Is Your Comelit Door Entry System Hard to Mount?
Comelit door entry systems are renowned for their Italian design and advanced technology, but their installation, particularly the mounting of entrance panels, can present a challenge. Whether you're dealing with a flush-mount box in a tough wall, or the intricacies of their modular systems, a secure mount is essential. This guide is designed to help you navigate these difficulties and ensure your Comelit system is mounted securely and professionally.
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Common Difficulties When Mounting Comelit Panels
If you're finding the process hard, you are likely facing one of these common issues. Pinpointing the problem is the key to solving it.
- Creating a neat and correctly-sized recess for a flush-mount box.
- Fixing the flush-mount box securely into a brick or block wall.
- The modular components of the panel are difficult to assemble and fit into the frame.
- The final installation does not sit flush or level with the wall surface.
- Running and connecting the specific Comelit cabling system (like Simplebus) is confusing.
- The supplied fixings are not appropriate for your wall type.
- Protecting the panel from weather exposure on an external wall.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Mounting Comelit Systems
Let's break down the process into manageable steps to overcome the most challenging aspects of the installation.
1. Pre-Installation: Cabling and Wall Preparation
The work you do before you touch the panel itself is the most important part.
- Run the Correct Cable: Comelit's Simplebus system is a 2-wire, non-polarised setup, which simplifies connections. However, you must run the appropriate Comelit-specified cable from the power supply unit location to the entrance panel and to all internal monitor locations before you do any mounting work.
- Prepare the Recess: For a flush-mounted panel, this is the hardest step. You must create an opening in the wall to the exact dimensions of the flush-mount box.
- Mark Out: Use a spirit level and pencil to mark the precise outline of the box.
- Cut Carefully: Use a grinder with a diamond blade for masonry, or a multi-tool for drywall. Take your time to avoid an oversized, messy hole. The fit should be snug. The recommended height for the camera is about 1.6 metres.
2. Installing the Flush-Mount Box
With the recess prepared, the next step is to fix the box itself.
- Trial Fit: Place the box in the hole to check the fit. It should not be too loose or too tight.
- Secure the Box: In a masonry wall, the best method is to use a sand and cement mortar mix. Apply mortar to the back and sides of the recess, push the box into place, ensure it is perfectly level and flush with the finished wall surface, and then fill any gaps around the sides. Allow it to set completely.
- Feed the Cable: Before the mortar sets, ensure you have fed the pre-run Comelit cable through the access hole in the back of the box.
3. Assembling and Fitting the Entrance Panel
Comelit panels are often modular. You will need to assemble the modules (e.g., camera, button module, nameplate) into the mounting frame.
- Module Assembly: Follow the instructions to click the individual modules into the main support frame. Connect the small ribbon cables between the modules if required.
- Wire the Connections: Connect the main Simplebus cable to the terminals on the back of the camera or speaker module.
- Fit the Panel: The assembled panel and frame unit is then carefully fitted into the flush-mounted box and secured with the provided screws. Attach the outer faceplate to complete the installation.
4. Weatherproofing Your Installation
For external panels, a final weatherproofing step is crucial.
- Silicone Sealant: Apply a thin bead of clear, outdoor-grade silicone sealant along the top and two vertical sides where the panel's frame meets the wall.
- Leave the Bottom Open: Do not seal the bottom edge. This allows any moisture or condensation that gets behind the panel to drain away, preventing water damage.
- Consider a Rain Shield: Comelit offers matching rain shields that provide extra protection and are highly recommended for panels in exposed locations.
By taking a methodical and patient approach, especially during the wall preparation phase, you can overcome the challenges of mounting a Comelit system.