"Cuprager" wrote
| I live in Victorian tenement flat, there are 6 flats
| within the block.
| Currently there is no door entry system in place.
| Firstly, is this a DIYable job or should i get a pro
| in?

It is diyable; the electrical work is fairly simple, no more difficult than
wiring up telephones (but a bit different, so read the instructions). It
gets more involved when you have larger installations, intercom etc.

| Secondly, does anyine have any recommendations about
| a system and a rough idea of cost?

For a pro installation, about £100 per flat assuming mains supply existing.
Depends on how much work is needed to flush in the panel and fit the lock
release.

Others have mentioned problems with door closers. The standard (cheapest)
electric lock is a solenoid-released latch, that 'fails secure'. This does
require a fairly strong closing spring to shut the door hard enough to
latch. It also means that in the absense of electric power (power cut or a
fire) the door remains locked shut. An alternative is a magnetic lock, which
holds the door shut by electromagnets in the frame. This needs a much
gentler closing spring, as all the spring has to do is push the door closed
onto the electromagnet. This sort needs a press-to-exit button inside the
door. In the event of power failure it 'fails safe' ie the door will be
unlocked.

It is also possible to put a switch on the door wired to LEDs in the
handsets to give a visual 'door open' indication. This is more common on
public sector housing.

Another option is if you have stair lights on push button timers, you can
have a button on the handsets wired through a relay to the stair lighting
system so you can switch on the stair lights from inside the flat (useful if
you have door spyholes).

Remember that if you are ordering a 6-call system for the flats you will
need a 7-button panel if you want a trades timer for the postie. Trades
timers are a bit of a liability though especially now the post comes at all
hours of the day.

www.safelink.co.uk stock most major makes; I am fairly happy with the Urmet
system installed in my block. The manufacturer whose name has become generic
is Entryphone - www.entryphone.co.uk

A small CCTV camera can be placed within or near the entry panel and its
signal modulated into the communal aerial system, this saves the cost of
video handsets.

Owain