Questions tagged [doorbell]

Installing, troubleshooting or repairing a doorbell.

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2 answers
60 views

ring video door bell pro 2 blows the ring hard wired transformer but works fine with plug in power adapter

My ring video door bell pro 2 blows the ring hard wired transformer ( 120V AC 60 Hz power input with 16V 30VA power output) but works fine with plug in power adapter. This happened thrice. Can any one ...
3 votes
1 answer
108 views

Is it possible to replace an ISDN telephone system with recent/modern hardware?

I've often seen houses where there is the following setup: when somebody rings the bell at the door the telephones inside will ring when you pick up the phone you can talk to the person at the door ...
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2 votes
1 answer
114 views

Can I cover up a doorbell transformer?

The doorbell transformer is located on the opposite wall from my doorbell. It is attached to a garage wall, uncovered. It is ugly. My question is: Can I cover it?
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0 votes
0 answers
61 views

Replacing an apartment interphone (2 wires)

I live in an apartment and my intercom died. I can't find the brand of the current one, but it's probably decades old. It transmit voices from the street + a button to open the door. I dismounted the ...
0 votes
0 answers
22 views

Installing Arlo AVD1001 wired doorbell to use existing Friedland 454 chime

The Arlo Wired doorbell AVD1001 is stated on Amazon as being able to be used with a previously installed doorbell chime. The one that I have is a Friedland 454 chime but Arlo's online information is ...
-1 votes
2 answers
154 views

Can I use a Doorbell 24v transformer as a C-Wire transformer?

Can I use my currently working 1970s doorbell 24v transformer as a C-Wire transformer? I'm installing a Honeywell Home Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable Thermostat (RTH6580WF), Requires C Wire. I ordered a ...
1 vote
2 answers
167 views

Doorbell and Thermostat appear to be on shared Transformer. What is best approach to replace?

I am replacing my ring doorbell with a Unifi G4 Doorbell and when I hooked it up, I was alerted that the power was too low. Through some searching I discovered that I need to replace my transformer. I ...
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1 vote
0 answers
104 views

Trying to install Ring Doorbell 3 which has 2 wires where the existing button has 3 wires

Trying to replace my doorbell with the Ring Doorbell 3 and not sure how to identify which are the wires I need to connect to the ring doorbell. I'm replacing an intercom doorbell with 3 wires and I ...
1 vote
1 answer
74 views

Find exact location of a wire inside wall

Trying to wire a doorbell. I found an existing hole from the basement going into part of the front door frame. The house was re-sided by the prior owner and they did not have any doorbell installed at ...
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2 votes
2 answers
135 views

Ring Doorbell Not Getting Enough Power

My ring wired doorbell is not getting enough power. The transformer has multiple options but is currently set at 8V 20VA and the chime state 16VAC 10VA. Can I switch the load of the transformer to 16V ...
1 vote
2 answers
941 views

No ground wire doorbell transformer

Recently got a new video doorbell and noticed that it was flaky, especially at night when the IR was active. Tech support suggested my 16v 10va transformer could be the reason and suggested a 24v/40va ...
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0 votes
0 answers
79 views

Doorbell has 16 volts at the door, but when I connect the doorbell it drops to 2v

I already changed the transformer, 16v at the transformer 16 at the door, but when I plug in my nest wired doorbell, no power meter reads 2v. I already ordered a replacement doorbell but could ...
0 votes
2 answers
130 views

Is it possible to wire a second doorbell chime with only access to the transformer?

(edited to adjust diagram per jsotola) As I'm working from home I've missed a handful of times someone dropped off a package due to the doorbell being upstairs while I am downstairs. I'd like to add a ...
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1 vote
1 answer
157 views

Doorbell only works when basement lights are turned on

Doorbell at front and back of house only works when the basement lights are on, controlled by a light switch at the top of the stairs. In the attached photo the power goes directly from the panel to ...
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1 vote
2 answers
348 views

Replacing doorbell transformer attached to electrical panel

I've been pulling my hair out trying to find my current doorbell transformer in order to upgrade it for a nest doorbell. I believe to have found it attached to my electrical panel after taking the ...
0 votes
1 answer
128 views

Can I use low voltage twisted doorbell wire in wall?

