsets may require replacement	Reduced risk of handset-related service calls
Additional costs	Possible repairs and repeat visits	More predictable initial installation costs

Replacing only the entrance panel may initially appear less expensive.

However, if several old handsets require replacement shortly afterwards, the apartment association may face additional service charges and repeated installation work.

In some cases, replacing the complete system from the beginning can be more cost-effective than maintaining ageing equipment.

The final decision should depend on the condition of the existing system, compatibility requirements, and the total cost of both options.

4. An Affordable Intercom System with Room for Future Upgrades

The Laskomex 2600 provides a practical solution for reliable entrance communication and door access.

But a modern apartment building may eventually need more than a standard intercom.

By adding GuardSaaS 24, an apartment association can extend its access management capabilities without relying entirely on traditional physical key administration.

Digital Key Management with GuardSaaS 24

Depending on the installed equipment and configuration, GuardSaaS 24 allows authorised building representatives to:

View registered electronic access keys.
Deactivate lost or unwanted keys.
Register new keys.
Manage access permissions more efficiently.
Reduce the need for technician visits for routine key administration.

In older systems, apartment association board members may not have a clear overview of how many access keys are in circulation or who holds them.

Centralised key management provides greater visibility and control.

Planning for Video Surveillance

If an apartment association later decides to install security cameras, compatible equipment can be integrated into a broader building security solution.

Potential monitoring areas include building entrances, stairwells, bicycle storage rooms, and waste collection areas.

Camera installation in shared residential spaces requires an appropriate legal basis, compliance with data protection requirements, and any necessary decisions by the apartment owners.

The technical compatibility of future surveillance equipment should also be confirmed during project planning.

A Practical Upgrade Strategy

Today: Replace the entrance panel and apartment handsets with Laskomex 2600.

Next step: Add GuardSaaS 24 for convenient electronic key management.

In the future: Consider compatible video surveillance and additional access control features as the building’s needs evolve.

This approach allows an apartment association to spread investments over time rather than replacing every component at once.

5. What Should an Apartment Association Do Before Replacing Its Intercom?

Before making a final decision, we recommend taking four practical steps.

1. Check the age and number of apartment handsets.

Find out how many handsets are installed, how old they are, and whether residents have reported problems.

2. Request a quotation for both options.

Compare the cost of replacing only the entrance panel with the cost of installing a complete system with new handsets.

3. Arrange an inspection of the existing wiring.

A technician can determine whether the original cables can be reused and identify any necessary additional work.

4. Compare the total cost, not just the initial price.

Consider possible future repairs, replacement handsets, additional technician visits, and maintenance requirements.

A slightly higher initial investment may reduce unexpected expenses in the years ahead.

Request an Intercom Replacement Quote

Planning to replace the intercom system in your apartment building?

Fonolukk can help assess the existing equipment, evaluate wiring compatibility, and prepare a written quotation for replacing the entrance panel and apartment handsets.

Tell us about your building, the number of apartments, and the existing intercom system. We will help you choose a practical solution based on your needs and budget.

Installation, repairs, and maintenance — one contact number.

Phone: +372 661 1774

Contact Fonolukk to request a quotation for your apartment building.