SIST EN IEC 62820-1-1:2026

Building intercom systems - Part 1-1: System requirements - General (IEC 62820-1-1:2026)

IEC 62820-1-1 specifies the technical requirements for the composition, functions, performance, and test methods of general building intercom systems.
This document is applicable to the general intercom systems for building entry in residential or commercial buildings.
Door-Entry-System (DES) is a simple kind of convenient Building-Intercom-System (BIS) mainly for user’s comfort. This document has classified the general building intercom systems into two grades in IEC 62820-1-1. Grade 1 adopts lower requirements to cover DES not used for relevant security applications while grade 2 adopts higher requirements for building intercom systems for security applications. Each grade can adopt different functional and performance requirements, test methods and normative references.
NOTE The different requirements between grade 1 and grade 2 are summarized in Table C.1 of Annex C.

Gebäude-Sprechanlagen - Teil 1-1: Generelle Systemanaforderungen (IEC 62820-1-1:2026)

Systèmes d'interphone de bâtiment - Partie 1-1: Exigences du système - Généralités (IEC 62820-1-1:2026)

L’IEC 62820-1-1:2026 spécifie les exigences techniques relatives aux systèmes et équipements d’interphone installés dans les entrées de bâtiment.

Notranja komunikacija v stavbah - 1-1. del: Sistemske zahteve - Splošno (IEC 62820-1-1:2026)

IEC 62820-1-1 določa tehnične zahteve za sestavo, funkcije, zmogljivost in preskusne metode splošnih domofonskih sistemov za stavbe.
Ta dokument se uporablja za splošne domofonske sisteme za vstop v stanovanjske ali poslovne stavbe.
Sistem za vstopna vrata (Door-Entry-System, DES) je preprosta vrsta priročnega domofonskega sistema za stavbe (Building-Intercom-System, BIS), namenjena predvsem udobju uporabnika. Ta dokument je v IEC 62820-1-1 razvrstil splošne domofonske sisteme za stavbe v dva razreda. Razred 1 sprejema nižje zahteve, da pokrije DES, ki se ne uporablja za ustrezne varnostne aplikacije, medtem ko razred 2 sprejema višje zahteve za domofonske sisteme za stavbe za varnostne aplikacije. Vsak razred lahko sprejme različne funkcionalne in zmogljivostne zahteve, preskusne metode in normativne reference.
OPOMBA Različne zahteve med razredom 1 in razredom 2 so povzete v tabeli C.1 Priloge C.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 29-Apr-2025
• Publication Date: 21-May-2026
• ICS: 35.240.67 - IT applications in building and construction industry
• ICS: 97.120 - Automatic controls for household use
• Technical Committee: EAL - Alarm systems
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 15-May-2026
• Due Date: 20-Jul-2026
• Completion Date: 22-May-2026
• Ref Project: EN IEC 62820-1-1:2026 - Building intercom systems - Part 1-1: System requirements - General

Relations

• Replaces: SIST EN 62820-1-1:2017/A11:2022 - Building intercom systems - Part 1-1: System requirements - General
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2026
• Replaces: SIST EN 62820-1-1:2017 - Building intercom systems - Part 1-1: General requirements
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2026
• Refers: SIST EN IEC 61000-6-3:2021 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-3: Generic standards - Emission standard for equipment in residential environments
• Effective Date: 05-May-2026
• Refers: SIST EN IEC 61000-6-1:2019 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Part 6-1: Generic standards - Immunity standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 60065:2015 - Audio, video and similar electronic apparatus - Safety requirements
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 62262:2007 - Degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against external mechanical impacts (IK code)
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Refers: SIST EN IEC 62368-1:2024 - Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Refers: SIST EN IEC 61000-6-3:2021/FprA1:2025 - Amendment 1/Fragment 3: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-3: Generic standards - Emission standard for equipment in residential environments - Radiated Magnetic Emissions Requirements below 30 MHz
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 60950-1:2006 - Information technology equipment - Safety -- Part 1: General requirements
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 60529:1997/A1:2000 - Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Refers: SIST IEC 62599-1:2024 - Alarm systems - Part 1: Environmental test methods
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 60529:1997/A2:2014 - Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Refers: SIST ISO 12233:2017 - Photography - Electronic still picture imaging - Resolution and spatial frequency responses
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Refers: SIST EN IEC 61000-6-8:2020 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-8: Generic standards - Emission standard for professional equipment in commercial and light-industrial locations
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 60529:1997 - Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
• Effective Date: 28-Apr-2026

