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Repairing And Replacing DoorbellsBy Jim Sulski Summary: You don't appreciate your doorbell until it isn't working, then a repair or replacement is important. Jim gives the basics of the easy do-it-yourself project of fixing your existing doorbell or installing a new one. A doorbell is something that's usually not appreciated until it's not working.
When doorbells do become inoperative, however, repair or replacement is an easy
task. A doorbell system is simple: A front (and sometimes rear) doorbell, a chime unit, a transformer that converts 120-volt household current to 12 or 24 volts; and small gauge wiring that links the system together. What makes doorbell repair and replacement an easy project for home improvers is the low voltage that drives the system. Not only does it almost eliminate the risk of shock but also the small gauge bell wiring is simple to work with. The tools you'll need for repairing a doorbell are minimal: a screwdriver, a pair of pliers and a flashlight. Replacement will requite a few additional tools. What follows is a simple step-by-step to repairing and replacing and doorbell systems: If a doorbell system isn't functioning, chances are the doorbell button has failed because of corrosion due to the weather. Remove the doorbell button plate cover and, if you can get at them, gently clean the contacts points with sandpaper or a small file. If the doorbell still fails to ring, remove the mounting screws, disconnect the two sending wires and take the button off. Then touch the wires together (grasp the low voltage wiring by its insulation) to see if the bell rings. If it the chime rings, the button is faulty and will need to be replaced. If the doorbell still doesn't respond, check the chime unit to make sure it is functioning. Remove the face plate and make sure that the sending wires are securely connected to the unit. Also, wipe away any dirt and dust with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. If the system still doesn't respond, try to trace the wiring through the house for possible breaks. Make sure the wire is tightly connected to the transformer, which will be connected to an electrical junction box somewhere along the line. If the system still fails to operate at this point, it's probably easier and less expensive to replace the various system components than repairing them. After purchasing a replacement doorbell system, start by finding the existing system's transformer and its connection to a junction box (such as an overhead light), usually in a basement or crawlspace. Shut off the power to that junction box and remove the old transformer. Install the new transformer and using wire connectors, join the transformer wires to the house wiring (usually black to black and white to white). Connect the transformer to the existing bell wire. Unless it's broken or frail, you can use the existing bell wire that's there. Because it's low voltage wire, it doesn't require any of the shielding of normal household electrical wire. Finally, replace the old doorbell button and chime with the new components. Reconnect the power to the transformer/junction box and text the system. A few manufacturers will also allow you to tune the sound of the chime. There are alternatives to running a hardwire bell system in your home. For example, a growing choice is wireless doorbell systems, which use radio transmissions and battery power to make the system work. Because there is no need for any wiring from the (doorbell to the chime), the system installs in a few minutes. All you have to do is unscrew the existing doorbell button and put the new one in its place. You can mount the chimes to the wall with a screw or the sticky tape that is on the back of it. Then, just install the batteries. Similar to a smoke alarm, the batteries in the doorbell and chimes need to be replaced each year or so. The wireless systems are available in one and two doorbell button versions. A second alternative are the simple spring-activated doorbells that mount on the inside and exterior of a front or back door. Similar to a doorknocker, the bells require no electricity to work. When you push the button, it activates a spring-mounted chime. Installation is simple in that you drill a small peephole through the door and mount the doorbell on. These doorbells are also relatively inexpensive. The disadvantage of such doorbells, however, is that they are not very loud
and additional chimes cannot be added to the system. © by Jim Sulski. All rights reserved. February 3, 2005. NOTE: This column is distributed by Real Estate Matters Syndicate, PO Box 366, Glencoe, Illinois, 60022. This column may not be resold, reprinted, resyndicated or redistributed without written permission from the publisher. © 2005 by Ilyce R. Glink. Distributed by Real Estate Matters Syndicate. |
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