Install a Doorbell
The addition of a doorbell can provide a more pleasant notification that someone is at the front door, as opposed to loud rapping or a loud buzzer. Basic doorbell installation is even easier when a new doorbell and chimes are taking the place of an older model that provides a less than soothing sound to announce visitors. Fortunately, the actual steps can be managed with relative ease and are perfectly safe as long as proper precautions are taken.
Steps
- Disable electricity. Make sure that circuits that supply electricity to the old doorbell and chime are turned off. To make sure, use a circuit tester to check for the presence of any power in the device.
- Remove the old doorbell switch. Remove the cover and use the screwdriver to detach the old switch from the wall. Pull the detached switch away from the wall and expose the wiring running from the back of the wall plate and into the hole behind the plate. Wrap the wires with a short length of electrical tape, and apply a section of the sticky tape surface to the edge of the open hole to prevent the wires from sliding back into the wall.
- Connect the wires to the new switch. Remove the cover from the new button, and thread the wires through the base of the unit. Wrap the ends of each of the wires to the positive and negative terminals, and use the screwdriver to secure the wires into position
- Attach the new doorbell switch to the wall. Use the screws provided to secure the plate into position, and then slide the cover over the device until it snaps into position.
- Remove the old chimes. Remove the cover from the chimes, and use the screwdriver to detach the device from the wall or ceiling where it is mounted. Label the wires for where they're meant to go (transformer, back door, front door, etc.) with some painter's tape. After pulling the chimes away from the surface, detach the wires and use a piece of electrical tape to secure them to the area surrounding the hole.
- Connect the wires to the new chimes. Remove the cover from the chimes, and run the wires through the guide channel to the terminals. Wrap the ends of the wires around the appropriate terminals (using the labels you made earlier as a guide), and screw the holding screws into position.
- Secure the new chimes into position. Place the new chimes over the hole and use the screws provided to attach the device to the wall or ceiling. Once the chime plate is secured, fit the cover over the device and gently push until it snaps into place.
- Restore power, and test the doorbell. Use the circuit tester to make sure the current is flowing through the system properly. Then push the doorbell. If the chimes function properly, the task is complete.
- If it doesn't work, check that you attached the wires to the correct terminals. If it still doesn't work, call an electrician because you're problem isn't with your bell: your wiring is broken!
Tips
- If you rent or lease a residence, obtain permission from the landlord before attempting to install a new doorbell system.
- For an apartment or home with no existing doorbell system, consider the purchase of a wireless doorbell. Systems of this type are battery operated and equipped with sensors that cause the chimes to sound inside when the doorbell is pressed. Some designs use adhesive strips to hold the 2 components into place, making the installation quick and easy.
Things You'll Need
- New doorbell switch and chimes
- Screwdriver and screws
- Electrical Tape
- Circuit Tester
Related Articles
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- Fix a Doorbell
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