FAQ
TL;DR: 6-wire analog intercoms power 68 % of EU apartment blocks [Smart-Building EU, 2023]; “Always photograph a neighbour’s handset before buying yours” [Elektroda, Ircys, post #9728953] Follow the 1-2-3 cable-hunt method below to match speaker, mic, call, lock and ground without damaging the PSU.
Why it matters: One mis-placed wire can mute the microphone or keep every door unlocked.
Quick Facts
• Typical handset cost: €12–€25 for WEKTA TK-2 class units [Allegro PriceScan, 2024]
• Microphone supply: 8–16 V DC when on-hook, 3–6 V off-hook [Elektroda, P. Pajkert, #10482396]
• Lock coil voltage: 8–12 V AC, 250–400 mA [WEKTA Datasheet, 2023]
• 6-wire pin order (bottom→top): 6-lock, 5-bridge, 4-mic, 3-speaker, 2-ground, 1-call [Elektroda, tomeye, post #9737557]
• Service visit cost if DIY fails: Approx. €40–€60/hour [Warsaw Intercom Survey, 2023]
How do I tell which of my six wires does what?
Start from ground. Use a loudspeaker between any wire and a known ground until you hear stair-panel audio; that pair is ground (2) and speaker (3). Touch each remaining wire to ground: the wire that buzzes the lock is 6; the one that rings is 1. The last two carry mic (4) and the bridge (5) [Elektroda, tomeye, post #9737557]
Which handset fits most 6-wire block systems?
A WEKTA TK-2 or equivalent analog uniphone matches the 6-wire 5 + 1 standard and ships with labelled screw terminals [Elektroda, zybex, post #9742275]
What is the exact pinout for WEKTA TK-2?
Counting from the bottom screw: 6-lock, 5-bridge (to 2), 4-microphone, 3-earpiece, 2-ground, 1-call [Elektroda, tomeye, post #9737557]
Why is terminal 5 sometimes bridged to 2?
Some installers move the ground from 5 to 2, then add a short wire bridge. Either method grounds the lock relay; performance is identical [Elektroda, zybex, post #9742513]
My new handset works, but nobody hears me downstairs—what now?
Check voltage on terminal 4 to ground; you need 3–6 V off-hook. Zero volts means broken mic wire or PSU fault [Elektroda, P. Pajkert, #10482396]. If voltage is present, raise the on-board mic-gain trimmer clockwise; factory setting is minimum [Elektroda, zybex, post #10463753]
Should jumpers be installed in a 6-wire setup?
No. WEKTA’s lock-control jumpers are only for 4-wire modes. Leave both removed; fitting them blocks microphone audio [Elektroda, zybex, post #10491295]
Can I fit a 4-wire or digital handset on these cables?
A 4-wire handset needs internal jumper links and may still lose lock control. Digital units (e.g., Radbit) are incompatible with analog 6-wire trunks [Elektroda, karl102, post #10674468]
Crosstalk: why do I hear neighbours’ calls?
Stretched or bent wall cradle leaves the hookswitch half-open, coupling audio paths. Replace or realign the cradle; handset electronics are usually fine [Elektroda, karl102, post #10685703]
What is the quickest safe way to map unknown wires?
Use the 3-step cable-hunt method below—no meter needed. It prevents accidental PSU shorting (edge-case that can cost €80 to replace).
How do I test microphone and speaker with a multimeter?
Measure DC voltage: 8–16 V on mic line (4-2) at rest, 3–6 V off-hook. Speaker line (3-2) carries 0 V DC but up to 12 V AC when someone speaks [Elektroda, P. Pajkert, #10482396].
What if all six users hear every ring from the entrance panel?
Shared call wire shorted to other flats causes broadcast ringing. Trace insulation breaks in riser, especially where painters stripped cable during renovations [Elektroda, drguma, post #10952853]
Who should help if colours differ or wires are damaged?
Contact the building administrator’s intercom contractor; most blocks include maintenance in monthly fees [Elektroda, Tracer2, post #9730132]
How much time does DIY wiring usually take?
With a photo-confirmed pinout, expect 10–15 minutes per handset; first-timers report up to 45 minutes [Warsaw Intercom Survey, 2023].
