How to Install a New Doorbell Unit

Whether your doorbell has a chime you don't like or it just doesn't work, installing or replacing your hard-wired doorbell is an inexpensive do-it-yourself project that only takes about an hour. Make sure you buy a doorbell designed to operate the number of doors you want it for, be it just your front door or your back door as well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Doorbell
• Screwdriver

1. Turn off power to your doorbell. Doorbells generally run on about 12 volts and shouldn't hurt you, but it's best to turn off the power whenever you do electrical work.

2. Remove the cover of the old doorbell unit. It usually just snaps off with plastic clips on the top and bottom.

3. Unscrew the screws that hold the wires in place, noting which wires go to which screws. Each screw has a label, normally one letter like F for front, T for transformer and B or R for the rear door.

4. Remove the unit from the wall, and check if your new bell covers the same portion of your wall. You may need to do some touch-ups to the wall before continuing with the installation.

5. Install the back of the new doorbell. Be sure to pull the wires through the back plate first.

6. Connect the wires to the proper terminals as noted in Step 3, and tighten the screws.

7. Put the cover on and restore power to your doorbell. Once you test the doorbell to be sure it's in proper working order, installation is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• If the wires show signs of corrosion, you can use wire cutters to cut off the ends. Then use wire strippers to expose fresh wire.