Aiphone System Not Working? A Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide
An Aiphone intercom or video entry system is a cornerstone of building security and communication. When it fails, it can cause significant disruption and security concerns. Whether you're experiencing a complete system failure, no video, poor audio, or issues with door release, this guide will provide you with a structured approach to troubleshooting.
This guide is written in professional and empathetic British English to help building managers and users identify and resolve common Aiphone system issues.
Step 1: Preliminary System and Power Checks
Before investigating specific faults, start with the basics. A surprising number of issues stem from simple power or connection problems.
- Check the Master Station: Go to the main master station or tenant monitor. Are there any lights on? Is the screen active? If it is completely dead, this points to a power issue.
- Verify Power Supply: Locate the power supply unit for the Aiphone system. It is often a separate box installed in a utility cupboard or near the master station. Ensure it is plugged in and that the socket is live.
- Check Circuit Breakers: Go to your building's electrical panel and check the circuit breaker that supplies the Aiphone system. If it has tripped, reset it. If it trips again immediately, there may be a short circuit, and you should call a professional electrician.
- Inspect Wiring (If Safe): If you can safely access it, perform a quick visual inspection of the wiring connected to the master station and door station. Look for any obviously loose, disconnected, or damaged wires.
Step 2: Troubleshooting No Video
If you can hear audio from the door station, but the screen on your monitor is black or shows 'No Signal', follow these steps.
- Check the Video Wires: Aiphone systems typically use a two-wire, non-polarised connection for both power and signal, or specific twisted pairs for video in multi-wire systems. Consult your manual to identify the correct video wires. Ensure these wires are securely terminated at both the door station and the master monitor.
- Inspect the Door Station Camera: The camera lens on the external door station should be clean and unobstructed. Check for any signs of physical damage or moisture ingress that could have damaged the camera module.
- Test with a Different Monitor (If Possible): In a multi-tenant building, check if other monitors are working. If only your monitor is affected, it suggests the fault lies with your specific unit or its wiring. If all monitors are down, the problem is likely with the door station or central system equipment.
Step 3: Troubleshooting Poor or No Audio
If you have video but cannot hear the visitor, or they cannot hear you, or the audio is distorted, focus on the audio connections.
- Check Volume Controls: This may seem simple, but check that the volume controls on your master station are not turned all the way down or muted.
- Inspect Audio Wiring: Similar to the video check, ensure the audio wires are securely connected at both ends. Poor connections can lead to static, humming, or a complete loss of sound.
- Look for Interference: Audio wiring, especially in older installations, can be susceptible to electrical interference. Ensure the Aiphone wiring is not running parallel and in close proximity to high-voltage mains cabling.
- Test Microphone and Speaker: Speak clearly towards the microphone on your master station. Have someone at the door station listen for output. A failure in either direction can help isolate whether the problem is with the master station's microphone/speaker or the door station's.
Step 4: Door Release Not Working
If you can see and speak to your visitor but cannot operate the electric door strike to let them in, this is a critical failure.
- Verify Door Release Wiring: The door release mechanism is wired separately. Check the connections from the Aiphone master station (often labelled 'L' and 'L' or similar) to the electric strike and the external power supply for the lock.
- Check the Lock's Power Supply: The electric strike or magnetic lock almost always has its own power supply, separate from the main Aiphone system. Ensure this power supply is functional.
- Test the Door Strike Manually: If possible, and if you are qualified to do so, you can try to activate the strike directly by briefly connecting its power source. If it still doesn't work, the fault is with the strike itself.
If you have run through these steps and are still experiencing issues, the problem may be more complex. Aiphone systems are professional-grade equipment, and further diagnostics may require specialised tools. At this point, it is recommended to contact a certified Aiphone installer or security technician.