Guide To Installing A Bell On Your Bedroom Door

Bells on doors can serve a variety of purposes, from security to Feng Shui. If you're looking to install a bell on your bedroom door, you'll need to decide between a wired or wireless system. Wired doorbells are connected to your home's electrical system and require some technical know-how to install, whereas wireless doorbells are typically battery-powered and easier to set up.

Wireless doorbells consist of a button, a transformer, and a chime unit. They are often equipped with features such as adjustable volume, colourful LEDs, and a range of chimes to choose from. You can find these systems at home improvement stores or online.

Once you've selected your preferred type of doorbell, you can follow the instructions provided with your purchase to install it on your bedroom door.

How to install a wired doorbell

To install a wired doorbell, you will need to follow these steps:

Firstly, turn off the power at your circuit breaker and test it with a voltmeter to ensure the power is off. Then, drill a hole on the outside wall where your doorbell will be. This allows you to run a cable from the power outlet to your doorbell. Before drilling, be sure to consider any wires that might be inside your wall and proceed with caution.

Next, you will need to connect the wires. Attach the two wires to the two screws on the back of the doorbell button. To do this, slightly loosen the screws, hook each wire around a screw, and then tighten the screws until the wires are secure.

Now, mount the doorbell. If the old doorbell's screw holes are too large or do not match those of the new doorbell, you will need to patch the wall and drill new holes. If you have a doorbell cover, place it over the button and install according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Finally, if you are not replacing the transformer or chime unit, turn the power back on at your circuit breaker and test the doorbell button.

If you are installing a wired doorbell for the first time, it is recommended that you hire a qualified electrician to help with the process.

How to install a wireless doorbell

Installing a wireless doorbell is a simple process that does not require any electrical knowledge or wiring. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install a wireless doorbell:

Planning and Preparation:

• Choose the location for the receiver: The receiver is the indoor part of the wireless doorbell system that alerts you when someone presses the doorbell. Ensure the receiver is within the range of the transmitter (doorbell button) and can be heard clearly from different parts of your home or even outside. Consider purchasing extenders if you have a large home or want to take the receiver with you to the backyard or garage.
• Insert batteries: Most wireless doorbell buttons use small round lithium batteries, which often come included and installed. Check for any location markings on the buttons, such as "Front" or "Rear," to differentiate between multiple doorbell transmitters.

Installing the Wireless Doorbell Button:

• Choose an installation spot: Select a visible and easily accessible spot for the doorbell button, typically around eye level or slightly lower for wheelchair access.
• Adapt installation for your surface: For wooden, vinyl, or aluminum doors and door sills, you can directly attach the doorbell button. For metal doors or frames, place a wooden shim behind the button to prevent signal interference. For masonry or brick installation, use a plastic shield under the button for a secure hold.
• Attach the doorbell button: You can usually install the wireless doorbell button using an adhesive strip or screws. If using screws, measure the switch and holes, and use an electric drill to mount the switch. Alternatively, apply strong binding glue to the back of the switch and press it firmly onto the surface.

Installing the Wireless Doorbell Receiver:

• Insert batteries: The wireless doorbell receiver often uses AA batteries, which may need replacement every year or two. Some receivers may also be plugged into an electrical wall outlet.
• Sync with the transmitter button: Press the chime control button and select the chime module. Go to the outdoor push button/transmitter and press it to synchronize the outdoor doorbell button with the indoor chime unit. You can pair multiple push buttons to a single door chime receiver.
• Select your sound choice: Choose different sounds for the front and back doors, if applicable, so you know which door to answer. The receiver may also have a visual icon that lights up to indicate which door is being activated.
• Install the receiver: Plug the receiver into an electrical wall outlet or insert batteries for more installation options. You can mount the receiver on the wall using screws or a mounting bracket, ensuring it is within range of the transmitter. Test the signal by pressing the doorbell button to ensure the sound comes through clearly.

Additional Tips:

• If the doorbell is activated by a nearby remote control, change the channel or frequency to prevent interference.
• Consider purchasing a wireless doorbell with advanced features such as multiple tunes, decorative designs, long-range transmission, visual alarms, extra doorbell push buttons, extenders, portable receivers, event logs, intercoms, motion sensors, or window sensors.

