Wire a Doorbell

Most new homes come equipped with doorbells and there can be 1 for the front and 1 for the back door. The sounds they make can also vary from buzzers, chimes or melodies. At some point, you may want to change your doorbell system, add a second doorbell or repair your current system. Rewiring is part of this process. It is a simple process that involves only a few tools and can be accomplished in only about 15 to 30 minutes.

Steps

1. Choose the correct position of where the doorbell button and receiver will be placed.
2. Position the button at a level where family members can reach it.
3. Position the receiver where it can be heard from anywhere in your house.
4. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mounting the button and receiver on your type of walls.
5. Turn off the power to the transformer.
6. Connect a wire to the screw on the doorbell button.
7. Run the wire directly to the transformer.
8. Connect a second wire to the second screw on the doorbell button.
9. Connect the other end of the second wire to the screw on the receiver (bell).
10. Connect the third wire from the receiver to the second screw on the transformer.
11. Test the doorbell.

Wiring the Doorbell - 2 Buttons

1. Choose the correct positions where the doorbell buttons and receivers will be placed.
2. Position the buttons at a level where family members can reach.
3. Position the receivers where they can be heard from anywhere in your house.
4. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mounting the buttons and receivers on your type of walls.
5. Plan your wiring before you begin because you have multiple wires for 2 doorbells.
6. Turn off the power to the transformer.
7. Connect a wire from a terminal screw on both buttons.
8. Connect the wire from the 2 buttons to a terminal screw on your transformer.
9. Connect a wire to the second terminal screw from the button for the front door.
10. Connect the other end of the wire to the terminal screw on the receiver you are using for the front door chime or buzzer.
11. Connect a wire to the second terminal screw on the button for the back door.
12. Connect the other end of the wire to the receiver you are using for the back door chime or buzzer.
13. Connect a wire from the second buzzer screw to the second doorbell screw so that the 2 units are connected to each other.
14. Connect another wire to the screw on the doorbell.
15. Connect the other end of that wire to the transformer.
16. Test both doorbells.

Warnings

• Any metal that you use to install wires, such as staples, should be insulated to prevent arcing if wires are damaged.
• When installing wires, ensure that you use wire supports along the walls for long stretches of wire.
• Cover any exposed wires with electrical tape, not regular tape of any kind.

Things You'll Need

• Power drill with various bits sizes
• Insulated screwdrivers
• Insulated pliers
• Stepladder or step stool
• New doorbell or doorbells (optional) if installing more than 1
• New receiver or receivers (optional) if installing 2 doorbells
• New wires and wire caps

Sources and Citations

• http://www.doorbellfaq.com/installingwireddoorbells.html
• http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/electrical/articles/107145.aspx
• http://www.freediyhomeimprovement.com/2010/07/16/how-to-install-a-doorbell/

See also

• Wire an Amp to a Sub and Head Unit
• Terminate a Patch Panel
• Forward Your Home Phone to a Cell Phone
• Splice Wire
• Wire a Double Switch
• Organize and Hide Your Hanging Computer Cables Under Your Desk
• Crimp Rj45
• Wire a Telephone
• Wire a Potentiometer
• Wire a Zone Valve

Read more ...

What links here

• Install a Doorbell
• Replace a Doorbell Chime