Four primary components make up a doorbell: the front push button, the chime, the transformer, and the terminal. These four unique parts come together to let your doorbell function, but if you are not comfortable installing doorbell wiring yourself, reach out to a certified electrician to remain safe.
Doorbell Operation
Operating your doorbell is as simple as having it installed, wired correctly, and having a visitor to your home press the front push button. This will cause the chime to be emitted throughout your home, letting you know you have a visitor or a package.
3 Different Categories of Doorbells
Settling on a specific doorbell can be a chore, but the essential concept to grasp is that there are three primary kinds of doorbells, wired, wireless, and smart. The differences between them are minor but usually change how much effort goes into installation and alter your ability to customize your chime.
Wired Doorbells
Wired doorbells work reliably throughout the years because they are connected directly to your electrical system. You can expect them to run for about ten years before you may need to consider getting a new one. The best part is that swapping to a newer one is much more straightforward than the initial installation once you have a wired doorbell configured.
Wireless Doorbells
If you want a more straightforward approach than installing a wired doorbell in your home, a wireless doorbell might be the best bet, as these doorbells operate entirely on radio waves.
You remove the old doorbell, tape up the old wires, and place your new wireless one in the same location. A transmitter located in your home will allow the new doorbell to chime when pressed. However, be wary, as wireless doorbells require constant charging or battery replacements.
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Smart Doorbells
The doorbell of the future, smart doorbells can be easily paired with most smartphones, some tablets, and other app-accessible devices.
You can have an entire face-to-face interaction with someone through your doorbell without ever opening the door itself, or choose to just speak to them if that is more your speed. These doorbells connect through your wifi and add a layer to your home’s security, but the installation of this product is not truly a do-it-yourself (DIY) project. It should be left to a professional if you have no experience.
Doorbell Components
As noted above, four main components make up a doorbell, two smaller parts that allow the doorbell itself to make noise and two additional parts that create the sound you hear and cause it to happen.
Push Button
A small button is usually located next to your front door, creating a chime when pushed.
Chime
Part of your doorbell plays a sound within your home to let you know someone has pressed it. If you need help wiring a doorbell chime, you may want to call a professional.
Transformer
This doorbell part is designed to supply power to the doorbell through your electrical system. It is routed through the terminals.
Terminals
Serves as the meeting place between the doorbell’s wiring system and your home’s electrical system.
Resonators
Resonators are two small metal bars located both above and below the terminals of your doorbell’s chimes and are ultimately what the tune plays when your doorbell is pressed.
Solenoids
A small electromagnet part composed of a singular coil of wire that is designed to create a magnetic field when the doorbell is both adequately installed and pressed. It causes a small hammer to fall, creating the chime sound.
Doorbell Wires
There are three doorbell wires you should know about:
- Neutral wire – A white wire
- Ground wire – Traditionally a green wire
- Hot or live wire – Usually a black wire
Common Types of Doorbell Configurations
Single Doorbell Push Button With a Single Chime
A simple doorbell system that only has a singular button located at the front of your home, which causes a chime to sound when pressed.
Double Doorbell Push Buttons With a Single Chime
Another relatively common doorbell system, but instead of having just one button at the front of your home, this system allows you to have a second, typically placed at your back door or another location of your choice.
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Single Doorbell Push Button With Double Chimes
A doorbell system designed for people with larger homes or who are potentially hard of hearing, this system will cause several chimes to trigger throughout your home, ensuring you are alerted of your visitor regardless of where you are inside.
Double Doorbell Push Buttons With Double Chimes
Utilizing the same double chime system as above, pressing either button you have installed on the front or back of your home will cause two chimes to ring throughout your home, allowing for more flexibility in keeping you up to speed with visitors.
Electrical Installation and Repair Services
Upgrading from a traditional doorbell to a modern solution will require you to install a variety of parts near your front door. However, the perks you get when you embrace today’s technology can be well worth the initial investment, but doing so should always be done with safety being your first priority.
If you need doorbell wiring installation services, contact our team of technicians by phone at (484) 206-8594 to book an appointment. Our professionals will help you take the guesswork out of your doorbell installation, replacement, or other issues that may fall in your lap.
Our team of skilled electricians in Brookhaven, PA offer a variety of reputable electrical services including electrical panel replacement, 24/7 emergency service, lighting installation, power outlet replacement, and whole-house generator installation. We guarantee your satisfaction. Best of all, there are no emergency fees for your visit, so we are there when you need us most, and there is no extra charge to you.