Overview

SIST EN IEC 62820-1-1:2026 – "Building intercom systems - Part 1-1: System requirements - General" – is a standard developed by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST) in alignment with the IEC 62820-1-1:2026. This international standard sets out the technical and performance requirements for general building intercom systems, focusing on both residential and commercial building entry applications. It details the essential components, functions, test methods, and classification of building intercom systems (BIS), ensuring reliable and secure communication at building entry points.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application: The standard outlines requirements applicable to general building entry intercom systems, suitable for homes, offices, and commercial structures.
• System Grades: Two grades are defined:
  • Grade 1: Basic intercom and door entry systems, not intended for security-critical applications.
  • Grade 2: Intercom systems utilized for security applications, with enhanced functional and performance criteria.
• System Functions:
  • Call and speech functions for 2-way communication between entry points and internal locations.
  • Unlocking functions for remotely operating entrance locks.
  • Video and image handling (optional).
  • Operational indications for user guidance.
  • Anti-listen-in features for privacy (Grade 2).
• Performance Criteria:
  • Audio quality (acoustic pressure, loudness, sensitivity, noise, and distortion).
  • Video characteristics (resolution, color accuracy, environmental adaptability).
  • Electromagnetic compatibility and mechanical protection (IP and IK codes).
  • Environmental adaptability for varying installation conditions.
  • Safety and protection under fault conditions.

Applications

Building intercom systems standardized under IEC 62820-1-1:2026 are integral to modern residential, multi-dwelling, and commercial buildings. Typical applications include:

• Residential Apartments: Providing secure communication between residents and visitors, remote door unlocking, and optional video verification at entry points.
• Commercial Offices: Facilitating visitor management, reception communication, and integration with building security infrastructure.
• Mixed-use Buildings: Supporting both comfort and security for occupants by allowing graded system selection based on risk and operational needs.
• Institutional Buildings: Integration with alarm and security systems for enhanced safety and controlled access in schools, hospitals, and public sector facilities.

This standard enables industrial designers, engineers, and facility managers to specify compliant intercom systems based on required security levels, environmental conditions, and user needs. It also supports manufacturers and integrators in demonstrating product compliance through standardized test methods and requirements.

Related Standards

Implementing SIST EN IEC 62820-1-1:2026 involves consideration of several related standards for system safety, compatibility, and performance, including:

• IEC 60065 - Audio, video and similar electronic apparatus – Safety requirements
• IEC 60950-1 - Information technology equipment – Safety requirements
• IEC 62368-1 - Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment – Safety requirements
• IEC 60529 - Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
• IEC 62262 - Degrees of protection against external mechanical impacts (IK Code)
• IEC 61000-6-1 / IEC 61000-6-3 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC): Immunity and emission standards
• IEC 62599 series - Alarm systems: Environmental testing and EMC for fire and security components
• ISO 12233 - Photography – Electronic still picture imaging – Resolution and spatial frequency responses
• ITU-T Recommendations (P.50, P.79, P.501) - Methods for testing and calculation of acoustic parameters

