Intercom and Video Door Phone Systems in Egypt: From Simple Audio to Smart Integration
Intercoms in Egypt have evolved from a simple wire bell to integrated systems with camera, electric lock, and mobile app. Whether you're in a building apartment or standalone villa, you need a visitor welcome system. This guide helps you understand the options available in the Egyptian market and choose the most suitable one for you.
By the Ases Kahraba team — Last updated: February 2026
Core Components and Options for Each System
- Audio only vs video camera: Classic 2-wire audio intercom is still used in old buildings at 150–400 EGP per unit. A Video Door Phone system adds viewing the visitor on an indoor screen or mobile — starting from 800 EGP for indoor unit + 600 EGP for outdoor camera.
- Wired (2-wire / 4-wire) vs WiFi: Wired systems are more stable and longer-lasting — suitable for buildings and installation during construction. WiFi intercoms like Dahua VTO or Hikvision DS-KV8 are easy to install in finished apartments, but depend on network stability. Best practice: wired during construction, WiFi for later upgrades.
- Building systems vs standalone villa: Building (10+ apartments): needs one outdoor unit with keypad and one indoor unit per apartment + shared data bus. Villa: simpler system — outdoor unit at gate + indoor unit in living room ± mobile app. Some systems support remote door opening from anywhere in the world.
- Integration with access control and door lock: The best systems integrate with fingerprint reader, card, or code + electric or magnetic lock. Hikvision and ZKTeco provide this integration in Egypt. Magnetic locks require continuous power (locked when power is on, opens upon power cut — safe state).
- Required electrical wiring: For wired system: 2×0.5mm² or 4×0.5mm² cable between outdoor unit and each indoor unit. For magnetic lock: 2×1mm² power cable + separate 12V power supply. For integrated IP camera: CAT6 cable for PoE. All of this needs to be planned before fit-out.
- Brands available in Egypt and prices: Dahua VTO series: outdoor unit 1,500–3,500 EGP. Hikvision DS-KV: 2,000–5,000 EGP. Comelit (Italian): 3,000–8,000 EGP — more expensive but more reliable. Unknown Chinese brands: 400–900 EGP — not recommended for buildings.
Need Intercom Installation or Replacement?
The Ases Kahraba team installs intercom and video door phone systems for apartments, buildings, and villas, with a guarantee on wiring and proper operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace an old intercom (audio only) with a video system without changing cables?
It depends on the number of existing wires. If you have 2-wire: some modern video systems work on 2-wire (like Comelit 2-wire). If you have 4-wire: easier with more options available. What's not possible on existing cables: full IP systems (Hikvision/Dahua IP series) which require separate CAT6.
What electrical wiring is needed for an intercom?
At minimum: 2×0.5mm² cable (like phone cable) from the building entrance or door to each apartment or living room. If adding electric lock: 2×1mm² cable for 12V DC power supply + lock activation cable. If adding IP camera: CAT6. The electrical panel usually doesn't need changing — the intercom draws from a separate 12V or 24V source.
Is WiFi wireless intercom reliable in Egypt?
For a villa or duplex apartment with a strong WiFi network: it can work well. For large buildings: not reliable enough — connections drop and notifications are delayed. Also in Egypt with power outages, if the router goes down you won't be able to open the door. The best hybrid solution: wired primary + mobile app as an addition.
How much does an intercom system cost for a 10-apartment building?
Cost for a 10-apartment building: good outdoor unit (Dahua/Hikvision): 2,500–4,000 EGP. 10 indoor units: 8,000–20,000 EGP (800–2,000 per unit). Wiring and installation: 3,000–8,000 EGP depending on building height. Total: 13,500–32,000 EGP for the whole building. Distributed per apartment: 1,350–3,200 EGP — very acceptable investment.