Two-way radios for construction sites
On a construction site a radio gets dropped, rained on and covered in dust, and it has to be heard over machinery. Here is what to look for and which radios fit.
- Authorised Motorola Solutions dealer
- Kirisun PoC distributor for Greece & Cyprus
- Programming and setup
- Support from Thessaloniki since 2001
What to look for
Dust and water protection
Look for an IP rating: IP54 or IP55 protects against dust and splashing or jets of water, which covers most site conditions.
Clear audio over noise
Crane and machinery work needs loud, clear audio. A remote speaker microphone or a headset helps in the noisiest areas.
Range across the site
Small sites can use licence-free PMR446. Large sites, tall buildings and tunnels need licensed DMR with more power, or PoC where there is coverage.
Separate channels per crew
Crane signalling should have its own channel, separate from general site traffic. Licensed or PoC systems make that easy to manage.
Recommended radios
Motorola MOTOTRBO R5
IP67, up to 106 phon and AI noise suppression for noise, dust and rain. VHF / UHFIP6764 channelsUp to 32 h Price on request Made to order
Motorola MOTOTRBO DP1400 VHF
Licensed analogue/DMR, IP54, 5 W VHF / 4 W UHF for large sites. VHF 146–174 MHzIP5416 channelsUp to 16.5 h €359.00 In stock
Motorola XT420
Licence-free PMR446, IP55, for small sites and fit-out crews. IP5516 channelsLi-ion Price on request In stock
Kirisun T350 PoC radio
4G PoC to link site, office and vans across different locations. 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 2.4/5 GHzIP54999 groupsLi-ion 3000 mAh Price on request In stockSetup tips
- Keep crane signalling on a dedicated channel or talk group and agree call signs before work starts.
- Put chargers in the site office and rotate radios at each shift so batteries last the day.
- Test coverage on the lowest and highest floors before choosing PMR446 over a licensed system.
Good to know before you buy
- An IP54/IP55 radio is protected against splashes and jets, not against being submerged.
- Licensed DMR needs an EETT frequency assignment; PoC needs mobile coverage and a subscription.
- This shop does not list ATEX (explosive atmosphere) radios yet. Ask us if your site needs them.
Questions people ask
Can I use PMR446 walkie-talkies on a building site?
Yes, they are licence-free. They work well on small and medium sites. On large sites, in tall concrete buildings or underground, a licensed DMR system or PoC is usually needed.
Do you supply radios for crane operators?
Yes. Tell us how many cranes and crews work on the site and we recommend radios, accessories and a channel plan.
Other guides
Not sure which radio to pick?
Tell us how many people need to talk, where, and how far apart. Our team in Thessaloniki replies with a recommendation and, for businesses, a written quote.