How to Wire a Doorbell

Two Methods:Wiring the Doorbell - 2 Buttons

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.

Method 1

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

Method 2
Wiring the Doorbell - 2 Buttons

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

Article Info

Categories: Cabling and Wiring Connection