Hanwha TA-18 Flush Mount Back Box
Overview
The TA-18 is a flush mount back box designed to integrate with Hanwha outdoor intercoms, specifically the TCIS-2 and TCIS-3 models. Its primary function is straightforward: conceal the main unit behind a wall surface while presenting a professional, tamper-resistant front. If you're installing either intercom in an environment where appearance and security matter—office lobbies, gated entrances, apartment buildings—the TA-18 eliminates the exposed-equipment look and hardens the installation against casual interference.
Key Features
- Polycarbonate Construction: The housing is molded from durable polycarbonate, which resists impact and environmental stress better than thin metal or plastic alternatives. This means the back box won't crack or degrade under sun exposure, temperature swings, or minor physical abuse—a real advantage in outdoor and semi-protected installations where the unit sits exposed to weather cycling.
- Flush Mount Design: The TA-18 sits recessed into a standard wall opening, keeping the intercom's main body and wiring hidden behind the wall plane. This approach removes clutter from the wall surface and creates a finished appearance that blends into modern architectural aesthetics instead of looking like an afterthought.
- Tamper-Resistant Housing: By burying the main unit in-wall, the TA-18 eliminates exposed terminals, disconnect points, and mechanical components that could be damaged, vandalized, or defeated. Unauthorized users cannot simply rip out cables or access fasteners from the front. For secure entry points or high-traffic public spaces, this is a meaningful deterrent.
- Compact Form Factor: Measuring 5.67 inches diameter by 2.01 inches in depth, the TA-18 fits standard wall cavity dimensions without requiring structural modification. The small footprint also means it won't protrude noticeably from the wall surface, maintaining that clean, integrated look.
- White Finish: The standard white color matches common trim and wall plates, allowing the faceplate to fade into the background rather than stand out. If your installation aesthetic requires neutral tones, this works without additional painting or cosmetic work.
- Field Installation: The back box ships with mounting screws and an installation guide, so you can integrate it into the wall frame during construction or retrofit it into existing cavities using basic hand tools. No special hardware or power connections required—it's purely mechanical.
Integration & Compatibility
The TA-18 is engineered specifically for the TCIS-2 and TCIS-3 outdoor intercoms. Before ordering, confirm you own one of these models—the back box attachment points are proprietary to this intercom line, so cross-compatibility with other manufacturers or older Hanwha intercom generations is not guaranteed. If you're deploying multiple intercoms across a campus or multi-building site, verify that all units are TCIS-2 or TCIS-3 variants; mixing models may require different back boxes.
What's in the Box
- 1x TA-18 Flush Mount Back Box (polycarbonate housing)
- Mounting screws for installation
- Installation guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the TA-18 with intercom models other than TCIS-2 and TCIS-3?
A: No. The TA-18 is designed exclusively for Hanwha TCIS-2 and TCIS-3 intercoms. Other models or brands will not mount correctly to this back box.
Q: Does the TA-18 require power or special wiring?
A: No. The TA-18 is a passive mounting enclosure. All power and network cabling runs to the intercom main unit itself; the back box simply holds and protects that unit in-wall. No additional power or signal lines are needed for the back box.
Q: What size wall opening do I need for the TA-18?
A: The TA-18 is 5.67 inches in diameter. Standard wall cavity depth is 2.01 inches. Consult the included installation guide for exact opening dimensions and framing requirements; this ensures the back box sits flush and secure.
Q: Is the TA-18 weatherproof?
A: The polycarbonate housing is durable and resists moisture and UV exposure. However, the TA-18 is intended for in-wall mounting, where the intercom main unit is protected by the wall cavity itself. Ensure proper caulking and sealant around the perimeter to prevent water ingress into the wall cavity.
Q: Can I install the TA-18 in existing walls after construction is complete?
A: Yes, retrofit installation is possible if you can cut a cavity to accommodate the back box diameter (5.67 inches). Retrofit installations typically require cutting drywall or masonry and may need reinforcement depending on wall type. A licensed electrician or integrator should handle retrofit work in commercial environments.
Q: What tools do I need to install the TA-18?
A: Basic hand tools—a drill or screwdriver, a drywall saw or hole saw (for retrofit), and a level. The installation guide will specify fastener types and torque limits. No power tools are strictly necessary, though a hole saw speeds up cavity cutting on retrofit jobs.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
If you're specifying TCIS-2 or TCIS-3 intercoms for a building entrance or campus access point, the TA-18 back box should be part of your bill of materials from the start—not an afterthought. The 5.67-inch diameter and 2.01-inch depth fit standard construction practices, and polycarbonate durability means you won't be replacing sun-damaged or cracked housings in three years.
Technical Highlights:
- Polycarbonate Material: Withstands UV, temperature cycling, and mechanical stress without yellowing, cracking, or becoming brittle—a significant advantage over thin sheet metal or recycled plastic in outdoor and high-sun installations.
- Compact Footprint (5.67" Dia × 2.01" H): Fits standard 2×4 and 2×6 wall cavities without custom framing, cutting installation labor and schedule risk. Retrofit into existing walls is practical if cavity cutting is feasible.
- In-Wall Concealment: Hides wiring, terminals, and mechanical fasteners, eliminating the most common attack vectors for intercom tampering and reducing visual clutter in high-security or architectural-sensitive environments.
Deployment Considerations:
- Wall Preparation is Critical: The TA-18 relies on proper wall cavity construction and weatherproofing. Poor sealing around the perimeter will allow moisture to wick into the cavity and corrode the main unit. In damp or high-rainfall regions, plan for additional sealants and gaskets beyond what the installation guide specifies.
- Retrofit Complexity: New-construction installations are straightforward—carpenters frame the opening during build. Retrofit work on finished walls requires careful cavity cutting and may demand concrete-saw work on masonry, adding labor and timeline risk. Factor this into project budgets early.
- Limited to TCIS Line: Do not assume the TA-18 works with legacy Hanwha intercoms or third-party brands. Compatibility is tight to TCIS-2 and TCIS-3 only. Mixing models or brands on a multi-site rollout can create fulfillment and installation confusion.
The TA-18 is a straightforward, fit-for-purpose enclosure that elevates the professionalism of TCIS-2 and TCIS-3 deployments in corporate lobbies, gated communities, and multi-tenant buildings where appearance and vandal resistance matter. Plan wall preparation early, specify it on every intercom purchase order, and account for retrofit labor if you're deploying into existing structures.