Practical Value

By providing a comprehensive framework for building intercom systems, SIST EN IEC 62820-1-1:2026 ensures product performance, operational safety, and interoperability. Its adoption supports consistent system quality across projects, facilitates regulatory compliance, and helps end-users benefit from secure, robust, and user-friendly communication at building entry points. The standard is essential for professionals involved in the design, specification, installation, and maintenance of building automation and security solutions.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2026
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 62820-1-1:2017
SIST EN 62820-1-1:2017/A11:2022
Notranja komunikacija v stavbah - 1-1. del: Sistemske zahteve - Splošno (IEC
62820-1-1:2026)
Building intercom systems - Part 1-1: System requirements - General (IEC 62820-1-
1:2026)
Gebäude-Sprechanlagen - Teil 1-1: Generelle Systemanaforderungen (IEC 62820-1-
1:2026)
Systèmes d'interphone de bâtiment - Partie 1-1: Exigences du système - Généralités
(IEC 62820-1-1:2026)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 62820-1-1:2026
ICS:
35.240.67 Uporabniške rešitve IT v IT applications in building
gradbeništvu and construction industry
97.120 Avtomatske krmilne naprave Automatic controls for
za dom household use
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 62820-1-1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM May 2026
ICS 13.320 Supersedes EN 62820-1-1:2016; EN 62820-1-
1:2016/A11:2021
English Version
Building intercom systems - Part 1-1: System requirements -
General
(IEC 62820-1-1:2026)
Systèmes d'interphone de bâtiment - Partie 1-1: Exigences Gebäude-Sprechanlagen - Teil 1-1: Generelle
du système - Généralités Systemanaforderungen
(IEC 62820-1-1:2026) (IEC 62820-1-1:2026)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2026-05-04. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 62820-1-1:2026 E

European foreword
The text of document 79/738/FDIS, future edition 2 of IEC 62820-1-1, prepared by TC 79 "Alarm and
electronic security systems" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by
CENELEC as EN IEC 62820-1-1:2026.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2027-05-31
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2029-05-31
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN 62820-1-1:2016 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 62820-1-1:2026 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following note has to be added for the standard indicated:
IEC 62676-4:2025 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 62676-4:2025 (not modified)
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
NOTE 1  Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod),
the relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2  Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cencenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60065 2014 Audio, video and similar electronic - -
apparatus - Safety requirements
IEC 60529 1989 Degrees of protection provided by EN 60529 1991
enclosures (IP Code)
- - + corrigendum May 1993
+ A1 1999 + A1 2000
+ A2 2013 + A2 2013
IEC 60950-1 2005 Information technology equipment - Safety - -
- Part 1: General requirements
IEC 61000-6-1 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part EN IEC 61000-6-1 -
6-1: Generic standards - Immunity
standard for residential, commercial and
light-industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-3 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part - -
6-3: Generic standards - Emission
standard for equipment in residential
locations
IEC 61000-6-8 - Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part EN IEC 61000-6-8 -
6-8: Generic standards - Emission
standard for professional equipment in
commercial and light-industrial locations
IEC 62262 - Degrees of protection provided by EN 62262 -
enclosures for electrical equipment against
external mechanical impacts (IK code)
IEC 62368-1 2023 Audio/video, information and EN IEC 62368-1 2024
communication technology equipment -
Part 1: Safety requirements
IEC 62599-1 - Alarm systems - Part 1: Environmental test - -
methods
IEC 62599-2 - Alarm systems - Part 2: Electromagnetic - -
compatibility - Immunity requirements for
components of fire and security alarm
systems
ISO 12233 2024 Photography - Electronic still picture - -
imaging - Resolution and spatial frequency
responses
ITU-T P.50 - Artificial voices - -
ITU-T P.79 2007 Calculation of loudness ratings for - -
telephone sets
ITU-T P.501 - Test signals for use in telephonometry - -

IEC 62820-1-1 ®
Edition 2.0 2026-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
Building intercom systems -
Part 1-1: System requirements - General
ICS 13.320  ISBN 978-2-8327-1122-4

