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. 

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