Everything it’s crucial that you know about putting in your own wired doorbell.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Learning how to install a doorbell can be an easy project for a DIYer.
Wired doorbells deliver a strong current to the chimes for a ring that’s easy to hear.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Read on to learn how to install a wired doorbell, including troubleshooting tips.
In many cases, the wire should still be in good shape for reuse.
More importantly, reusing the doorbell wire eliminates the need to fish new wire through the walls.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Doorbell Button
The wired doorbell button is located to the left or right of the front door.
Behind the doorbell button is a hole.
One wire leads to the doorbell transformer and the other wire leads to the doorbell base (chimes).
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Doorbell Wire
The doorbell wire, or bell wire, is thin, 20/2 coated copper wire.
The strands are separated into singlestrands for this project.
Doorbell Transformer
Thedoorbell transformeris a solid-state electrical unit that attaches to the side of an electrical box.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Two electrical terminals are located on the back of the transformer.
One doorbell wire from the doorbell button leads to the transformer.
A separate wire leads from the transformer to the doorbell base.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Doorbell Base or Chimes
The doorbell base contains the chimes.
The box should have available knockouts that can be opened up to allow the transformer to be attached.
Use anon-contact voltage testerto double-check that power is off before working on electrical wires.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Turn the locknut on the inside of the electrical box to tighten the transformer to the box.
Twist the wires clockwise and follow by capping them with plastic wire connectors.
Screw the faceplate or unit with the cover back onto the electrical box.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Fish this wire to the location of the doorbell button.
Fish this strand to the doorbell location.
Attach it to the remaining terminal on the back of the doorbell.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
With both wires attached to the back of the base, mount the base on the wall.
Attach the decorative face by snapping it into place.
Mount Doorbell Button
With the cordless drill, first drill two pilot holes for the doorbell button.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Next, turn the two included screws clockwise to mount the button to the doorframe.
Depressing the button may not properly terminate the electrical circuit.
Remove the doorbell button.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Detach the wires from the button.
Holding the coated section of the wires, touch the bare ends together.
If the doorbell rings, the button is at fault.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Replace the button with a new one.
Check Doorbell Base
Remove the cover from the base.
Hold only the coated sections of the wire.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
You should see a small spark if the electricity is properly flowing.
Your home’s electricity powers a wired doorbell.
A battery powers a wireless doorbell along with a transmitter and a chime box that is located indoors.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
When a wireless doorbell is pressed, a radio signal triggers the chime.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