IEC 62820-1-1:2026-03(en)
IEC 62820-1-1:2026 © IEC 2026
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 8
3.1 Terms and definitions . 8
3.2 Abbreviated terms . 10
4 Functional requirements . 11
4.1 Basic functional requirements . 11
4.1.1 General . 11
4.1.2 Requirements for building intercom system with SMU . 12
4.2 Additional functions . 12
5 Performance requirements. 12
5.1 Audio characteristics . 12
5.1.1 Acoustic pressure level . 12
5.1.2 Overall loudness rating (OLR). 13
5.1.3 Overall sensitivity . 13
5.1.4 Frequency response . 14
5.1.5 Acoustic distortion . 14
5.1.6 Channel S/N ratio . 14
5.1.7 Sidetone masking rating (STMR) . 14
5.1.8 Idle channel noise . 15
5.1.9 Ringtone sound pressure . 15
5.1.10 Acoustic stability (Larsen effect) . 15
5.1.11 Acoustic safety . 15
5.2 Video characteristics . 15
5.2.1 Image resolution . 15
5.2.2 Grey scale . 15
5.2.3 Focus distance . 15
5.2.4 Colour reproduction . 15
5.2.5 Environmental illuminance adaptability . 15
5.3 Environmental adaptability requirements . 16
5.3.1 Environmental classes . 16
5.3.2 Environmental adaptability . 16
5.4 Safety requirements . 17
5.5 Additional protection under fault conditions . 17
5.6 Electromagnetic compatibility requirements . 17
5.6.1 Electromagnetic compatibility immunity requirements . 17
5.6.2 Additional electromagnetic compatibility immunity requirements . 17
5.6.3 Electromagnetic compatibility emission requirements . 18
5.7 Markings and mechanical structural requirements . 18
5.7.1 Markings . 18
5.7.2 Mechanical structure . 18
5.7.3 Enclosure protection capability . 18
5.7.4 Anti-vandalism . 19
6 Test methods . 19
IEC 62820-1-1:2026 © IEC 2026
6.1 Test conditions . 19
6.1.1 Test environmental conditions . 19
6.1.2 Electrical connection . 19
6.2 Function test . 19
6.3 Audio characteristics test . 19
6.4 Video characteristics test . 19
6.5 Environmental adaptability test . 19
6.6 Safety test . 20
6.7 Additional protection under fault conditions test . 20
6.8 Electromagnetic compatibility test . 20
6.8.1 Electromagnetic compatibility immunity test . 20
6.8.2 Additional electromagnetic compatibility immunity test . 20
6.8.3 Electromagnetic compatibility emission test . 20
6.9 Markings and mechanical structure test . 20
6.9.1 Markings and scrub resistance test . 20
6.9.2 Mechanical structure test . 20
6.9.3 Enclosure protection capability test . 20
6.9.4 Anti-vandalism test . 21
7 Documentation . 22
Annex A (normative) Test of audio characteristics . 23
A.1 Test conditions . 23
A.2 Acoustic pressure level test . 23
A.2.1 Methods . 23
A.2.2 Calibration of test equipment . 24
A.2.3 Test of the acoustic pressure level. 24
A.3 Overall loudness rating (OLR) test . 25
A.3.1 Measurement of the sound pressure P at the MRP . 25
m
A.3.2 Measurement of the output sound pressure P of the hands-free EUT . 25
o
A.3.3 Measurement of the output sound pressure P of the handset EUT . 26
e
A.3.4 Calculations of the OLR . 27
A.4 Overall sensitivity test . 28
A.4.1 Test of the overall sensitivity at the hands-free EUT . 28
A.4.2 Test of the overall sensitivity at the handset EUT . 28
A.5 Frequency response test . 29
A.6 Acoustic distortion test . 29
A.7 Channel S/N ratio test . 29
A.8 Sidetone masking rating (STMR) test . 29
A.9 Idle channel noise test . 30
A.10 Ringtone sound pressure test . 30
A.11 Acoustic stability (Larsen Effect) test . 30
A.12 Acoustic safety test . 31
Annex B (normative) Test of video characteristics. 33
B.1 Test conditions . 33
B.2 Connection of the tested system . 33
B.3 Image resolution test . 33
B.4 Grey scale test . 34
B.5 Focus distance test . 35
B.6 Colour reproduction test . 36
IEC 62820-1-1:2026 © IEC 2026
B.7 Environmental illumination adaptability test . 37
Annex C (normative) Different requirements between grade 1 and grade 2 . 38
Annex D (normative) Safety requirements correspondence in IEC 60065 or
IEC 60950-1 or IEC 62368-1 . 40
Bibliography . 42

