Platform focus
The Verkada TD53 and TD63 video intercoms include a Power over Ethernet (POE) port and can be configured as an access controller. Elwin Security installs, configures, and supports Verkada intercoms for multifamily properties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Use case
The Verkada TD53 and TD63 video intercoms include a Power over Ethernet (POE) port. A call code is required to add a tenant to a TD63.
Verkada's guide says the TD53 and TD63 have a dry-form C relay output that can be configured as an access controller, wired to an auxiliary power controller and a lock. It adds that no separate door license is needed for that door. Elwin plans the strike or maglock tie-in at the site walk, and your fire marshal or AHJ determines compliance.
Verkada's TD63 datasheet says visitors can reach specific departments or offices within a building by dialing a 1-3 digit call code. Verkada's tenant guide says a call code is required to add a tenant to a TD63. Elwin collects the unit list and call codes before the panel is mounted.
Verkada says that during an outage the intercom then uses cloud unlock and only the badge readers can unlock. The controllers themselves are covered on the Verkada installation page.
Service focus
Verkada says to verify that shielded wiring is used for all access control connections (reader, locks, REX, DPI).
Verkada's wiring guide says the TD53 and TD63 include a PoE port, 3 general purpose inputs, 2 general purpose outputs, and 1 RS485 output. When wiring an Intercom as an access controller, Verkada says to wire the REX into Input 2 and DPI into Input 1. Your fire marshal or AHJ determines compliance for any egress hardware on the door.
Verkada's wiring guide says the TD52 uses a dry relay, which means that it cannot power an output device. The TD53 and TD63 guide describes the same arrangement: relay to an auxiliary power controller, then to the lock. Strike and maglock choices are covered on the door release page, and your fire marshal or AHJ determines compliance.
Verkada's getting-started page says intercoms you manage in Command will need a license. It lists a PoE-enabled switch or PoE injector and a DHCP-enabled network as requirements. Tenant licenses are a separate line, sold in bundles of 10 tenants.
Site walk
A site walk is the next step before installation.
Door type, current lock or strike, and where the panel will mount.
The run from the switch or injector to the panel, and the shielded runs to the lock side.
Unit names and the call code planned for each, since a TD63 needs one per tenant.
Whether the door already sits on a Verkada controller that the intercom will pair to.
Scope
The panel is the visible part. The scope runs from the lobby door back to the switch.
The work at the entry itself.
What the panel depends on.
Checks Verkada lists for an installed intercom.
Process
Four steps, in order.
Elwin looks at the lobby door, lock, cable path, and switch, and writes down the tenant list.
Result: A written scope for the door, wiring, and licenses.
Elwin installs the panel, runs the cable, and wires the lock output with shielded cable on the access control connections.
Result: A powered panel wired to the lock and inputs.
Elwin configures the door and tenants. Verkada says a device that does not check in or update in 30 minutes needs troubleshooting.
Result: The intercom checks in and the tenant directory is loaded.
Elwin confirms at least two customer users are added as admins, as Verkada's best-practices guide asks.
Result: The property holds its own admin access.
Source notes
Tenants apply only to the Verkada TS12-N-R2B, TD63, and TK74 when multitenant mode is turned on.
Verkada says intercoms need an internet connection to place calls, with one exception: local SIP.
Verkada says a tenant must belong to the same site as the intercom, and inactive tenants do not consume a license.
Verkada recommends working with a system integrator or other professional for installation.
Not when it runs a single door. Verkada's guide says no separate door license is needed when the intercom is configured as a 1-door controller, because it is included with the intercom license. Verkada says intercoms managed in Command will need a license.
Outstanding experience with Elwin Security! We originally worked with them on an intercom installation and later discovered they could help with another intercom issue that multiple technicians had been unable to solve for months.
I read 5-star reviews all the time and am sometimes skeptical. Well let me tell you, I'm a multi-unit property manager, and this company came through for us in a massive way. Our electronic entry/intercom failed us on a weekend.
This HOA Board highly recommends Elwin. We initially hired them to handle our transition from DoorKing to ButterflyMX, and the entire process was seamless.
Site walk
Tell Elwin what is not working, what systems are already on site, and which access points matter most. The next step is a scope grounded in the building, not a generic product list.
