\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Test out the transformer by using a low-voltage meter. How to Install a Wired Doorbell Reuse the wires you taped aside earlier. Each set of wires is a different color. Then, attach the switch to your chosen spot using screws or adhesive. She has experience researching and creating a wide range of home improvement and garden projects, and especially enjoys learning about plumbing and interior finishing. This will work to wire doorbell transformers for both the Ring Doorbells and Nest Hello Doorbells. Handyman. Check out the step by step process on wiring a doorbell transformer at home! Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Press the doorbell button to see if it works. How to wire a doorbell transformer? The transformers wires enter the junction box through a hole in the side of the box. The problem might be with the button itself. Finally, attach the wires coming from the chime and button to the transformer before mounting the cover plate back on the junction box. This article was co-authored by Jacob Pischer. I worked with him often, building decks, painting houses, framing in buildings, etc. The button should be around 42 to 56 inches high. If you dont hear anything, turn off the power and double check that your wiring connections at the transformer are tight. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. For existing systems 2-wire thermostat wire is often used to complete this circuit. Since the transformer is a low power device, it is often installed on an existing circuit on the side of a junction box. The doorbell base contains the chimes. 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. STEP 1: Remove the old doorbell button and transformer (optional). There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Start by carefully taking off the cover plate on the electrical box that the transformer sits on. Attach the connection to a piece of electrical tape. The doorbell transformer is a solid-state electrical device that attaches to the side of an electrical box. On back are three terminals, often in this order: The electrical box is a metal, enclosed box that has a 120V electric cable running into it. How to install a doorbell chime and transformer. 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. Take the transformer first. You fixed your doorbell! I enjoyed the whole article.". More importantly, reusing the doorbell wire eliminates the need to fish new wire through the walls. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The transformer should be located near the doorbell. Fish this strand to the doorbell location. Mount the plate to the wall using the screws that came with the doorbell. When shopping for a doorbell, check the packaging to determine its maximum wireless signal distance. Use the screwdriver to remove the doorbell button from the wall and disconnect the wires from the doorbell button. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Here are some common wiring configurations that may apply to your home. If there is not an available electrical box, an electrician can install one for you by feeding off of a nearby power source or by running a new circuit from the electric service panel. 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. Inexpensive wireless units start at about $15 (a basic door button and plug-in chime box) and can cost more than $500 for smart units. Be sure that there are fresh batteries in the doorbell, and snap it into place. Installing a doorbell deals with low-voltage electricity, and is a relatively straightforward DIY if you take the necessary precautions, including shutting power off before you get started. Use a drill with a small drill bit to drill pilot holes for the screws. The green wire is connected either to a green or brown wire or to a metal ground bar or screw. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Dawn currently spends her days convincing her children she is still smarter than them while creating new experiences with her husband of 24 years.&nbsp; Christopher Lanier. She was raised in a tool-oriented, hands-on, DIY family. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. If the transformer isn't near your electrical panel, look around your heating and cooling system. Turn the breaker box back on. Last Updated: September 9, 2022 The cover should pull off the chimes easily without the use of tools. This is simply a matter of using the correct two of the three screws, so dont feel intimidated. You may want to trace them back to the front door, the back door, the chime, etc. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Note that one advantage of buying a wired doorbell kit is that you can be confident that all of the materials are compatible. If it does, use your screwdriver or a drill to fasten the doorbell to your wall or door casing using the screws that came with it. For instance, you might install the chime box in your living room or dining room. In most cases, it takes an electrician two to three hours to install a wired doorbell. Slide the wire through the hole in the trim and reattach the trim to the door. It then sends the current to the doorbell through the thin, low-voltage wires. If you don't want to replace the transformer, and you think you'd prefer a battery powered option, you may want to install a Nest Doorbell (battery) instead.