Figure 1 – Overall sensitivity at the hands-free unit . 13
Figure 2 – Overall sensitivity at the handset unit . 14
Figure A.1 – Measurement of the sound pressure P at the MRP . 25
m
Figure A.2 – Measurement of the output sound pressure P when connected with the
o
handset unit . 26
Figure A.3 – Measurement of the output sound pressure P when connected with the
o
hands-free unit. 26
Figure A.4 – Measurement of the output sound pressure P when connected with the
e
handset unit . 26
Figure A.5 – Measurement of the output sound pressure P when connected with the

e
hands-free unit. 27
Figure A.6 – Measurement of STMR at the handset EUT . 30
Figure A.7 – Measurement of ringtone sound pressure . 30
Figure A.8 – Acoustic stability test for handset EUT . 31
Figure A.9 – Acoustic stability test for hands-free EUT. 31
Figure A.10 – Acoustic safety test . 32
Figure B.1 – Connection diagram for the test of video characteristics . 33
Figure B.2 – TE170 test chart . 34
Figure B.3 – TE83 and TE84 test charts . 35
Figure B.4 – Focus test chart . 36
Figure B.5 – Position of the external ring area . 36
Figure B.6 – TE106 test chart . 37

Table 1 – Environmental adaptability requirements . 16
Table A.1 – Factors for OLR . 28
Table C.1 – Requirements of grade 1 and grade 2 . 38
Table D.1 – Correspondence between IEC 60065 and IEC 60950-1 and IEC 62368-1 . 40

IEC 62820-1-1:2026 © IEC 2026
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
Building intercom systems -
Part 1-1: System requirements - General