I am running new bell wire and the low voltage 20/2 bell wire I got is twisted with no sheathing (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwire-100-ft-20-2-Twisted-CU-Bell-Wire-56750023/205717549) I can't ...
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0 votes
1 answer
168 views

Only 1.5v from a new doorbell transformer 16-30vac transformer

I installed a new Hampton Bay doorbell transformer and am only getting 1.5v at 60hz at the screws. What could be causing this, and how would I go about troubleshooting the issue?
1 vote
1 answer
75 views

Doorbell Transformer to Panel - Black Lead

The old doorbell in my house (previous owners) was a wireless bell/chime combo. I replaced it with a video doorbell and in doing so, noted that there was no power for the doorbell wiring at the door. ...
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0 votes
0 answers
108 views

Attaching a 24v door bell transformer to a plastic box

I am replacing a doorbell transformer, upgrading to 24v because the new doorbell is a Ring doorbell. The existing transformer is 16 volts. It was ganged onto a plastic (on the outside) of a receptible ...
1 vote
2 answers
159 views

Simple doorbell questions (transformer to doorbell matching)

Went to Home Depot the other day to fix my doorbell and bought this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-16VAC-30VA-Transformer-Compatible-with-All-Video-Door-Bells-HB-130-03/309792479 It's: "...
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3 votes
3 answers
840 views

How to safely secure AC adapter wire to a skirting and a door frame?

I purchased an adapter for my doorbell and need to secure it to skirting and a door frame before it is fed through the door frame to the doorbell outside. I thought it would make sense to use a ...
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0 votes
2 answers
361 views

Replacing a doorbell transformer - wire problems

I am attempting to replace my doorbell transformer with one that will provide adequate voltage for my ring doorbell. I have located the current transformer but the wiring does not seem to match my ...
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0 votes
1 answer
190 views

Doorbell transformer 16v, but only seeing ~7.5V at doorbell itself

I moved into a new home and have a doorbell transformer that is reading 16V at the transformer itself and on the wires coming right out of the transformer. The wires, though, are only showing ~7.5V ...
  • 1
0 votes
2 answers
438 views

Why is my doorbell button very hot?

This is a house that is 20 years old and my doorbell button is very hot to the touch. We had a technician out to my house four times and we still don't know the cause of the issue. We changed the ...
8 votes
4 answers
2k views

Need a peephole camera without modifying peephole [closed]

I searched almost everywhere. Here is my issue. I live in an apt. I cannot modify or remove the peephole. I can't add a video doorbells of any kind. I am looking to see how I can put a camera on the ...
1 vote
1 answer
340 views

How to correctly identify a doorbell transformer?

This is the only doorbell looking transformer that I found in my home. It is right behind the wall that connects to the thermostat “below”. This is inside the garage close to the HVAC. It does say ...
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2 votes
1 answer
2k views

How do I locate my doorbell wire?

I would like to install a wired doorbell, but I don't know how to find the wires to hook up the doorbell. I live in a relatively recently constructed townhouse, built in 2016. The seller indicated ...
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3 votes
1 answer
1k views

Can I replace a 115 V doorbell transformer with a 120 V doorbell transformer?

update I replaced the transformer and 1 single doorbell with the ring video doorbell wired. Everything is functioning as it should. The existing chime from the standard doorbell is slightly louder ...
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3 votes
1 answer
636 views

Can a doorbell transformer be mounted to a metal junction box which is also being used as a light?

I was recently in my Crawlspace installing a doorbell transformer when I got the idea of potentially reusing an existing junction box. The only problem is the junction box currently has a lamp holder ...
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1 vote
1 answer
143 views

Closet light off of doorbell junction box

Good morning, Needed a closet light and had a doorbell transformer in the closet so I run a light off of that junction, finding out covering the transformer is not up to code. Problem is exposed 115 ...
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0 votes
2 answers
227 views

Use halogen transformer for Ring video doorbell wired

I am planning to install a Ring branded video doorbell at a home I am visiting for a few days. We are struggling to find a doorbell transformer on short notice, but did find a halogen light ...
0 votes
0 answers
52 views

What brand of doorbell chime is this?

My doorbell doesn't work, and because of the previous owner stuccoing over it, I had to damage it to the point of looking not very good anymore to remove it. Turns out it's battery powered, as is my ...
4 votes
1 answer
572 views

This is my doorbell transformer, right?

Before I screw something up, I just want to verify that I’ve identified the right thing. I’m putting in a new transformer for my doorbell as my Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus is no longer charging ...
3 votes
1 answer
180 views

How do I downgrade from Ring Video Gen1 to a regular doorbell?

