Ding-dong, you did it yourself
There are three types of doorbells: wired, wireless, and smart.
Wired doorbells use a transformer to connect to the home’s electrical system.
Doorbells are fairly simple to install, but always be careful handling wires.
In a world of ever-changing technology, the humble doorbell has stood the test of time, with many still relying on that familiar chime to alert them to a guest waiting. If you’re planning to install a new one yourself, it’s important to familiarize yourself with doorbell wiring to set it up safely and successfully. As with any project involving electrical work, DIYs should be approached with extreme caution and always left to a professional electrician when in doubt.
A doorbell is a handy device that helps prevent package theft and allows your visitors to announce themselves without having to whip out their smartphones. While there is a bit of a learning curve for installation, they’re worth the extra time and trouble. Again, though, always contact a professional if you’re unsure of the mechanics. Here’s how to install and remove the various parts of a doorbell.
Thread the doorbell chime wires through the holes in the back of the chime.
Screw the chime on your wall, using a power drill to make new holes if you’re doing a new installation.
Connect the doorbell wires to the appropriate terminals on the chime.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the chime cover.
Remove the cover of the electrical junction box.
Thread the power supply wires through the proper hole and place the transformer in its slot on the side of the box.
Secure the transformer in position using a wrench or screwdriver.
Connect the transformer’s power supply wires to your home’s power supply wires, matching each wire according to its color and twisting the wires together before attaching wire caps to keep them secure.
Screw or snap the electrical junction box cover into place.
Attach the doorbell push button and chime wires to the screw terminals, using a screwdriver to fasten them into place.
Locate the two wires that were previously taped to the exterior wall and attach them to the appropriate screws on the back of the new doorbell push button's plate, using a screwdriver to tighten the screws and secure the wires in place.
Carefully position the push button on the exterior wall, ensuring that the wires are not exposed; use a screwdriver to fasten the button in place.
If a cover is provided with the doorbell push button, place it over the button and follow the manufacturer's instructions to attach it properly.
Perhaps you need to remove an old doorbell before you install a brand new one. We’ve got you covered.
Remove the doorbell’s push button by unscrewing the two screws that are securing the button to the wall (if you don’t see the screws, you may need to gently pry off the faceplate with a flathead screwdriver first).
Gently pull the button away from the wall to expose the wiring behind it, taking care not to damage any of the wires.
Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that are holding the wires in place behind the push button.
Once the wires are loose enough, carefully pull the wires away to free the push button.
Find your doorbell’s chime mechanism—this is typically somewhere near your front doors, and you’ll recognize it by the sound it makes when someone presses the button.
Take off the cover by lifting or gently prying it off.
Use tape to label the wires connected to the central terminal according to which terminal the wire is connected to.
Using a screwdriver, loosen the screws that are holding the wires in place until you are able to remove the wires from the terminals.
Once the wires are disconnected, unscrew the bigger screws on either side of the chime, taking care not to let the chime fall.
Hold onto the wires from the back and gently pull the chime off the wall.
Tape the wires in place until you’re ready to install the new chime.
Locate the doorbell transformer, which is typically close to the ceiling on an exterior wall and attached to a wall-mounted electrical junction box (this may also be behind a plate).
Unscrew the screws to release the wires that are attached to the screw terminals.
Remove the electrical junction box cover by unscrewing it (if necessary) and prying it off.
Unscrew the wire caps on the green, black, and white wires that connect the transformer to your home’s electrical system a separate the wires from each other.
Using a wrench or screwdriver, loosen the bolt or set of screws and pull the transformer and its wires out of the junction box.
Tape the power supply wires in place to prevent them from falling out until you’re ready to install the new transformer.
You press the push front button, and a current runs from the button to the front terminal, then to the chime, where the current pulls a solenoid (a type of electromagnet) in the chime down. This strikes the resonators, which move one way as the button is pressed, then back another way to make a second sound after the button is released. The result? A “ding” followed by a “dong” sound.
Doorbells are low-voltage and have three wires to connect the transformer to the electrical system in your home. The transformer is required to reduce the higher voltage of the electrical system to a suitable level for the doorbell.
Neutral wire: This wire is usually white.
Ground wire: Ground wires are normally green.
Hot or live wire: This wire is typically black.
The low voltage of doorbells means they are pretty safe to handle, even if you are doing a DIY installation. Still, to avoid any risk of electrocution, be sure to turn off your home’s power before connecting the transformer wires to the corresponding electrical system’s wires.