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports,
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2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) IEC draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights in
respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC had received notice of (a) patent(s), which
may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not represent
the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at https://patents.iec.ch. IEC
shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC 62820-1-1 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 79: Alarm and electronic security
systems. It is an International Standard.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2016. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) addition of IEC 61000-6-8 and IEC 62368-1:2023 as normative references;
b) update of ISO 12233 to the latest version and addition of this reference as a normative
reference;
c) modification of the light source colour temperature from 3 100 K ± 100 K to 6 500 K ± 100 K;
d) addition of TE84 test chart and update of the focus test chart.
IEC 62820-1-1:2026 © IEC 2026
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
79/738/FDIS 79/741/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
A list of all parts in the IEC 62820 series, published under the general title Building intercom
systems, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
– reconfirmed,
– withdrawn, or
– revised.
IEC 62820-1-1:2026 © IEC 2026
INTRODUCTION
IEC 62820-1-1 specifies the technical requirements for building intercom systems and
equipment used for building entry. Building intercom systems can function independently and
can be extended to support building security management functions, e.g. extendable with
security management unit (SMU) operated by security staff (door-man, concierge, security-
guard, porter, etc.), or in conjunction with other systems as per the security requirements of the
building. It can consist of: Visitor call unit (VCU), User receiver unit (URU), SMU, power supply,
auxiliary device, as well as interface-unit to other security-systems.
The IEC 62820 series of standards sets out the technical requirements for the composition,
functions, performance, test methods of building intercom systems for building entry and
application guidelines and consists of five parts:
Part 1-1: System requirements - General
Part 1-2: System requirements - Building intercom systems using the internet protocol (IP)
Part 2: Requirements for advanced security building intercom systems
Part 3-1: Application guidelines - General
Part 3-2: Application guidelines - Advanced security building intercom systems
IEC 62820-1-1 is based on Chinese standard GB/T 31070.1-2014 and European standard
EN 50486:2008.
IEC 62820-1-1:2026 © IEC 2026
1 Scope
IEC 62820-1-1 specifies the technical requirements for the composition, functions, performance,
and test methods of general building intercom systems.
This document is applicable to the general intercom systems for building entry in residential or
commercial buildings.
Door-Entry-System (DES) is a simple kind of convenient Building-Intercom-System (BIS) mainly
for user’s comfort. This document has classified the general building intercom systems into two
grades in IEC 62820-1-1. Grade 1 adopts lower requirements to cover DES not used for
relevant security applications while grade 2 adopts higher requirements for building intercom
systems for security applications. Each grade can adopt different functional and performance
requirements, test methods and normative references.
NOTE The different requirements between grade 1 and grade 2 are summarized in Table C.1 of Annex C.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60065:2014, Audio, video and similar electronic apparatus - Safety requirements
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60529:1989/AMD1:1999
IEC 60529:1989/AMD2:2013
IEC 60950-1:2005, Information technology equipment - Safety - Part 1: General requirements
IEC 61000-6-1, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-1: Generic standards - Immunity
standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-3, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-3: Generic standards - Emission
standard for equipment in residential environments
IEC 61000-6-8, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 6-8: Generic standards - Emission
standard for professional equipment in commercial and light-industrial locations
IEC 62262, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures for electrical equipment against
external mechanical impacts (IK code)
IEC 62368-1:2023, Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1:
Safety requirements
IEC 62599-1, Alarm systems - Part 1: Environmental test methods
IEC 62599-2, Alarm systems - Part 2: Electromagnetic compatibility - Immunity requirements
for components of fire and security alarm systems
___________
This publication was withdrawn.
This publication was withdrawn.
IEC 62820-1-1:2026 © IEC 2026
ISO 12233:2024, Digital camera - Resolution and spatial frequency responses
ITU-T P.50, Artificial voices
ITU-T P.79-2007, Calculation of loudness ratings for telephone sets
ITU-T P.501, Test signals for use in telephony and other speech-based applications
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
– IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
– ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1.1
2-way speech
