How To Wire A Doorbell And Remove An Old One

As long as they’ve been around, doorbells are still a popular way for guests to alert homeowners that they are at the door. Especially in larger homes when a knock just won’t do it. But how does one install a doorbell?

Installing a new doorbell isn’t all that easy, but there are options that make it easier. If you have an old doorbell, replacing it isn’t difficult at all. You just put things back where they were using the new kit. Let’s go over the different ways to wire a doorbell.

How To Wire A New Doorbell

Wiring a doorbell isn’t as overwhelming as it sounds. If you are removing an old doorbell and putting a new one in, things can be easier because you can do it slowly and reverse-install it by redoing anything you undo.

But if you are installing a new one then you don’t have a reference in front of you. But it can be done even if you don’t have experience. You will need to install three parts to get a doorbell the first time.

The Transformer

Step 1: Connect To Junction Box

The very first step is to turn off the power via the breaker box. After you do that, you can thread the power supply wires into the electrical junction box through the correct hole. Then use a wrench, or appropriate tool, to secure it.

Step 2: Connect The Power Supply

Match the wires by color, green, white, and black. However, sometimes green is changed to brown so these two are generally interchangeable. Twist the right ones together and secure them with cable caps.

Step 4: Attach Other Wires

This is where you can leave the appropriate wires exposed so when you get to the next step you can attach the wires from the push button and the chime. We’ll go more into installing those now.

Doorbell Push Button

Step 1: Attach Wires

This is where you attach the wires to the wires in the transformer. The box should explain this and it will be fairly straightforward. The push button is nothing without the transformer which is why the push button installation is simple.

Step 2: Secure The Push Button

Push the button into place on your exterior walls covering the wires. Then, screw it into place. Place the cover, if there is one, onto the push button. Installing the push button is easier than installing the transformer.

Doorbell Chime

Step 1: Thread The Wires

Thread the transformer wires through the appropriate hole in the back of the chime. This is if you already have an old doorbell to help you through this process. It’s best to get a contractor to help you the first time your house has a wired doorbell.

Step 2: Screw The Chime In

After threading the wires, use a power drill to create holes for your chime. Then, place the left and right screws in their appropriate holes on the chime. Yep. That’s all there is to the difficult part of this.

Step 3: Attach The Doorbell

Just like you did with the transformer, attach the matching wires to the transformer wires. Luckily, electricians don’t just know what wires are which, they know that matching wires attach to each other.

Step 4: Place Cover

Finally, place the cover on and enjoy your doorbell. This is how you wired a wired doorbell. A wireless doorbell is much easier and a smart doorbell that plugs in or uses batteries is even better!

How To Remove A Doorbell

Removing a doorbell is easier than installing one. To reduce the damage done, it is best to take it slowly, especially if you are replacing it as you can keep the wires safe so you can reuse the ones that still work.

Removing an old doorbell is easy! First, remove the screws that secure the doorbell button. You will see two wires that are under the doorbell. After you flip the breaker off, the wires won’t be hot and you can touch them.

You can either pull these wires all the way out or use them to connect a new doorbell. Either way, use a cap or tape to make sure that the wires are covered when hot. Then you’re done! The rest doesn’t matter.

Types Of Doorbells

There are many different types of doorbells. Some doorbells are sorted by material: metal, plastic, etc. While others are sorted by shape. But the most common way to sort them is by wiring systems.

Wiring Systems

Wired – a wired doorbell is a doorbell that is hardwired through your junction box. This is the most common type of doorbell though it is the most difficult to install. A wired doorbell is the original modern-day doorbell.
Wireless – a wireless doorbell is either battery-powered or plugs directly into the wall. It doesn’t need to be hardwired and can function in a variety of ways, none of these being through the junction box.
Smart – a smart doorbell is a doorbell that connects to your phone or computer via Bluetooth or wi-fi. You can use an app to view the camera which is often paired with the doorbell to greet visitors.
Bell – a bell is the true original doorbell, hence the name doorbell. Most doorbells were originally hung from above the door so that businesses, in particular, knew when someone entered the store.

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