Logo background

Copyright 2024 Electrical101.com All Rights Reserved.

Sitemap

Sitemap

Terms of Use

Privacy

About

Electrical 101

Bolt Bolt

Doorbell Wiring

Doorbell Transformer

Doorbell circuits use a doorbell transformer to convert 120V to a low voltage. A doorbell transformer is usually mounted in a knockout hole in an electrical box. Find Doorbell Transformers

Doorbell Transformer Output Voltage

The output of a transformer with 2 low voltage terminals usually has an output of 16V. This is the most common transformer for older door chimes.

Video support is available on transformers with 3 low voltage terminals. Voltage outputs are 8V, 16V, and 24V.

doorbell terminals 1 doorbell terminals 2 doorbell terminals 3

Doorbell transformer voltage output depends on which terminals the 2 doorbell wires are connected to. The above voltage connections are typical, but verify connections before attaching wires.

mounted doorbell transformer Arrow up right

Doorbell transformer mounted in knockout hole of electrical box

mounted doorbell

Doorbell Wiring Diagrams

These diagrams show line voltage connected to the primary of a transformer inside of an electrical box. The low voltage red doorbell wire connects to the door chime and each doorbell button. The white doorbell wire connects together and to each switch.

doorbell wiring doorbell wiring diagram

Wireless Doorbells

If you want to add a doorbell in a location where doorbell wiring doesn’t exist, a wireless doorbell is the way to go. It can be difficult to add doorbell wiring to an existing dwelling. Find Wireless Doorbells

A wireless doorbell button is usually battery operated and the chime usually plugs into a 120V outlet.

Doorbell buttons can be sold individually for compatible doorbell chimes, or in a set combined with a chime.

Video Doorbells

Video doorbells have a built-in camera for viewing live or recorded video. You can even talk and listen to visitors at your door, or get an alert for a package delivery. Find Video Doorbells

You can view videos on a phone, tablet, or computer. Video doorbells have a wireless connection to the WiFi network and are accessed through their app. Video doorbells can be connected to a chime using existing wiring.

Charging a Video Doorbell

Video doorbells usually can be removed from their holders and charged with a USB connection to power.