How to Choose Your Intercom or Reader Pedestal and Rainhood
Essential Security Supplies
Installing an access control reader or intercom at a driveway, gate or pedestrian entrance involves more than selecting the electronic device. The pedestal, mounting height and rainhood affect how easily the equipment can be used, how well it is protected and how professional the finished installation looks.
For New Zealand installers, the FERN360 FPAC-EQ pedestal system provides a flexible way to mount proximity readers, keypads, intercoms, push buttons and other access devices where a wall or gate post is not in the right position. The key is choosing the correct pedestal height first, then matching the reader or intercom to a mounting panel and rainhood with sufficient width, height and rear clearance.
Start with who will be using the intercom or reader
The first question is who needs to reach the device. A pedestrian reader has different positioning requirements from an intercom operated through a vehicle window. A commercial driveway receiving trucks may need another mounting position again. Before ordering, establish whether the access point is pedestrian or vehicle based, expected vehicle types, whether one or two operating heights are required, device size, approach direction, cable route, weather exposure and possible future equipment.
This avoids a common problem: choosing the intercom first and later discovering that the pedestal or mounting panel does not suit the equipment or intended operating height.
FPAC-EQ1: the single-position pedestal
The FERN360 FPAC-EQ1 floor-mount access control pedestal is the logical starting point when a single operating position is required. The family is available in 1170 mm, 1270 mm and 1600 mm height options. The 1170 mm version uses a 75 x 75 mm pedestal and a mounting arm with a 114 mm projection. Its mounting plate is 182 x 182 mm with 140 x 140 mm mounting centres.
The EQ system accepts compatible mounting panels for proximity readers, access keypads, intercoms, push buttons and cameras. A single-position EQ1 installation is generally the simpler solution where one accessible device position serves the intended users. The actual mounting position should always be checked against the site, device, users and approach path before fixing the pedestal.
FPAC-EQ2: higher and dual mounting positions
Where the access point needs a higher operating position, or both lower and upper device positions, consider the FERN360 FPAC-EQ2 floor-mount access control pedestal. The EQ2 is 2120 mm high. In its dual configuration, mounting arms are positioned at approximately 1170 mm and 2120 mm.
This can be useful at vehicle entrances serving different vehicle heights. Instead of forcing one compromise mounting position, the project can provide separate operating positions where the site design justifies them. The EQ2 uses the same EQ Series mounting-panel concept, allowing the installer to select a panel appropriate to the exact device.
Choose the rainhood for the device, not just the pedestal
Once the pedestal is selected, choose the mounting panel and integrated rainhood. Do not select a rainhood because an intercom appears to fit from a photograph. Check the complete dimensions, mounting method, cable exit, connectors and clearance needed for installation and servicing.
The FPAC-ERS2013 is a compact option measuring approximately 138 x 204 mm. It is worth considering for smaller readers, buttons and suitably sized access devices, subject to checking the actual equipment dimensions.
The FPAC-ERH3618 mounting panel measures approximately 190 mm wide x 368 mm high and incorporates an integrated rainhood. It is available with rear-space options including 25 mm and 60 mm, making it useful where the device requires more mounting area or extra depth for cabling and terminations.
For wider equipment, the FPAC-ERH3634 provides substantially more mounting width at approximately 349 x 368 mm. For taller or larger intercom equipment, the FPAC-ERH4718 measures approximately 195 x 479 mm. Final selection must always be checked against the exact device.
Rear clearance matters as much as face dimensions
One of the easiest specification mistakes is measuring only the front of the reader or intercom. A device may fit within the width and height of the rainhood but still require additional space behind the mounting surface for terminals, RJ45 connectors, cable glands, cable loops, relays or a back box.
Before selecting the panel, check device width, height and depth, cable-entry location, minimum cable bend radius, connector projection, back-box requirements and the space needed to remove the device for servicing. For IP intercoms in particular, leave enough room to terminate and service network cabling without sharply bending or crushing it behind the station.
Rain protection does not replace the device environmental rating
An integrated rainhood provides useful physical protection from direct rain and can help shield equipment from overhead sun. It should not be treated as a way of converting an indoor-only reader or intercom into an outdoor-rated device. For exposed installations, the field device itself still needs to be suitable for the environmental conditions specified by its manufacturer.
Consider wind-driven rain, dust, coastal exposure, direct sun and the possibility of water travelling along cables. Cable penetrations and entries should be detailed appropriately. The hood is one component of the weather-protection strategy, not a substitute for choosing the correct field device.
Position the pedestal before drilling the concrete
Pedestal placement can have as much effect on usability as pedestal height. For vehicle access, consider where the driver's window will stop relative to the reader or intercom. The driver should not need to open the door, stretch excessively or position the vehicle dangerously close to the pedestal.
For a video intercom, consider camera angle as well as button height. A pedestal positioned too far from the natural stopping point may produce a poor facial view even when the intercom is correctly installed. Kerbs, islands, protective bollards and vehicle paths should also be considered. For pedestrian access, review approach direction and accessibility requirements rather than simply copying the height used on a vehicle lane.
A practical selection process for installers
- Identify the user. Pedestrian, car driver, truck driver or a combination.
- Choose the operating height. Decide whether an EQ1 or EQ2 configuration is appropriate.
- Select the exact reader or intercom. Do not specify only from a generic product family.
- Measure the complete device. Record width, height and depth.
- Check the mounting method. Confirm whether a back box or extra hardware is required.
- Check cable requirements. Allow enough depth for cable entry, connectors and servicing.
- Select the mounting panel and rainhood. Use the smallest practical option that provides adequate mounting area and service clearance.
- Confirm weather suitability. Check the device rating as well as the protection provided by the hood.
- Confirm final position on site. Check reach, camera view, vehicle clearance and cable route before drilling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the FPAC-EQ1 and FPAC-EQ2?
The FPAC-EQ1 provides a single operating position and is available in several height configurations. The FPAC-EQ2 extends to 2120 mm and can provide single or dual mounting positions. The dual version is useful where separate lower and higher access positions are required.
Can I mount an intercom on the same pedestal system as an access reader?
Yes. The FERN360 EQ Series accommodates equipment including proximity readers, intercoms, keypads, push buttons and cameras when used with an appropriate mounting panel. The exact panel must still be checked against the device dimensions and mounting requirements.
Which rainhood should I use for my intercom?
Measure the intercom width, height and depth and check its cable entry and mounting arrangement. Then choose a compatible panel that provides sufficient face area and rear clearance. Compact equipment may suit an ERS2013, while larger equipment may require an ERH3618, ERH3634 or ERH4718.
Should I choose 25 mm or 60 mm rear spacing?
Use the device installation requirements to determine depth. A shallow reader may need little rear space, while an IP intercom, back box or device with projecting connectors may need substantially more. Allow room for cable termination and future servicing.
Does a rainhood make any intercom suitable for outdoor installation?
No. A rainhood adds physical protection, but the intercom or reader itself must still be suitable for the installation environment according to its manufacturer's specifications.
Need help matching a pedestal and rainhood?
Choosing the pedestal is only half of the specification. Reader or intercom dimensions, rear clearance, mounting method, user height and site conditions all need to work together.
Browse the Essential Security Supplies access control reader and intercom pedestal range, or contact Essential Security Supplies with the make and model of the reader or intercom you plan to install. We can help identify the appropriate FERN360 pedestal and mounting-panel configuration for your project.
