Streamline Installation and Boost Security of Intercom Deployments

At Verkada, we believe that it’s important for our intercoms to not only deliver a frictionless experience for visitors, but also an effortless deployment process for our installers. That is why today, we are excited to share several new features that make it even simpler to deploy intercoms securely at scale. 

Security Relay Accessory

When a Verkada intercom is used as a single-door controller, there are two potential issues that could arise:

• While Verkada intercoms can be configured as single-door access controllers, their relay outputs do not directly provide power to door lock hardware and must be wired to an external power supply to power the door to lock and unlock. This can meaningfully increase installation costs and cabling complexity. 

• Because relays and control wires are located on the back of the intercom, an intruder could knock the intercom off the wall to expose the door lock circuitry, “short” the door control wiring, and force the door lock to open.

To address these challenges, we’re introducing the Verkada Security Relay, an accessory that enhances intercom deployments by providing two critical functions: 

• The security relay simplifies the installation process by providing a direct power supply to door locks. This bypasses the need to purchase and wire an additional power source for voltage. 

• By installing the relay on the interior of the door, sensitive relay circuitry remains on the secure side of the door. Even if the intercom is tampered with or removed from the exterior wall, door lock wires remain inaccessible and protected, helping to prevent unauthorized “shorting.”

Whether operating in Verkada access control mode or alongside a third-party access control system, the security relay mitigates tampering risks by keeping sensitive wiring secure.

Reader over Network

One of the greatest benefits of Verkada intercoms is their ability to integrate seamlessly with Verkada Access Control. In the past, Verkada intercoms required a dedicated RS-485 connection to a standalone Verkada access control unit (like the AC12 or AC42) to transmit credential scans for door unlocks. This was often a labor-intensive process, requiring teams to drill through dense building materials and pull extra cabling from the controller to the door.

With the launch of reader over network, organizations are able to use Verkada’s advanced peer-to-peer device communication technology to solve this problem. Now, credential scans at the intercom are transmitted directly to the access control unit over the existing local network, with a secure cloud-based backup for added redundancy. By eliminating the need for a point-to-point hardwired connection between the reader and the controller, we are significantly simplifying the deployment of integrated entry points at scale.

Organizations with an existing Verkada access control system seeking to add Verkada intercoms to their doors simply require a CAT6 cable to provide both power and network connectivity to the intercom, avoiding the need to add additional wiring to crowded existing cabling. On the other hand, new constructions can meaningfully reduce wiring and labor costs, as installers no longer need to run wires from the intercom back to the access control unit.

Reader over network offers organizations a highly scalable path to deploy intercoms and process credential scans across many doors and sites, without the physical constraints of traditional wiring.

Availability

The ACC-IOX-RELAY security relay will be available in late March 2026 with an MSRP of $199, and reader over network will be available on February 19, 2026. To get a personalized demo or free trial, contact your Verkada sales representative or email [email protected].