Apr 16 2007
Foolproof Ways to Install a New Doorbell
Whether you are waiting on guests or unexpected visitors drop by, you’ll seem like a surly host if you don’t answer the door because the doorbell doesn’t work. Don’t let your reputation suffer when fixing a doorbell is one of the easiest “do-it-yourself†(DIY) electrical projects of all! In just a few short steps, you will once again be known as the most attentive host on the block.
New Installation
I hereby declare this the DIY project for the complete and total non-DIYer. The easiest way to install a doorbell when there is not an existing one is to buy one of the wireless models. Talk about foolproof!
To get slightly more technical, a wireless doorbell is actually a transmitter. When a visitor pushes the button, a coded signal is sent to a receiver attached to the bell, and the doorbell chimes.
Some of the advantages of the wireless doorbells include:
If you have a hard time hearing the doorbell (even when it’s working that is), you can purchase more than one chime unit and tune them all to the same button. This way, you can place chimes all around the house to hear the doorbell ring wherever you may be.
It involves no wires and no more electricity than that of a small battery. The button unit requires a battery, but most of the indoor chime units can be plugged into an electrical outlet, ridding you of the need to remember to change multiple batteries.
Although replacing a wired doorbell is a quick project by most DIY standards, this one is even quicker. Other than the time spent choosing between the brass or gold finish, this project can be accomplished during one commercial break.
Replacement Installation
If you are really pressed for time or not interested in dealing with wires, simply replace your wired doorbell with one of the wireless models mentioned above. Remove the old doorbell switch with a flat screwdriver, tape up the wires with electrical tape, and tuck them back in the doorbell hole. Affix the new switch to the doorframe, covering the hole. Indoors, plug in the chime unit(s).
However, even replacing a wired doorbell with a new wired model will typically not take more than a half-hour. The only materials needed are the new switch and a flat screwdriver. To make life easier or show off your well-stocked tool kit, you may also choose to have wire strippers handy.
Decide whether to turn off the power. Typically this is not a question, but the main commandment of electrical work. However, because a doorbell is a low-voltage device and operates on a mere 12 volts, you can do this repair without turning off the power. If you are uncomfortable with leaving the power on or suspect that your doorbell may run on a higher voltage, go ahead and turn off the power at the breaker box or service panel.
Remove the old switch. Take out the screws and set aside, as you may choose to reuse them. Disconnect the wires, securing them so they cannot slide back in through the hold, and discard the old switch.
Cut and trim wires, if necessary. If the termination ends look worn or frayed, pull the wire out so you have a bit of slack and trim the wires to equal length. Strip approximately a half-inch of insulation from each wire.
Connect wires to the new switch. Connect wires to the two screw terminals on the new switch. It doesn’t matter which wire goes to which switch—it will work either way. Tighten the screws.
Install new switch. Feed the wires back through the hole and push the new switch so it is flush against the wall or doorframe. At this point, if the power is on, the new switch should be working. If you splurged and purchased a lighted model, look to see if it is lit. Test it and listen for the chime.
If you chose to purchase a new chime unit as well, find and replace the old chime unit using the same process. Pay attention to which wire goes to which terminal, however, because in this case they do need to be connected to the appropriate terminals on the new chime unit.
Related posts:
- Plumbing – How To Install a Garbage Disposal
- DIY – Lighting – Installing a Dimmer Switch
- Right on Track: Easy Steps to Mounting Track Lights
- DIY – Lighting – A Short Primer on Electricity
- Hot Wire Mishaps: Five Things to Do BEFORE Working on Electrical Problems
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I have buzzer in one room and a chime in another. Two wires from transformer— two wires from front door button—two wires from buzzer. How do I tie them all in so that when I push the button both the chime and buzzer sound. the chime has three terminals (Transformer—front—rear—). The buzzer has one terminal and four mounting screws not grounded.
My door bell is gone. there is 6 wires coming out from the wall. All the new models have 3 wires.
what should I do to connect.
Hi Debbie,
I have the same problem. Did you get any answer?
I have 6 wires comming out of the wall 3 red 3 white, 1 white is hot and one red is hot. I have a front and back bell that go to the chime box. In the chime box there are 3 screws a front, back and transform screw. How do I figure which wire goes where? I would really appreciate your help.
I have the same issue, only I don’t have the third wire for the back. I have two white and two red wires. I tried completing the circut by attaching the two red wires together and running one white to the front and one to the trans. My switch at the door is lit but I am not hearing the bell ring when I press it. I switched the two white wires to the opposite posts (front and trans) and yet it still doesn’t chime. Not sure what is wrong. I tried connecting the white wires and running the red ones to the chime box but no success. I am doing something wrong…just dont know what. I was told the red wires should be attached to each other to complete the circuit and use the white wires. I can’t figure it out. Guess I need a low voltage ohm meter since my minimum is 120v. I have no idea which is hot and which is not.
Still a problem. I found the Trans wires using a low voltage meter on the white and red wire until I got a reading of about 16V. The other white and red wire together had continuity. I attached the two red wires together and ran the hot (Trans) white wire to the Trans connector. I ran the other white wire to the front door connector. I have power at the switch since it is illuminated. Yet when I push the button to the door bell, nothing happens. I push the tester button for tune selection on the unit and nothing happens. I am going with the odds that the unit works since it is brand new, but I am stuck in figuring out what is wrong. Why won’t the unit work?
I tried a wireless door bell ($60 model). After installing it on vinyl siding I caulked around the push button plate. The battery corroded and it quit working after a few months. Apparently it picked up other frequencies and would go off with no one pushing the button. I like the idea of a wireless, so we can hear it away from the front door. Any suggestions.