How to Install or Replace a Doorbell

Installing or fixing a doorbell is one of the easiest “do-it-yourself” (DIY) electrical projects of all.

Wireless Doorbells Make Installation a Snap

If you don't have a doorbell and need to install a brand new one, the easiest, most foolproof model to install is a wireless doorbell.  A wireless doorbell is actually a transmitter. When a visitor pushes the button, a coded signal is sent to a receiver attached to the bell, and the doorbell chimes.

Advantages of Wireless Doorbells 

If you are hard of hearing, you can purchase more than one chime unit and tune them all to the same button. This way, you can place chimes all around the house and you will be able to hear the doorbell ring wherever you may be. Some chimes are developed for the hearing impaired and will ring louder than most.

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The wireless doorbell involves no wiring and uses no more electricity than a small battery. The button unit requires a battery, but most of the indoor chime units can be plugged into an electrical outlet, ridding you of the need to remember to change multiple batteries. Some of the plug in chimes have LED lights that will flash for the hearing impaired.

Replacing a Wired Doorbell

Other than the time spent choosing between the brass or gold finish, this project can be accomplished during one commercial break.   If you are really pressed for time or not interested in dealing with wires, simply replace your wired doorbell with one of the wireless doorbell models mentioned above. Remove the old doorbell switch with a flat screwdriver, tape up the wires with electrical tape, and tuck them back in the doorbell hole. Affix the new switch to the door frame, covering the hole. Indoors, plug in the chime unit(s).

Replacing the Switch for a Wired Doorbell - If you have half hour to spend, your can replace your wired doorbell switch with a new wired model.   The tools that you need include the new switch and a flat screwdriver. You might also want to have wire strippers handy. Decide whether to turn off the power. Typically this is not an option, but because a doorbell is a low-voltage device and operates on a mere 12 volts, you can do this repair without turning off the power. Personally, I follow the "better safe than sorry" way of thinking and shut off my main breaker switch.  The wife gets aggravated because it makes all the digital clocks in the house flash, but I have a fear of electrocution. 

Step 1 - Remove the old switch. Take out the screws and set aside where you can find them because you might want to re-use them. Disconnect the wires, securing them so they cannot slide back in through the hold, and discard the old switch.

Step 2 - Cut and trim wires, if necessary. If the termination ends look worn or frayed, pull the wire out so you have a bit of slack and trim the wires to equal length. Strip approximately a half-inch of insulation from each wire.

Step 3 - Connect wires to the two screw terminals on the new switch. It doesn’t matter which wire goes to which switch—it will work either way. Tighten the screws.

Step 4 - Install new switch. Feed the wires back through the hole and push the new switch so it is flush against the wall or door frame.

Step 5 - Turn the power back on, run around and reset the digital clocks so the wife is happy, and test your new doorbell switch.  If you splurged and purchased a lighted model, look to see if it is lit. If not, press the button and listen for the chime.

Replacing the Wired Doorbell Unit Chime.  If you want to replace the chime unit, find and replace the old chime unit using the same process as you used for the switch (steps 1 through 5 above). There's a big different that you need to pay attention to, however.  You need to pay attention to which wire goes to which terminal because they need to be connected to the appropriate terminals on the new chime unit. I like to use a colored sticker or gel pen to mark which wire goes to whicch as I am removing the old chime.

"How to Install or Replace a Doorbell" contributed by Morgan Jackson