Short answer: Battery video doorbells are quick to fit but need recharging and rely on Wi-Fi. Wired video doorbells run from a low-voltage transformer or the existing doorbell wiring, so they don’t need charging and are more reliable. Intercoms suit apartments, gated terraces and homes where you want to talk to visitors from inside. Hardwiring a new transformer or power point needs a licensed electrician, and paid installation of security equipment in NSW needs a Class 2C security licence.
A video doorbell or intercom lets you see who’s at the door from anywhere, which is handy for parcels, tradies and unexpected visitors. In the Inner West, where many front doors open straight onto the footpath, it’s one of the most popular upgrades. Here’s how to choose and what installation involves.
Doorbell or intercom?
| Video doorbell | Video intercom | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Houses with a front door on the street | Gated properties, apartments, homes where you want an indoor screen |
| How you answer | Phone app | Indoor monitor and often a phone app |
| Power | Battery, existing doorbell wiring or a transformer | Usually hardwired |
| Gate or door release | Some models with add-ons | Commonly supported |
| Installation | Simple to moderate | Moderate to complex, with cabling to each indoor station |
Battery vs wired doorbells
Battery
- No wiring, can be fitted in minutes
- Needs recharging every few weeks to months, depending on traffic and settings
- Often has a short delay waking up, so you may miss the start of a visit
Wired
- Powered continuously from a low-voltage supply
- Faster response, more features like continuous recording on some models
- Needs a suitable transformer. If there’s no existing doorbell wiring, a new low-voltage cable and transformer are needed. Hardwiring a transformer into a 240V circuit is electrical work for a licensed electrician.
Wi-Fi is the weak link
Most video doorbells use Wi-Fi. A front door at the far end of a long terrace, behind double brick, is a classic dead spot. Before buying, stand at the front door with your phone and check the Wi-Fi signal. If it’s weak, consider a wired access point near the front of the house. See Wi-Fi dead spots in your house.
Some intercom systems avoid Wi-Fi entirely by using a dedicated cable between the door station and indoor monitor. That’s more reliable but needs cable runs.
Apartment and strata intercoms
In apartment buildings, the intercom is usually a building system owned by the owners corporation. You generally can’t replace your handset with any brand you like, because it must be compatible with the building’s system. Talk to your strata manager first. If the building is upgrading, the committee will normally appoint a contractor.
Privacy rules
Doorbell cameras can capture the street, your neighbours’ front doors and conversations. Under the NSW Surveillance Devices Act 2007, recording a private conversation is generally an offence unless the parties consent or an exception applies, as the NSW Government’s guide to the Act explains. Conversations at your front door with someone who’s speaking to you are different from recording people walking past. To be safe:
- set motion zones to your doorstep, not the footpath
- use privacy masking for neighbours’ doors and windows
- consider turning off audio recording if it captures passers-by
Who installs what
| Task | Who |
|---|---|
| Battery doorbell on a screw mount | DIY is usually fine |
| New 240V power point or hardwired transformer | Licensed electrician |
| Fixed data or intercom cabling connected to the telecommunications network | Cabler registered under the ACMA cabling rules |
| Paid installation of security equipment (cameras, intercoms with security features) | Installer with a NSW Class 2C security licence |
NSW Police explains that the Class 2C licence covers installing and servicing electronic security equipment.
Want a doorbell or intercom that just works? See our security cameras, alarms and intercoms page, or call 0421 772 661 to talk through power, Wi-Fi and cabling.
Setup tips
- Mount at the right height. About chest to shoulder height usually shows faces well. Follow the manufacturer’s guide.
- Check glare. A west-facing door in afternoon sun can wash out the image. Angle wedges help.
- Weatherproof it. Choose a model rated for exposed positions.
- Set notifications sensibly. Too many alerts and you’ll start ignoring them.
- Link your chime. Wired doorbells can often ring an existing chime or a plug-in chime indoors.
If you’re also adding cameras, our security camera guide covers placement and recording.
We help homes in Enmore, Stanmore, Petersham and Croydon Park.
Frequently asked questions
Do video doorbells need an electrician?
Battery doorbells usually don’t. Wired doorbells may need a new transformer or power supply, and hardwiring that into a 240V circuit is work for a licensed electrician.
Will a video doorbell work with my Wi-Fi?
Only if the signal at the front door is strong enough. Check it with your phone first. A wired access point near the front of the house can fix weak signals.
Can I install my own intercom in an apartment?
Usually not without checking with the strata manager, because apartment intercoms are typically part of a building-wide system.
Is it legal to record audio with a doorbell camera in NSW?
Recording private conversations is restricted under the Surveillance Devices Act 2007. Limit motion zones to your doorstep and consider turning off audio if it captures passers-by.