speech between any two units (VCU, URU or SMU) in each direction which can be simultaneous
or non-simultaneous
3.1.2
acoustic distortion
distortion of signals at the receiving terminal of the system as a result of system transmission
non-linearity and ground noise, expressed as a ratio percentage of the harmonic signal and
ground noise at the receiving terminal in proportion to the overall sound pressure
3.1.3
acoustic pressure level
measurement of the acoustic pressure level generated by the equipment under test (EUT) in
normal conditions
3.1.4
artificial ear
device used to calibrate the receiver and containing an acoustic coupler and a calibrated
microphone used to measure sound pressure
Note 1 to entry: Its overall acoustic impedance within a given frequency band is similar to that of the average human
ear, and its characteristics comply with the requirements of type 1 provided by Clause 6.1 of ITU-T P.57-2021 or
type 3.2 provided by Clause 6.3.2 of ITU-T P.57-2021.
3.1.5
artificial mouth
analogue device the sound characteristics of which are similar to the directivity and radiation
pattern of the average human mouth
Note 1 to entry: It conforms to the requirements set forth in Clause 5 of ITU-T P.51-1996.
3.1.6
auxiliary device
device which extends or facilitates additional functions and interfaces of a building intercom
rd
system, such as communications, remote control, 3 party devices interfaces
IEC 62820-1-1:2026 © IEC 2026
3.1.7
building intercom system
BIS
system designed for entry communication in residential or commercial buildings which provides
addressing calls, speech and optional video function and is equipped with an electronic
unlocking device
3.1.8
channel S/N
sound pressure ratio between signal and ground noise at the receiving terminal under excitation
of the nominal sound pressure at the transmitting terminal, expressed in dB
3.1.9
handset unit
device typically coupled to the ear by hand as can be a handset URU or handset SMU
3.1.10
hands-free unit
device that does not need to use the hand during the communication as can be a VCU, hands-
free URU or hands-free SMU
3.1.11
idle channel noise
noise expressed in dB(A) which is received in the terminal after the channel connection is
established when no signal is transferred
3.1.12
loudness rating guard-ring position
LRGP
fixed position in which the handset of the URU or SMU is used to measure the rating of system
loudness
[SOURCE: adapted from ITU-T P.64:2022, Annex C]
3.1.13
overall loudness rating
OLR
measurement of the loudness in the entire channel from the reference point of the mouth at the
transmitting terminal to the ear reference point (ERP) at the receiving terminal, expressed in
dB
Note 1 to entry: The source definition is adapted to align with the test methods.
[SOURCE: adapted from ITU-T P.10:2017, definition 6.191]
3.1.14
overall sensitivity
gain of the sound pressure at the reference point of the ear at the reception terminal relative to
the excitation sound pressure at the mouth reference point (MRP) at the transmitting terminal,
expressed in dB
Note 1 to entry: It is a function of frequency.
3.1.15
security management unit
SMU
device which can be addressed from the call unit (VCU, URU or SMU), provides the means of
addressing the calling signal to the desired receiver unit(s) which can be URU or SMU, 2-way
IEC 62820-1-1:2026 © IEC 2026
speech, the activation of the audio or video connection with the VCU and the means to initiate
remote unlocking of the controlled entrance
3.1.16
sidetone masking rating
STMR
measurement of sidetone loudness after factoring in the masking effects of the human head on
sidetone, expressed in dB
Note 1 to entry: The source definition is adapted to align with the test methods.
[SOURCE: adapted from ITU-T P.10:2017, definition 6.240]
3.1.17
user receiver unit
URU
addressable user device which provides 2-way speech with optional video, and a means to
initiate remote unlocking of the controlled entrance
3.1.18
visitor call unit
VCU
device installed outside a controlled entrance which provides the means of addressing the
calling signal to the desired URU or SMU and 2-way speech with optional video capture
Note 1 to entry: The device can also provide the means of unlocking the controlled entrance and other function(s)
or these function(s) can be contained within a separate associated device normally located within the controlled
premises and which can also contain the system power supply.
3.2 Abbreviated terms
BIS building intercom system
DES door entry system
ERP ear reference point
EUT equipment under test
LRGP loudness rating guard-ring position
MRP mouth reference point
OLR overall loudness rating
PIN personal identification number
SMU security management unit
STMR sidetone masking rating
TVL television lines
URU user receiver unit
VCU visitor call unit
IEC 62820-1-1:2026 © IEC 2026
4 Functional requirements
4.1 Basic functional requirements
4.1.1 General
A building intercom system shall meet the following requirements. The different requirements
between grade 1 and grade 2 are summarized in Table C.1 of Annex C.
a) Call function
The VCU shall be able to address the desired URU. The VCU shall be able to produce a
visible or audible call alert signal. The URU shall be able to produce a response prompt
signal that can be visible- or audible.
b) Speech function
2-way speech shall be provided, which can be either non-simultaneous or simultaneous. It
can be of limited duration controlled by a system timer such that the speech channel cannot
be accidentally occupied for an unlimited time.