The previous owner of my home installed a Ring Video Doorbell (generation 1). I'd be perfectly happy with a regular doorbell. There are lots of tutorials for replacing a regular doorbell with a Ring, ...
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0 votes
0 answers
353 views

Doorbell resistor across front & trans - safe for Nest? Purpose?

Any idea what purpose this resistor serves in our doorbell chime and if it's okay to keep it on there when installing a Nest doorbell or if I should remove it? I'm assuming this is a resistor but am ...
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0 votes
1 answer
180 views

Doorbell transformer: broken if low voltage reading on multimeter?

I put my multimeter to DC V mode and touched the two screws on our doorbell transformer but I just get a reading in millivolts which is way below the 19V it says. Does this mean it's not working or am ...
  • 720
3 votes
3 answers
2k views

How should I reconnect door bell wiring for multiple flats?

I live in a residential block of flats, we all have our own front door and own door bell. Every time someone rings my bell it makes me jump out of my skin, so I unscrewed the push button and unscrewed ...
1 vote
2 answers
1k views

use cat6 cables as power (not POE)

I have a single cat6 cable currently being used a POE for a doorbell that i do not want to use anymore and I want to change to run 2 hardwired doorbells. Can I use the cat6 wires as power cables if I ...
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2 votes
2 answers
714 views

I have lost power on the load side of my new doorbell transformer after a brief period of time when it did power my smart doorbell

I recently purchased a Ring Wired smart doorbell. I needed to replace my original doorbell transformer due to being too small of a voltage output. I first wired the new transformer to the 120v circuit....
0 votes
2 answers
122 views

Window Shutters covering doorbell

My wife would like to install decorative window shutters on the window next to the front door. This type of shutter is simply bolted into the wall, and won't be able to move after installation. The ...
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5 votes
2 answers
1k views

Doorbell switch internals

Attached is a picture of a doorbell push button wiring. What are these circuit components (circled with red) for? Isn't this just a simple mechanical switch?
1 vote
1 answer
2k views

Connecting RING Video Doorbell to Friedland 454 chime unit

I have a Friedland 454 unit, with a front and rear bell push, mains wired in (no batteries). It is correctly wired as per Haggis post with a front and back bellpush. The terminals are numbered, ...
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2 votes
1 answer
3k views

What are these transformers in my garage for and how do I disconnect them?

I just bought a house and there are two transformers in the garage. I'm trying to figure out what they do. The house was built in 2014 and located in San Mateo, California. I suspect one of them is ...
  • 121
0 votes
0 answers
222 views

Interference or feedback on intercom

Periodically, the speaker on my intercom system in my apartment emits a sound similar to a 1 kHz tone like so The Intercom unit is a “Jeron” pictured here (front) And back It seems another savvy ...
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2 votes
1 answer
3k views

Blowing up a doorbell transformer

My house is a 117 year old masterpiece of evolving building codes and improvisation. One of the things I expect to do at some point in the future is get a doorbell camera, though it's not on the ...
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0 votes
1 answer
315 views

Replacing middle of circuit outlet with doorbell transformer

I am replacing an outlet in the middle of a run with doorbell transformer. The outlet is not required for code and the transformer is one that is rated to be installed in a 2 gang box. Yes, I will be ...
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2 votes
2 answers
2k views

Wiring low voltage doorbell wire through exterior wall and studs

I currently have a battery powered doorbell that I would like to replace with a hardwired doorbell. Problem is, my house is not wired for a doorbell. My solution is to replace the outlet in the ...
  • 31
1 vote
1 answer
485 views

Is 31v too much for a Ring doorbell calling for 24v?

I recently bought a Ring Doorbell. Electrical requirements show it needs a maximum of 24vac. When I tested the voltage on my current doorbell, it read 31vac. Is this too much for the Ring's circuitry? ...
  • 11
0 votes
0 answers
721 views

Old Chime box popping noise

My wired doorbell started making a "pop" sound every 15 seconds about 10 days ago. The sound is coming from the speaker. I've checked all of the connections and nothing is loose. The noise ...
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0 votes
0 answers
399 views

Doorbell chime resistance

I have replaced an old intercom in my top floor flat (which was always rubbish and crackly) with minimalist approach. A basic ding dong chime that’s nice and loud and a light switch to open the door ...