Doorbells are an important security feature for your home. They alert you when someone is at the front or rear of your house, and can help keep unwanted visitors out. There are several different types of doorbells, but they all use the same basic system to work.
The doorbell chime (also called the bell) is an external element of a doorbell system, and it rings when a doorbell button is pushed. The bell uses a circuit to produce the sound, which includes a rectifier diode and ballast capacitor.
Your doorbell is powered by electricity and contains a battery that charges when you press the button. Depending on your model, you may also have an electric receiver that connects to a wall outlet inside the building.
If you have a wired doorbell, the push button and chime are connected to each other by a series of screw terminals, located in a junction box on your home’s electrical system. These terminals are numbered, and each corresponds with a corresponding wire from the doorbell push button(s) or transformer.
You can replace the wiring yourself, or you can have a professional electrician do it for you. In either case, make sure that the breaker is off before you start.
First, locate the chime and disconnect it from its mounting bracket. This can be a complicated task if the old chime is too large for the new one or if the screws that hold it in place are not in the same position. If you’re not sure where the wires are, tap them aside so you can see the connections. If they’re not attached to the chime, wrap them with electrical tape and tuck them back into the wall.
Disconnect the wires from the old chime and the new doorbell button. If you’re replacing the button, make sure to disconnect the two low-voltage wires that are connected to it, as these will be unnecessary when you install a wireless doorbell. You can tuck them back into the wall or twist plastic wire nuts over them, but be careful to avoid damage to the labeling you made earlier.
Using a voltage tester, ensure that the wires you removed are not powering anything. You can check them with a voltmeter, but if they’re not, have a qualified electrician remove them for you.
Next, attach the new doorbell button to your home’s exterior wall. Usually, this is done by unscrewing the two screws that hold it to the wall and pulling it out gently. You might need to remove a plate covering the screws to expose them. If yours isn’t exposed, you might have to cut them away with a utility knife.
Then, attach the chime to the new button and wires. If your chime has screw holes that match those of the doorbell you’re replacing, you can simply screw them in place. However, if your chime is larger or has a different design than the one you’re replacing, you might need to use a power drill to screw it into place.
