Fermax System Not Working? A Troubleshooting Guide
A non-functional Fermax intercom or video entry system can be both inconvenient and a security concern. Whether you're experiencing a completely dead system, poor audio, no video, or a malfunctioning door release, this guide will help you identify and solve the most common problems. Fermax systems are robust, but issues can arise from power failures, wiring problems, or configuration glitches.
Safety Note: When inspecting wiring, it's always a good practice to disconnect the power supply unit (PSU) for the system or turn off the relevant circuit at your consumer unit to avoid any risk of electric shock.
Step 1: Is There Power?
The first and most fundamental check is for power.
- Check the Breaker: Locate your home's consumer unit (fuse box) and check if any circuits have tripped. Reset them if necessary.
- Check the Power Supply Unit (PSU): The heart of your Fermax system is its PSU, usually a box located in a utility cupboard or near your fuse box. Most PSUs have an LED indicator light. Is this light on? If not, the PSU itself may not be receiving mains power, or it may have failed.
- Check Monitors/Handsets: Do any of the indoor monitors or handsets show any signs of life, like a standby light? If one is on but another is not, it could indicate a wiring issue to the dead unit.
Step 2: Analysing the Symptoms
The specific problem you're having provides the best clue to the cause.
### No Audio or Poor Quality Audio
- Check Wiring: A common cause of audio issues is a loose or corroded wire. Carefully check the terminal connections on the back of the indoor handset/monitor and on the amplifier module of the outdoor panel. For traditional
4+Nwire systems, a single loose audio wire will cut communication. - Volume Controls: It sounds simple, but check if the volume has been accidentally turned down on the indoor unit.
- Faulty Amplifier: If there is no audio in either direction, the amplifier module in the outdoor station may have failed.
### No Video Image
- Monitor Power: Does the monitor light up at all when a call is placed? If not, it's a power issue to that specific unit.
- Check Connections: For systems using coaxial cable, ensure the connectors are secure. For modern bus systems like DUOX (which uses two wires for everything), a poor connection on the bus can corrupt the video signal.
- Camera Module: The camera in the outdoor panel could be faulty. Check for any signs of physical damage or water ingress.
### Door Release / Lock Not Working
- Check Power to Lock: The electric lock or release mechanism often has its own power source or is powered directly from the Fermax PSU. Verify these connections.
- Test the Button: When you press the door release button on the monitor, can you hear a click from the monitor or the PSU? If you hear a click, the system is trying to activate the lock, and the problem is likely with the lock itself or the wiring to it. If you hear no click, the button on the monitor or the internal relay could be the issue.
For App-Connected "Blue" or "DUOX" Systems
If your issue is with the mobile app connectivity:
- Check Your Wi-Fi: Is your home internet connection working? A simple reboot of your router can solve many connectivity problems.
- Signal Strength: Ensure the Fermax monitor or Wi-Fi module has a good wireless signal from your router.
- Re-pair the Device: In the Fermax app, try deleting the connection to your system and going through the QR code pairing process again.
- App and Firmware Updates: Check for any updates to the Fermax app in your phone's app store and ensure your monitor's firmware is up to date.
When to Call a Professional
If you've performed these basic checks and cannot identify the problem, or if you are not comfortable working with wiring, it is time to contact a professional security system installer. They have the diagnostic tools and specific knowledge of Fermax systems to trace faults in complex wiring or replace failed electronic components safely.