Video intercom rehabilitation is one of the most common projects in communities with installations from the 90s and 2000s. The system works, but the monitors are outdated, the image is black and white, there is no mobile opening, and spare parts no longer exist.
Good news for installers and property managers: in the vast majority of cases, the existing wiring does not need to be touched. The Tegui/BTicino 2-wire BUS system was designed precisely with this advantage in mind: the same pair of cables that has been working for 20 years supports the most modern monitors with color video, WiFi, and mobile app. This is the competitive advantage that the BTicino catalog explicitly highlights for rehabilitation projects.
Why the 2-wire BUS is ideal for rehabilitations
| Appearance | 2-wire BUS system | 4+N analog system |
|---|---|---|
| Reusable wiring | ✅ Yes, the same pair of cables | ⚠️ Partially, depending on condition |
| Color video with existing wiring | ✅ Yes, no additional cable | ❌ No, requires dedicated video cable |
| WiFi and mobile app | ✅ Yes, with compatible monitor | ❌ Not native (requires adapter or replacement) |
| Scalability (more monitors per floor) | ✅ Up to 8 per dwelling | ❌ Limited by wiring |
| Rehabilitation cost | ✅ Equipment only, no wiring work | ⚠️ May require new wiring |
If the community already has a 2-wire BUS system installed, the rehabilitation is an equipment replacement project, not a construction one. This reduces cost, time, and inconvenience for residents.
Phase 1: preliminary installation diagnosis
Before quoting, a complete diagnosis of the existing installation must be done.
System confirmation
- Verify that it is Tegui/BTicino 2-wire BUS: count the cables connected to an indoor monitor (there should be 2) and measure the voltage (27-30 V DC at rest). Confirm that the outdoor panel is from the same brand.
- Identify the system generation: systems prior to 1995 may have compatibility limitations with current monitors. Note the model of the outdoor panel: it is the component that defines the protocol.
Wiring status
- Line resistance: measures the BUS resistance between the panel and the farthest monitor. Values above 10-15 Ω may indicate damaged wiring or faulty splices.
- Cable section: with 0.5 mm² the BUS supports up to 100 meters; with 1 mm², up to 200 meters. If the installation exceeds these limits, it may be necessary to replace sections. The White SCS Cable 200m Unshielded Tegui – BTicino 336904 (€170.38) is the reference cable for these installations.
Equipment inventory
- Number of apartments and monitors per apartment
- Number of floors and presence of floor splitters
- Model and condition of the BUS power supply
- Model and condition of the outdoor panel
Phase 2: what is preserved and what is replaced
✅ What is preserved in most renovations
- The 2-wire BUS wiring: if the diagnosis confirms it is in good condition, it should not be touched.
- The floor splitters: the BTicino Floor Splitters 346841 (€40.57) are passive components that do not depend on the monitor protocol. In most cases, they are kept without modification.
- The flush-mount boxes for the monitors: standard 503 boxes are compatible with current monitors from the Classe 100 and Classe 300 ranges.
⚠️ What is usually replaced
- The indoor monitors: they are the core of the renovation. All community monitors are replaced with current models.
- The outdoor panel: if it is more than 15-20 years old, it is recommended to replace it even if it works. The Audio/Video RFID Panel Linea 3000 Black 2-wire (BTicino 343093) (€316.85) is the current reference for high-end renovations.
- The BUS power supply: the 2-Wire Power Supply with Video Adapter BTicino 346050 (€155.10) is designed for installations with Classe 100 video monitors. For audio-only installations, the Compact 2H 2 DIN Power Supply BTicino 346030 (€98.44) is the standard option.
Phase 3: selection of monitors according to the community profile
Profile A: standard community — basic functionality with video
The goal is to modernize the image and improve video quality at the lowest cost per unit.
- Tegui Monitor Classe 100V16B 5" Hands-Free Screen (BTicino 374511) — €130.55 — The most common option in standard renovations
- Tegui Video Door Entry Monitor Classe 100V16B BTicino (Ref. 344652) — €149,93
- Tegui Monitor Classe 100V16E Tegui 374521 — €154.78 — With extended functions
- BTicino V1 Video Door Entry Kit Classe 100V16B + Sfera New HQ 379511 — €511.11 — Complete panel + monitor kit
Profile B: community with neighbors who want mobile phone opening
Requires monitors with integrated WiFi and compatibility with the BTicino Door Entry app.
- WiFi Monitor Classe 300EOS with Alexa — BTicino 344842 — €464.24 — The reference option for communities with connectivity demand
- WiFi Monitor Classe 300EOS Black with Alexa — BTicino 344884 — €464.24 — Black finish
- BTicino Classe 300X New Light Monitor, 7" touchscreen — €330,33
- 2-Wire Video Door Entry Kit Sfera New Monitor C300EOS — Tegui 376181 — €927.14 — Reference kit for renovations with WiFi
- 2-Wire WiFi Video Door Entry Kit Classe 300X New Light + Line 3000 Black Panel — BTicino 363942 — €706,29
Profile C: mixed community — different needs per home
The 2-wire BUS system allows mixing monitors from different ranges in the same installation. Common combination:
- Homes with WiFi demand → Classe 300EOS (€464.24)
- Standard homes → Classe 100V16B (€130.55)
- Homes that only need audio → Classe 100A16E (€70.60)
This flexibility greatly facilitates approval at the homeowners' meeting, as each neighbor can choose the level of features they want to pay for.
Phase 4: installation planning
Recommended work order
- Replace the BUS power supply (if applicable) before connecting the new monitors.
- Replace the outdoor panel. Verify its operation with a test monitor before proceeding with the rest.
- Replace monitors floor by floor, configuring the N/P address of each before moving to the next.
- Verify each monitor immediately after installation: call, image, audio, and door opening.
- Document the configuration of each home on a plan or table that remains in the community’s electrical panel.
Management with residents
- Communicate the plan in advance: the intervention per home takes 15-30 minutes.
- Coordinate access to homes with the property manager.
- WiFi Monitors: configure the app before leaving the home. This will avoid later support calls.
Frequently asked questions in community rehabilitation projects
Is it necessary to cut the electrical supply during replacement?
It is not necessary to cut the main power supply. The 2-wire BUS works at low voltage (27-30 V DC) and is safe to handle while the system is running. It is recommended to turn off the BUS power supply during the replacement of the outdoor panel or the power supply itself.
Do residents lose service during installation?
Yes, temporarily. While the monitor of one home is being replaced, that home will be without service for 15-30 minutes. The rest of the community is not affected.
Can the rehabilitation be done in phases?
Yes. The 2-wire BUS system allows mixing old and new monitors in the same installation during the process. You can replace the monitors on one floor each week without affecting the rest.
How long does it take to rehabilitate a community of 20 homes?
With a team of two installers, a community of 20 homes with one monitor per floor can be rehabilitated in 1-2 working days, depending on accessibility and whether mobile app configuration is included on each floor.
Do you need to budget a rehabilitation?
If you are planning to modernize the video intercom system of a community, contact us with the installation inventory (number of homes, model of the outdoor panel, wiring condition) and we will prepare a materials proposal with prices for the installer. We regularly work with installers and property managers on rehabilitation projects.