If you’re worried about installing a doorbell yourself, hire a local electrician to get your doorbell up and running correctly and safely.
Pressing a doorbell button triggers the completion of an electrical circuit that sets off its bell or chime. To make this happen, the button typically contains a spring-loaded switch that, when pressed, closes the electrical circuit. The circuit then sends an electrical signal through wires to a transformer, which converts the signal to a lower voltage. Once the lower-voltage signal reaches the chime or bell, it sets off a mechanism that creates the sound you hear. The sound can be a chime, a buzzer, or even a little tune, depending on the type of doorbell you have.
Maybe you want to upgrade the existing, wired doorbell on your Victorian home, or you’re hoping to upgrade a new build with a smart doorbell that you can control from your phone. There are three main doorbell types to consider based on your house style and personal preferences.
Wired doorbells connect to the electrical system in your house, so you won’t have to remember to change the batteries to keep this type of doorbell running. A wired doorbell requires little maintenance. It will also last about 10 years before it needs replacing, and if you already have a wired doorbell, they are fairly simple to replace.
Rather than wires, wireless doorbells operate on radio waves. The doorbell can be installed on the outside of your home without any drilling, then you simply mount the transmitter inside the house in close range to the doorbell. You’ll need to replace the batteries or recharge the doorbell, and that timeframe will vary depending on the model.
Smart doorbells can connect to apps on your smartphone, so you can speak to the person at your door through the doorbell, see the person through a built-in camera, or hear the other person speak to you. Smart doorbells are either wired to your ethernet or are wireless and require Wi-Fi to connect. This is a popular choice if you want to elevate your home’s security.
There are three main components to a doorbell: the front push button or buttons, the chime, and the transformer. But there are a few more pieces to the puzzle that all work together to turn the push of a button into an alert that someone is at your front door.
Just as it sounds, the front push button is the button someone pushes on the doorbell. This part of the doorbell is installed right next to the front door. When a visitor presses the push button, it creates the chiming or ringing that lets you and your family know someone is at the front door.
Ding, dong: The chime is the part of the doorbell that makes a sound to notify you someone has pressed your doorbell. Most wired doorbells have more traditional or classic chime sounds, while wireless or smart doorbells offer more customization.
Doorbells are connected to their own transformers, which are then connected to your home’s electrical system. Doorbells need a transformer because they are low-voltage, typically ranging just eight to 24 volts. A home’s electrical system is much higher, usually around 120 volts.
The push button’s wiring and transformer’s wiring meet through terminals on the chime box. There are three terminals: trans for the transformer wiring, front for the front push button, and back or rear if you have a back push button.
Typically, installing a new doorbell costs around $300, with most installations costing between $250 and $400. Experienced DIYers can save a bit of cash by updating their existing wired doorbells themselves. It may also be a good time to kick your old doorbell system to the curb and opt for a smart doorbell with security features like a camera, which can cost between $50 and $600.
The decision between DIY or hiring a local electrician for doorbell installation depends on your comfort with electrical work and the job's complexity. Basic wired or wireless doorbells are easy for most homeowners to install with a few tools. But if you're upgrading to a complex smart doorbell with video and security features, a professional might be the better choice to ensure everything is set up correctly.
You must turn off the circuit’s power at the breaker box before touching doorbell wires. Doorbell systems usually operate on low voltage, but it's always better to err on caution to avoid electrical shock. Using tools specific to wiring is also essential because they are grounded. If you're unsure about handling electrical work, consult a professional to avoid any risk of shock or injury.
Yes, you should always turn off the power at the breaker box before wiring a doorbell. This precaution prevents electrical shock and ensures your safety while working. Even though doorbell systems typically use low voltage, cutting electricity off is essential to avoid risk.
To check if doorbell wires are live, use a non-contact voltage tester. Hold the tester near the wires; if it lights up or beeps, the wires are live. Always ensure the power is off at the breaker box before handling any wiring. If you don't have a voltage tester, consider getting one or consulting a professional to ensure safety.
Doorbell wires typically won't spark because they carry low voltage. However, if there's a short circuit or damaged wiring, sparking could occur. Always turn off the power at the breaker box before working with doorbell wires to prevent any risk. If you notice any sparking, it's a sign of a problem that a professional electrician should address.
