how to install a doorbell transformer

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Transformers are small boxes connected to an electrical box with a set of small, thin wires connected to them. View our Privacy Policy here. Once the doorbell button is installed, all thats left is to plug the chime box into an electrical outlet and test the system. If you have a fuse box, pull out the main fuse block, or a large rectangular block with a handle at the top of the panel. When one side of the knockout is free, twist it several times by hand or with the pliers to fully detach the rest of the knockout. Connect the doorbell wires to + & - (doorbell wires can go in either terminal). This install is compatible with the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 and many other smart doorbells. Dawn holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, which these days she mostly uses to provide therapy for her kids and spouse. Smart doorbells start around $150 and can cost more than $1,000 depending on the extras selected. This is too powerful for doorbells, so the transformer converts the current to 16 to 24 volts. Step 1 - Locate the Transformer The most difficult step in replacing any transformer is finding it. A small transformer is installed in the basement near the door or on the side of the panelboard to power the device. If there are multiple doorbells, be sure to position the wires on the terminal labeled front or back, as appropriate. The most important thing to remember is to turn off the breaker before attempting any electrical work. 437K views 2 years ago Check out our HOW TO video and DEMO of installing and upgrading a video doorbell transformer! There will usually be two, or sometimes three screws there. Screw your new chime into place on the door with a . This is simply a matter of using the correct two of the three screws, so dont feel intimidated. It looks like a metal box attached to a transformer installed into the panel box itself or to the wall nearby. If not, hold the mounting plate in place and mark the screw locations on the door casing with a pencil. A WiFi-capable doorbell connects to a homes wireless router and allows users to monitor visitors from their smartphone or PC. If the doorbell does not function, turn off the power again and test the wire connections. Photo: tamu / Adobe Stock. Check the range on the chime box to make sure it still connects to the doorbell. Installation is easy, by mounting to an electrical box via threaded connector or screw down and connect the wires the the door chime Plus, it is UL Class 2 certified, ensuring the utmost . You need a transformer that is rated for 16-24 V AC, 10-40 VA to provide enough power to your doorbell. Attach the wire from the transformer to either of the two terminals on the back of the doorbell button. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Choose a suitable location for installing the transformer. Since the box contains full household current, though, you may feel more comfortable with hiring a qualified, licensed electrician to make this connection. Attach the wires to your new doorbell push button by twisting the metal ends together (black to black and white to white). In order to guarantee a fresh, solid connection, you'll want to use the wire strippers to snip the wires, then use them to peel back about 3/4-inch of the wire casing. Step 7a - Connect New (Single Voltage) Transformer With a single-voltage transformer matching the voltage of the doorbell, the two wires in the cable leading to the doorbell are to be attached to the two terminal screws on the transformer's secondary winding. Hardwired doorbells are generally installed during the construction of a home when an electrician can easily run wires through the unfinished walls. The Doorbell transformer link we have listed above has enough power for both Ring and Nest Hello video doorbells. Check the instructions that are included with your doorbell chime to confirm the wiring requirements. Keep the chime box in a room where its most comfortably audible. Wiring the transformer for anew doorbell is an important part of the installation. Most doorbells don't require a lot of power, so the doorbell transformer defuses the current, reducing the standard 120 volts of electricity to usually about 16 volts to prevent an overload in the chime of the doorbell. Fish the doorbell base wire to the location of the doorbell. In her current home, she's tackled everything from installing real hardwood flooring to revamping the landscape. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 5. transformer, doorbell switch) on small pieces of masking tape attached to each one. Since electrical repairs can be tricky, keep in mind its usually best to hire a professional, especially if youre not experienced with home wiring. It doesn't matter which wire goes to which terminal screw. Using a drill or other high-powered tool could strip the heads of the screws. Youll find specific instructions walking you through how to install a doorbell for each of these types of ringers below. This article has been viewed 67,717 times. Restore the power to the circuit and test the doorbell operation. Part of the series: How to Install a Doorbell. Be sure that there are fresh batteries in the doorbell, and snap it into place. A wired doorbell is linked to the homes electrical system, so youll need to shut off the power to the bell at the breaker box before installing a new one. With over four years of experience, Jacob specializes in a variety of handyman services including pressure washing, cleaning gutters, repairing drywall, fixing leaky plumbing fixtures, and repairing broken doors. With a multimeter, determine whether electricity is flowing through the wires. For homes with long driveways, gates, and other far-away locations where you might want to install a doorbell, however, the distance the signal reaches matters more. If the doorbell is chiming constantly, even when the button is not depressed, there is either an issue with the wiring or the button is damaged. If there isnt a reading (8V, 16V, or 24V), the transformer is no good. I had already looked at another site and cleared. Look for a double-width main power circuit breaker switch at the top of the panel. "It's a cool way to install. (Go to #5). This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. A wired doorbell is a perfectand permanentcomplement to a house. IF YOUR POST FITS INTO THIS CATEGORY, REMOVE IT OR IT WILL BE REMOVED FOR YOU. Use a non-contact voltage tester to make sure that power is off before working on electrical wires. Tip: Transformers have various specifications, so take yours to the hardware or home improvement store after removing it. Home Improvement Specialist. There will only be one chime. There will usually be two, or sometimes three screws there. How to Use How to install your Ring Video Doorbell Pro with a hardwired transformer For safety and compliance information for this product, click here. Leave the wire stick out about 4 or 5 inches. Wipe the surface you are attaching the switch to with a clean, damp cloth before the installation. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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