| When working on doorbells, the heart of the | | | | At this point you will require some assistance. |
| installation is the transformer. A transformer is a | | | | Remove the cover on your doorbell and inspect |
| device that converts your supply 120 volts to | | | | the wiring inside. You should see 1 set of wires if |
| 16-24 volts. The lower voltage will depend on | | | | there is 1 button, and 2 sets of wires if there are |
| what voltage your doorbell operates on. Most | | | | 2 buttons. They should be identified by front and |
| doorbells operate on 16 volts, but always check | | | | back door. unhook only 1 set of wires and attach |
| your doorbells manufacturers specifications for | | | | your meter to them. The meter should be set to |
| proper transformer sizing. You will need a digital | | | | AC, and the lowest setting. Check your meter |
| tester that will check voltages from 0-120 volts A | | | | instructions if you are not sure. Have your |
| C, it should also check continuity. These testers | | | | assistant press the corresponding button of the |
| are relatively inexpensive and available in any | | | | wires you removed. If you read your |
| building supply store. | | | | transformer voltage, then the problem more than |
| The first thing you should check is your panel for | | | | likely is a faulty doorbell, if not you will need to |
| a tripped circuit breaker, and with any luck your | | | | check your button. If there is a back door button |
| transformer might be there. If you are not sure | | | | repeat the procedure for testing that button. |
| how to do this, I have another article on how to | | | | Mark the other set of wires so you don't mix |
| complete this task. Once you have verified there | | | | them up. |
| are no tripped breakers you can proceed.The | | | | Before you begin testing the buttons, remove the |
| hardest, most involved part of troubleshooting a | | | | low voltage wires from the transformer so you |
| doorbell problem is locating the transformer. They | | | | don't damage it. To test the button you will need |
| are typically located at the panel, but I have found | | | | to remove it and unhook the wires. Set your |
| them in garages, furnace rooms, attics, | | | | meter to continuity. Most meters will emit a tone |
| basements, and closets. Wherever you have 120 | | | | when there is continuity, otherwise you will look |
| volts you can have a transformer. The good thing | | | | for 0 ohms. Attach the meter to the screws on |
| is they are typically mounted externally, so they | | | | the button and press the button. You should hear |
| are easy to spot. The transformer is somewhat | | | | the tone or read 0 ohms, if not the button is bad. |
| square, about 3" x 3", and the low voltage | | | | Perform this same procedure on all other buttons, |
| terminals are visible with a low voltage cable | | | | and replace any that are defective. You should |
| attached. When you have located the | | | | also test continuity on the low voltage cables |
| transformer test the voltage, you should measure | | | | while you have the buttons out to insure there |
| some voltage between 16-32 volts depending on | | | | are no breaks in the wiring. |
| your doorbell. If no voltage is present you will | | | | It has been my experience that most problems lie |
| need to verify that there is 120 volts supplying | | | | in either the transformer or the doorbell itself. I |
| the transformer. This could be difficult or unsafe | | | | have rarely found cut wiring or bad buttons, |
| for most people and might be the end of your | | | | although it is not uncommon. I suggest focusing |
| troubleshooting. It is probably best to stop at this | | | | on the transformer and doorbell first and then |
| point and contact a qualified electrician to check, | | | | troubleshoot the other components. As always, if |
| and possibly replace your transformer. If you | | | | you feel unsure or unsafe stop and call a qualified |
| have voltage at the transformer, you can move | | | | electrician. |
| on to the doorbell itself. | | | | ALWAYS BE SAFE! |