The trusty doorbell has been a mainstay for home for as long as we can remember! These modern day counterparts to the old door knockers come with many different sound options, decor options, shapes, sizes and colors these days.

We often take these behind the scene devices for granted until something goes wrong and they stop working or malfunction. The parts of a typical doorbell system are the push button, the door bell, chimes or buzzer and the transformer. The transformer allows the doorbell to operate on low voltage (6 to 24 volts.) Wired into the doorbell circuit at a junction box, it steps down the voltage from the regular 120-volt circuit. When your doorbell doesn’t ring, or rings constantly, the problem may lie in one of the parts or in the wires that connect them and it needs replacement.

When the Doorbell is Silent

The first place to look is the source of power. Make sure a fuse or circuit breaker hasn’t blown or tripped. Once you’re certain that the 120-volt side of the transformer is getting power, shut off the power and tighten all wire connections. Turn the power back on and check the low-voltage side, following the steps below to find the source of the trouble.

Testing the Transformer

Use a volt-ohm meter. If the transformer is working correctly, the meter reading should match the secondary voltage (6 to 24 volts) marked on the transformer or bell. Set the voltage range on the meter to 120 volts AC and measure the voltage between the two low-voltage terminals on the transformer. If the meter reads significantly higher than the correct secondary voltage, the transformer is defective and should be replaced. If the reading is close to the correct secondary voltage, test again by setting the voltage range on the meter to a lower value. If the new reading doesn’t agree with the voltage marked on the transformer or bell, the transformer needs to be replaced.

Testing the Bell or Chime Mechanism

Have a helper push the doorbell button while you listen to the bell. If it makes a buzzing or humming noise, it may be gummed up with dirt. Check the mechanism and clean it as necessary using fine-grade sandpaper to remove corrosion form any contacts. If the bell still hums or buzzes after cleaning, in needs replacement.

A Constantly Ringing Doorbell

If a doorbell rings constantly, either the button is stuck or the wires going to the button are shorted together. To test follow these steps: Test the button by turning off the power to the transformer. Remove the button from the door frame and disconnect one of the two wires connected to it. Turn the power back on. If the bell doesn’t ring, the button should be replaced. If the bell rings, the problem is a short between the two wires and this needs replacement.

Always use safety in handling anything electrical in your home! To be safety sure in anything electrical in your home you can have us troubleshoot, repair or replace and/or upgraded to a newer doorbell system. Please give us a call at Southern Electric (615) 261-4800 and we will be happy to service this for you!

Southern Electric
4922 Port Royal Rd, Suite C-11
Spring Hill TN 37174
Phone: (615) 261-4800 or (615) 599-9595
Website: http://www.callsouthernelectrictoday.com

• buzzer
• chimes
• doorbell
• electrical
• residential