c) Unlocking function
The unlocking function shall be provided with an electric or electronic signal to an electric
or electronic locking device for securing a building entrance. This function shall be controlled
by URU at the user’s discretion. In grade 2 the URU shall be in communication with the VCU
to perform the unlocking function.
The unlocking function could also be activated by other means:
1) The VCU can be provided with a means for authorized users to directly activate the
unlocking function, such as by PIN code or secure proximity card or other security grade
dependent means.
2) Request to exit button or switch located inside the controlled area and normally adjacent
to the controlled entrance. According to the security requirements of the installation this
button or switch can be a simple switch or require a PIN or other secure means of
operation.
3) Other system signal such as an activated fire alarm signal, a building evacuation signal.
d) Nighttime operability
Grade 1: No requirement;
Grade 2: The VCU shall provide illumination or visible prompts to facilitate the visitor’s
operations at night.
e) Video and image recording and replaying function
When a URU is equipped with a video function it shall be able to display images captured
by the VCU. The functions of storing, replaying the visitor’s images are optional.
f) Operational indication
The system shall provide the operating and operational information to the visitor. The VCU
should provide a comfort indication that the call is being processed, such as a low-level
audible tone or visible indication. The VCU should also give audio or visible indication when
the lock has been released and that entry to the premises is permitted.
NOTE The VCU can give clear indication or prompts to the visitor on how to address the desired URU.
g) Anti listen-in
Grade 1: No requirement.
Grade 2: After connecting the VCU with the URU, the audio information shall not be
monitored by other URU connected to the system.
IEC 62820-1-1:2026 © IEC 2026
4.1.2 Requirements for building intercom system with SMU
A building intercom system with SMU shall meet the following requirements:
a) The SMU shall be able to address and initiate calls to selected URU. The VCU and the URU
shall be able to initiate calls to the SMU. If multiple SMU are connected to the system, they
shall be able to call each other. All the calls shall be able to produce call alert and response
prompt signals. The signals can be visible or audible.
b) The SMU shall be capable of 2-way speech with the VCU or the URU. If multiple SMU are
connected to the system, they shall be capable of 2-way speech with each other.
c) The SMU shall be able to control the VCU or auxiliary device to perform electrical or
electronic unlocking.
d) When a SMU is equipped with a video function it shall be able to display images captured
by the VCU. The URU shall be able to display images captured by SMU equipped with a
video camera.
e) For grade 2: After connecting the SMU with the VCU or the URU, the audio and video
information shall not be monitored by other URU connected to the system.
f) For grade 2: The SMU shall be able to address and communicate to selected VCU.
4.2 Additional functions
A building intercom system can also provide the following functions:
a) If the unsecured state of the controlled entrance lasts beyond the configured time, the SMU
can be able to receive a warning message.
NOTE Unsecured state: the door opened for too long, the tamper switch triggered, etc.
b) The system can have the possibility of transmitting images and texts to the URU.
c) The SMU can have a timed and dated event log with security graded access and recording
access events at the VCU.
1) URU’s called and if unlocking function operated by the URU.
2) VCU unlocking carried out directly at the VCU, identifying the authorized user.
3) Programming events such as adding or subtracting users and URU’s.
4) Identification of the operator accessing the event log.
d) SMU can intercept incoming calls from a VCU directed to an URU and then redirect the call
to desired URU.
e) If a SMU operator is not available, SMU can record details of URU which called the SMU in
order to allow the operator to call back the URU.
5 Performance requirements
5.1 Audio characteristics
5.1.1 Acoustic pressure level
Grade 1: The acoustic pressure level shall meet the following requirements:
a) Acoustic pressure level value generated by hands-free unit:
1) For discrete measurement, it shall be ≥ 70 dBSPL.
2) For continue measurement, it shall be ≥ 70 dB(A).
b) Acoustic pressure level value generated by handset unit:
1) For discrete measurement, it shall be ≥ 77 dBSPL.
2) For continue measurement, it shall be ≥ 77 dB(A).
Grade 2: Not applicable.
IEC 62820-1-1:2026 © IEC 2026
5.1.2 Overall loudness rating (OLR)
Grade 1: No requirement.
Grade 2: The OLR shall meet the following requirements:
+10
At the VCU: 20 dB.
−5
+10
a) At the hands-free URU and hands-free SMU: 23 dB
−5
b) At the handset unit: (15 ± 5) dB.
5.1.3 Overall sensitivity
Grade 1: No requirement.
Grade 2: The typical curve and its tolerance range of overall sensitivity between 500 Hz and
3 400 Hz shall meet the following requirements:
a) At the hands-free unit: The typical curve is the dotted line shown in Figure 1 and its tolerance
range is the solid line shown in Figure 1.
b) At the handset unit: the typical curve is the dotted line shown in Figure 2 and its tolerance
range is the solid line shown in Figure 2.
NOTE Best fit or floating
...