The different parts of a doorbell

Doorbells are a handy device that alerts you to visitors or deliveries. They are made up of several parts, which work together to create the chiming or ringing sound when the button is pushed.

The Button

The front push button is the part of the doorbell that someone pushes when they arrive at your home. This is installed right next to the front door, and when pushed, it creates the chiming or ringing sound that alerts you to their arrival.

The Chime

The chime is the part of the doorbell that makes a sound to notify you that someone has pressed the button. Wired doorbells tend to have more traditional or classic chime sounds, while wireless or smart doorbells offer more customization.

The Transformer

Doorbells are low voltage, typically ranging from eight to 24 volts. A home's electrical system is much higher, usually around 120 volts. The transformer is required to reduce the higher voltage of the electrical system to a suitable level for the doorbell. The transformer is connected to the electrical system through three wires: the neutral wire (usually white), the ground wire (traditionally green), and the hot or live wire (usually black).

The Terminals

The push button's wiring and the transformer's wiring meet through terminals on the chime box. There are three terminals: 'trans' for the transformer wiring, 'front' for the front push button, and 'back' or 'rear' if there is a back push button.

The Resonators

Resonators are two small metal bars located above and below the terminals of the doorbell's chimes. They are what create the tune that plays when the doorbell is pressed. When the button is pushed, a solenoid (a type of electromagnet) in the chime is pulled down, striking the resonators, which move one way as the button is pressed, then back another way to make a second sound after the button is released.

The Solenoid

A solenoid is a specialized type of electromagnet. It consists of a coiled wire surrounding a metal piston. The piston contains magnetically conductive metal, so it can be moved backward or forward by the electromagnetic field. When the button is pressed, the solenoid is activated, and the iron core is drawn to the magnetic field, sliding into the centre of the coiled wire. This causes the piston to strike the tone bar, which vibrates and produces a particular note. When the button is released, the current stops flowing, the magnetic field collapses, and the piston snaps back, hitting the other tone bar and creating the second note.

The Wiring

Wired doorbells are connected directly to your electrical system, while wireless doorbells operate on radio waves. Wireless doorbells require constant charging or battery replacements.

How to remove an old doorbell

To remove an old wired doorbell, you must first turn off the power to your doorbell using your circuit breaker. Then, remove the screws on the doorbell cover and pull it off the wall. Check that no power is running through the wires with a voltmeter. Loosen the screws inside the doorbell and remove the wires. Tape the wires to the wall and remove the old doorbell.

If you are replacing a wired doorbell with a wireless one, tape the wires together and tuck them into the wall. If you are replacing a wireless doorbell, simply slide off the doorbell cover and use a screwdriver to remove the mounting bracket from the wall.

If you are replacing the chime unit, remove its cover and check the wires with a voltmeter to ensure no power is running through them. Disconnect the wires, unscrew the chime unit, and remove it from the wall. Tape the wires aside.

How to test your new doorbell

Once you've installed your new doorbell, you'll want to test it to make sure it's working correctly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to test your new doorbell:

• Ensure Power Supply: Before testing, make sure that your doorbell is connected to a power supply. For wired doorbells, this means checking that the circuit breaker for the doorbell is turned on. For wireless doorbells, insert batteries into the doorbell and receiver.
• Test the Button: Press the doorbell button a few times to ensure it's working. You should hear the chime ring each time you press the button.
• Check Volume and Sound Quality: Stand at different distances from the doorbell and chime to ensure that the volume is loud enough and the sound is clear.
• Test Multiple Buttons: If you have multiple doorbell buttons, test each one individually to ensure they are all connected properly and triggering the chime.
• Check for Any Issues: Listen for any unusual sounds or issues with the doorbell chime. Make sure that the chime is securely attached to the wall and that all wires are connected properly.
• Final Check: Once you've tested everything, give the doorbell a final test by pressing and holding the button for a few seconds. Ensure that the chime sounds consistently and that there are no issues.

By following these steps, you can be confident that your new doorbell is installed correctly and functioning properly.

Frequently asked questions