What is the difference between flush and surface mounting?

Flush mounting, also known as in-wall mounting, means that the intercom device is recessed into the wall. Once fitted, this leaves the intercom with a very low profile as it sits flush with the outer surface of the wall. This requires a box which sits inside the hole cut into the wall. The back side of the intercom fits into the box. 

Conversely, surface mounting means that the intercom is mounted on top of the existing wall surface. This requires a box added behind the intercom which is installed on the wall. The back side of the intercom, containing all the electronics, is contained within the visible box.

The depth of the box from the wall varies depending on the product. For example, the surface mount box for the Robin Pro Series is 44.5mm deep.

In new-build installations, we usually recommend flush mounting the intercom. This is because the disruption required to dig out a hole in the wall for flush mounting is easier to complete while a building is unfinished. 

For retrofitting the intercom to existing buildings, surface mounting is often preferred by both the installer and the end customer because it is less invasive. However, flush mounting is still possible in an existing building, as long as a cable conduit is available and there is enough space to fit the intercom properly. 

• Related Articles

• What if my flush mount box is not level?

  When you have made a hole in the wall and fit the flush mounting box for the intercom into it, you may find that the box is not fully level. You can adjust the positioning of the box using the internal adjustment plate. This allows you to straighten ...

• What is the ideal mounting height for the intercom?

  The best height for mounting the intercom depends on the environment, location, and users. For each installation, you should analyse all relevant factors to establish the most appropriate mounting height. General recommendations are typically around ...

• Can I install the intercom without a mounting box?

  Yes. Depending on the model of the intercom you have, it may be possible to mount the product directly to the wall using the supplied drilling template and mounting materials. However, we do not recommend this approach. Our recommendation is to ...

• What is the difference between SIP and Secure SIP?

  SIP is used to set up and manage calls between an intercom device and a phone system. Standard SIP communication is not encrypted. Secure SIP (TLS) adds a layer of encryption to protect the signalling between the intercom and the SIP server. It ...

• Use safety ropes when fitting maglocks

  All maglocks manufactured by CDVI come with safety ropes. These short steel ropes keep the magnet in place and prevent it slipping out of position. They prevent falling on someone if the magnet should become damaged, loose through poor installation, ...