How to Replace a Doorbell

Whether you are doing a little renovating or replacing a faulty Doorbell button, the task is a simple one. The hard part, the wiring, is already run. Aside from choosing the replacement, you are simply swapping the existing hardware out. For that matter, you might just decide to go wireless! Options are many, such as color, shape and size, whether lighted or not.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phillips or Flat tip Screw Driver
• Needle Nosed Pliers
• Electrical Tape or Heat Shrink Tubing
• Weatherproof Caulking

1. Safety first, disconnect the power! Although the Doorbell circuit operates on low voltage, it can still shock you. Besides, a spark could ignite flammable material inside of the door frame, or blow out the bulb. Locate the Transformer and follow the wiring to the breaker panel. Often, the Transformer is surface-mounted on the breaker panel itself. Typically, Transformers are connected to a 15 amp breaker. If the breakers are not labeled, or incorrectly labeled, you will need to remove the cover/door. Once you have access, you should be able to easily trace the wiring and turn the breaker off.

2. 
   Common, lighted, push button doorbell. See the thin light wire feed?

   When replacing a Doorbell button, make sure the new one will fit in the same area. Many times, a simple push button was installed because of limited space.

3. Remove any mounting screws, separate any caulking, and gently pry the button assembly out and away from the trim.

4. More often than not, I have found that the wires are short and are not anchored inside of the frame. To prevent them from slipping inside and out of reach, I recommend changing one wire at a time from the old button to the new. I have also clipped a clothespin onto the wires, as a temporary means of holding them in place. I insulate the connections with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing, to reduce the chance of shorting out, as well as to prevent oxidation on the terminals.

5. 
   Common lighted rectangular doorbell design.

   Trim away the old caulking, before installing the new button, to assure a flush mount. If the replacement is a different size or shape than the original, the screw holes may not line up. Use a cordless drill with a 1/16" bit to drill pilot holes, while holding the button assembly in position. Reapply caulking as necessary, after securing the new button in place.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wanted an unlighted button, but couldn't find one, you can always cut the thin wire feed leading to the bulb.
• Simple push buttons may only have spring clips around the cylinder to anchor them into a hole bored through the frame. If the replacement fits loosely, carefully pry out on the clips and reinstall.
• Concerned about electrical safety? Do you have wiring issues? Go Wireless!
• Be very careful not to touch any contacts, when inside of a breaker panel!
• If using heat shrink tubing to insulate your connections, be careful that you don't ignite any flammable material with the flame.
• If it is necessary to drill pilot holes, be mindful of the wiring inside of the frame.
• © 2009. All Rights Reserved. Questions? [e-mail]

[jdds08]

on 3/8/2009 I don't have a doorbell, just wires hanging where it should be. I need a doorbell, knocking makes me grind my teeth! With your how to, I believe I can install a doorbell without hubby's help.

[leapyearfish]

on 3/6/2009 So that's how it's done. This article made me remember that Cosby show episode where the doorbell is messed up. Theo's graduatin i think... lol.

[AprilThomas]

on 1/20/2009 Great information to get a doorbell replaced safely.

[sunshine11219]

on 1/16/2009 well written