Troubleshooting A Doorbell

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If a doorbell or chime stops sounding, begin by checking the service panel to see if the circuit breaker has tripped or the fuse has blown. If this is the case, other lights and receptacles on the same circuit will also be dead. If the doorbell is getting power, inspect and test the button. Remove the screws holding the button to the wall. Pull the button out carefully and inspect the connections int he back. The two wires should be secured to the terminal screws, with no exposed wires touching each other.

If the bell still won’t ring, remove the wires from the screws. Hold one wire in each hand by the insulation then touch the bare ends of the wires together. If the bell rings, buy and install a replacement button. If the problem persists, clean the chime or bell unit and check it for loose connections.

If the bell still won’t function, the transformer may be the culprit. This component reduces the electrical current from 120 volts to 12 to 24 volts. Follow the wires from the bell or chime to find the transformer; it will be attached to a junction box and may be located in the basement, attic or a closet. Turn the power off at the service panel, and check the transformer for loose wires. Turn the power back on, and holding the insulated handle of a screwdriver, touch both terminals briefly with the point and shaft; if you get a weak spark, the transformer is functioning. Or turn off the power again, unmount the transformer from the junction box and take it to an electrical supply store to have it checked. If the transformer is not the problem, the wiring is the most likely culprit. It’s impractical to try and rewire the doorbell yourself unless you are  an experienced do-it-yourselfer. Consider replacing the old doorbell with a wireless doorbell instead. Wireless systems are inexpensive and easy to install.

If you can reuse the old wiring, replacing a wired doorbell or chime is easy. Replacing the transformer is more complex job. It is connected to a 120-volt current. Shut off the power to the transformer. Remove the cover from the box and unscrew the wire connectors. Loosen the locknut holding the transformer, then pull it from the box. Mount the new transformer — an exact duplicate — and attach the wires with wire connectors, matching the wire colors.

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