Great Two-Way Intercoms for the Crane/Shipyard

When a consumer is deciding on an intercom system, there is one thing that they must know and consider: intercoms are typically sold in three different formats.

Number one is the wired intercom - this is the standard intercom and the original, a simple two-way device that is linked from the outside to the inside using CAT5 cables to transmit the data. Wired intercoms are considered by some to be somewhat old, though others regard them as sturdy and reliable - either way, the introduction of new intercom technology has meant that many wired intercoms have dramatically fallen in price and are by far the most affordable intercoms available on the market.

Number 2 is the wireless intercom. A relatively new style of intercom, the wireless allows the user to be free of wires and it typically enables them to have a certain degree of flexibility in where they wish to have the intercoms placed. As with any new technology, the wireless version of intercom technology comes at a distinctly higher cost, but many will validly argue that this is a justifiable expense.

Third, there is the video intercom. The video intercom may in fact seem like an even newer piece of technology, but in actuality video intercoms have been around since the 1960s. In the modern age, most video intercoms come in wireless format, but it is still possible to find wired intercoms with video technology, as the CAT5 cable is able to transmit not just audio, but video also.

There are many uses for intercoms, in both residential terms and industrial terms. One very good example of how intercom technology is being utilized to efficient effect is the Crane/Shipyards industry. On a shipyard it is absolutely essential that the operators of heavy machinery have good contact with their fellow co-workers. This can be done using a two-way intercom radio which can be carried by many people and tuned into by everybody on the site.

However, for a slightly more advanced piece of technology in this environment, there is the duplex headset. This is extremely beneficial for workers on Crane/Shipyards as it is a headset that can be worn and allows constant communication (this means no over/out) and is in crystal clear quality with noise-canceling qualities. This industry has already benefited greatly from the wonders of expanding intercom radio technology, and will continue to grow with it in the future.

Industrial Communication - Special Considerations for the Oil and Gas Industries

Communication is important in any industry, but in the oil/gas industry it is of critical importance. There are several important areas to consider as you develop a new communication system or assess a current configuration.

The first consideration is making sure that your communication system covers all of your workers including those working in remote locations. Even employees in hard to reach areas need two way communication with others. This is important both for reporting emergencies and for asking the questions necessary to facilitate making good on the job decisions. Also, it may be necessary to contact workers assigned to remote locations, such as gas and oil fields, to share critical information with them. Unless there are already wires in place, remote communication is usually best established by wireless systems such as radios and intercoms. Not only is there no need to lay wires, it is easy to modify and change the system as your company changes and grows.

The second consideration is speed. In an emergency, speed matters, and push to talk devices are the best for making sure that communication is instantaneous when needed. No need to wait for a signal with modern push to talk headsets and intercoms. This communication is available when it is needed at the push of a button. Even intercoms at typically unmanned stations are available and ready to use in the event of inspections and temporary assignments.

Another consideration is flexibility and room for growth. The oil/gas industry is somewhat unique in that locations change as new supplies of gas or oil are discovered and drilled. A system with limited flexibility will not be able to meet future needs. In addition to wireless intercoms, portable radios and headsets work particularly well in the field. These components are also particularly easy to service as they can be brought to a central location for technicians to perform routine maintenance or repairs.

Security is another area to plan for as you design or upgrade your communication system. Although wireless components are convenient, it is important to make sure that all transmissions are secure. All of your communication signals should be encrypted so that no one other than authorized employees can access any of your messages. For unmanned locations, you will want to make sure that the communication devices themselves cannot easily be tampered with. Video monitoring provides an additional measure of security for those locations that can’t always be staffed.

Remembering portability, speed, flexibility, and security will ensure that your oil/gas industry communication system meets both your short term and long term needs.

Comparing Intercom Systems for your Business Needs

When you are trying to compare various types of intercom systems, you will want to be sure to purchase one that will work for your business, power plant, manufacturing facility, and any other location that it may be used in. Unlike home intercom systems, the systems for industrial use are much more technical to meet the needs of an industrial environment.

Some systems are simple, while others offer many detailed features. Some systems can be integrated into existing data infrastructures and telecommunications so that you can retain your current setup. This means that all of your facility’s streams such as alarms, security, remote control functions, and voice communications can be blended together in one network with ease. When you receive calls, they can be directed to the correct terminal, department or station by using the intercom system, and it is a great way to make a good impression on your customers by providing fast customer service.

In a manufacturing plant, should an emergency come up, any accidents can be responded to immediately. Having a system in your facility ensures safety and is a perfect way to contact people quickly when communication is absolutely critical.

Industrial intercoms are usually exposed to hazardous conditions and intense environments whether they are used in power plants, factories, or other facilities. It is very important that the features of the intercom system you choose is designed to serve the purpose you are looking for. With the right system, you can be sure to save lives in the case of an emergency if that time comes and be able to communicate within the facility to employees when necessary.

Some intercom systems have the ability to allow for conference calls and offer a central unit feature that can have up to 60 lines and even more. The most important thing in choosing the right intercom system is that the communication is clear. It is important to choose an intercom system that is the best quality available with excellent reliability and effectiveness.

The system should have a warranty and features that can handle hot and freezing temperatures and have resistance against dust and spark. It should be tamper, weather, and vandal resistant and have a backup power source feature to keep your operations going should you have a power outage. Intercom systems are very helpful and a great necessity in any industrial setting. Be sure to choose one that works for your needs and remember to review the features of each to make the best decision for your business.

Internal Intercom Communication in the Petroleum Chemical Industry

One of the industries that rely heavily on internal intercom communication is the petroleum chemical industry.

Due to the dangerous waste and materials that are transported throughout the facility, it is very important that all personnel are able to communicate quickly in case of an emergency. At some petro chemical plants in the United Kingdom, it is not unusual for plant management to invest thousands of dollars to ensure that all internal intercoms are operating effectively. On the plant dock for example, this entire area usually has over five different commercial intercoms installed. These many intercoms are usually needed because most dock areas range from nine thousand to over fifteen thousand square feet. Because of this, it is impossible for dock personnel to communicate with each other without an internal intercom system.

Along with the dock area, commercial intercoms are also usually installed in petro chemical plants that have large internal warehouses. In most of these warehouses, there are usually dangerous chemicals stored in large steel bins and plastic barrels. Because of this dangerous content, most plants prefer not to use a lot of electronic equipment in this particular area. However, because of the size of these warehouse spaces, the warehouse staff has to some form of communication, which in most cases is a commercially installed intercom system. When it comes to specific intercom models, most petro plants today generally use a wireless intercom device. By using a wireless system, these plants can reduce the chances of having a fire started through faulty internal wiring. When you are working in an area that contains a large amount of dangerous and flammable chemicals, the last thing you need is an electrical fire.

Along with the areas listed above, many chemical plants also use a wireless intercom call box at the front entrance of their facility. Because these plants are responsible for processing and transporting dangerous materials, they have to take extra precautions to ensure that no unauthorized person tries to enter the plant without clearance or permission. The most effective way to do this is by installing a wireless intercom call box that can be easily attached to the front gate. If anyone tries to enter the plant without a badge, they will have to announce themselves through the call box and wait to be given clearance.

To some this may seem like a lot of unnecessary safety and precaution; however those who work in the petroleum industry understand why this type of precaution and communication is needed.