Can I replace an old three (3) wire system?
The IM3303 radio intercom system will be the update master. You will most likely need to replace all speaker and master station rough ins, the master station and the speaker stations. The wiring should remain intact.
All speaker runs must be 'home run' back to the master station! Count the number of cables at the master station and the number of remotes. If the number counts are the same then you have 'home run' wiring otherwise not.

How can I learn the master station model number?
Most NuTone master units have the model number displayed in the lower right hand corner of the master station. If there is door on the front panel it will be displayed inside the door(s).

Speaker Capacity:  The number of rooms you can have intercom communications and play music in depends on the system selected:
  • IM-5000 - 20
  • IM-4406 - 9 (expandable)
  • IM-3303 - 13
  • IM-3204 - 6
  • IMA-516 - 10

Door Speakers:  All NuTone music/intercom and intercom systems can handle three doors except the IMA-516 which can handle up to two door speakers.

Number of Room Selector Switches:  Room selector switches allow you to choose what is sent to each room speaker. The room switch can be set to one of four settings:
  • Radio Intercom
  • Intercom Only
  • Monitor
  • Off

The IM-4406 and IM-3303 systems have these four switch options. The IM-3204 has Radio Intercom, Off and Monitor. Monitor, intercom, and music control features for the IMA-516 and IM-5000 are located directly on the room speakers.

Music Muting during Intercom or Chime:  During intercom, the music is muted allowing for clear voice communication. The music is also muted when the chime button is pushed.

Constant-On 24 hour Intercom:  The intercom is always on. You can use the intercom function at a moment's notice.

Monitors Room Speaker:  On radio/intercom units, position room selector switch at the master to Monitor to instantly check on a room. On the IMA-516 and IM-5000, press the "TALK LOCK/MONITOR" button on the room speaker.

Selective Call:  Selective intercom calling is available on the IM5000.

Room to Rooms (All Call) Intercom:  Press a button in any room to speak to the other rooms. Most NuTone intercom systems are "all room" intercom systems. This means that when you press the talk button you speak to all rooms that have intercom speakers. Our IM-5000 is both an "all call" and "selective call" system. With this system, you can specifically call one room from another. A selective call intercom system is well suited to business installations.

Room to Doors Intercom:  Press the door talk button on a room speaker to speak with a visitor at the door. Release to hear the reply.

Number of wires in Intercom Speaker Cable :  If you wish to replace an existing Music/Intercom, you need to be aware of the cable used to wire the system you're replacing. If you can, you'll want to use the cable already in the wall. In most cases, a current NuTone 3-wire system can replace an older 3-wire system, 4-wire replace 4wire, etc.

"Hands Free" Answering:  The person being called doesn't have to rise from the chair to answer. In systems without the "Hands Free" circuitry, the person being called needs to go to the intercom speaker and press a button to respond. On IM-5000 and IM-4406, all calls from master or any speaker are "Hands Free". On IM-3303, only calls from the master are "Hands Free".

Intercom Only Switch Settings:  If you're an early riser, you may want to set the bedrooms to Intercom only. That way you can play music and not disturb your sleeping children or spouse.

One Button Door Answering:  To answer the door, you press one button to speak to the visitor, release the button to listen to their response. All NuTone systems offer one button door answering.

Remote Radio On/Off, Memory Control :  Radio operation can be controlled from any intercom speaker. Press the "RADIO CONTROLJEND CALL" button at any intercom speaker for 2 seconds to turn the radio ON. To turn the radio OFF, press again.

Aux Audio Input(s):  The master has audio input(s) allowing you to add a NuTone Cassette player, to patch in the audio from your multi-disc CD player or home theater for broadcast throughout your home.

Tune Selectable Chime Option:  The IA-29 chime module offers 10 different selectable tunes plus Westminster chime sound for the front door, and a two/one note chime for the side and rear doors. Module mounts and plugs into master unit.

External Chime Option:  Most NuTone electronic chime models can be connected to the master unit to allow chime sound to be heard over the room speakers.

Color Choices:  All NuTone intercoms are available in white. Some are also available in black and biscuit. Our cassette player is available in white. Speakers are available in white. Some speaker models are available in biscuit, black or brown. Door speakers are available in antique brass, bright brass, white or brown.

Digital Clock:  Thee IM-3303 and IM-4406 music intercoms feature a built-in digital clock. The Music Intercom system can be used as a whole house alarm clock. The digital clock can also be used as a sleep timer to turn music off at a certain time.

Self Diagnostic Troubleshooting Circuitry:  For proper performance and operation of an Intercom, it is important that all wires are securely attached to the proper terminal. NuTone's self-diagnostic circuitry allows the installer to easily check the installation and if there is a mis-connected wire, identify which room is affecting the system.

Privacy Switch on Intercom Speakers:  Can be used to turn off the ability to monitor that room. Ideal for master bedrooms and baths.

Music Input Plate:  Connect your existing music and TV audio components to a NuTone system. Can be used with IMA-516, IM-3204, IM-3303, IM-4406 and IM-5000.

Surface Mount Housings:  Surface mount housings are available for most NuTone room speakers as well as door speakers. They make it a little easier installation, as you do not have to cut an opening to recess mount the speaker. They are especially handy when you want to put a door speaker on a brick surface or if you want to have a speaker on a fire rated wall.

Wiring Your System and the Cables:

Use only NuTone intercom cable to wire a NuTone. It is designed and constructed to electrical specifications necessary for satisfactory performance. NuTone will not warranty systems where NuTone intercom cable is not used.

On all models except the IMA-516 and IM-5000, you should plan a separate "home run" cable from the master housing to each individual speaker or volume control location. Do not loop cables from one speaker or volume control to another. Electronic feedback or poor system performance will result.

Do not splice cables. Always install an uninterrupted cable from the master to the intercom speakers or volume controls and from the volume controls to the Music speakers.

Plan to keep cables 18 inches from fluorescent light fixtures, light or fan dimmer controls and any other wiring (electrical power, security system, etc.) to minimize risk of system interference.

Plan cable routes away from metal (heating and air conditioning ducts, construction plates, etc.) or any other objects that may have sharp edges that could cause damage to the cables.

Cables installed outside the house are to be routed through PVC conduit to protect from the elements. The cables are not UV weatherproof,