How to Fix a Doorbell

Doorbells are one of those inventions that we cannot live without, but sometimes wish we could. It never fails that your son's friends come aringing just as you sit down to eat dinner! But on the off-chance that the mailman is delivering a much-anticipated package and when he dings the button the dong does not chime--you will be wishing that you knew how to fix that doorbell. Never fear, here are a few easy tips you can use to fix your doorbell so you will never miss another important piece of mail--or your son's friends.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Toothbrush
• Utility knife
• Rubber doorbell grommets (if needed)
• Wire strippers
• Non-contact voltage tester
• Continuity tester

1. Most hard-wired doorbells feature a transformer which alters the 120-volt house voltage to 24-volts. The low voltage enables very thin wiring (usually 18 or 16 gauge wire) to be run between the doorbell's button and the chime. The thin nature of the wire is also one of the reasons why your doorbell may not be functioning correctly.

2. The first indication that your doorbell wiring may have an issue is when you notice your doorbell's button is not illuminated. Not all buttons are illuminated, but if yours is supposed to be and it is not, then you should check the wiring.

3. Remove the button's cover and inspect the wires connected to the terminals on the button. Look for any loose connections or built-up corrosion. Buttons that are exposed to the elements may exhibit corrosion on the terminals or a coating of rust on the wires. Because of the thin wire, it is also common for the wire to break off at the terminal. If that is the case, use the wire strippers to remove about 1/2 inch of insulation from the cut wire and reconnect the wire to the terminal. If the button lights up, you should be back in business.

4. If the wiring is good, then remove the cover from the chime unit. Check the unit for built-up dust and clean the bell contacts using an old dry toothbrush.

5. If the chime works, but it sounds muddy or dull, use the utility knife to cut away the old grommets that are used to suspend the tone bar. Replace them with new grommets that you can pick up at any hardware store.

6. If you perform the wire repair job and notice absolutely no sound radiating from your chime, then it is time to check your transformer for power. Check your electrical panel to see if you notice any tripped breakers. If you do, reset the breaker and try out the doorbell. If you do not have any tripped breakers, then check the transformer itself.

7. The transformer is located away from the chime unit and it is attached to the side of a junction box in most cases. It may be in the basement rafters or in your garage, but in reality, in can be anywhere, even inside your electrical panel! For this reason, it is usually best to call a qualified electrician to find it, but if you know where it is, you can change it out very easily.

8. Remove the cover from the junction box and use a non-contact voltage tester to determine if the wires are hot. If the tester reads voltage, use the continuity tester to check the terminals on the transformer where the low voltage line is connected. If you do not read continuity, then cut the power to the transformer.

9. Disconnect the transformer from the low voltage wires and the wiring inside the junction box. Now you can remove the transformer altogether. Take it to your local hardware store and have an electrical specialist there help you locate a proper replacement.

10. When you return home with your new transformer in tow, just reconnect it to the junction box and then reconnect all of the wires exactly as they were previously connected. Replace the cover on the junction box and restore the power to the circuit. Test your doorbell system now, and hopefully you will be rewarded with that terribly interrupting sound.

Tips & Warnings

• When you remove any wiring, having a notebook to record how it was originally connected will come in very handy when it comes time to reconnect.
• Run a thin bead of clear silicone caulk around the doorbell button's plate to help keep water from coming in contact with the terminals.
• Be careful when dealing with live doorbell wires. Even though it carries only 24 volts, if you ground yourself while touching the wire, you could still experience a mild shock.

[anindya123]

on 6/22/2008 Hi,

I just moved in to a house and found that it is missing a doorbell. Three wires are sticking out of the wall. All of them are white and each of them are paired wires. I was trying to identify the one that is coming from Transformer. But could not succeed. I tested them with a multimeter and none of the pairs show any voltage (16V or 10V). I kept the AC volt scale at 250V. I thought I located the doorbell transformer in the basement and found a voltage difference between the terminals (I guess it is about 16V). However, when I tried to test the terminals of the switches (both front and rear door), none of them showed any voltage difference. I am not sure if I am missing anything and do not know how to proceed. My alternative is to install a wireless doorbell. But I have heard wireless ones show problem with reception. Please help.