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doorbell problem

Ken | Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on November 25, 2004 07:58am

Happy Thanksgiving to those celebrating it!

Got a question on a doorbell. Here’s the symptons:

Won’t ring. Get 4.5v at the button. Also get 4.5v at the chime when button depressed. I can hear the plunger buzzing.

1. Is this enough voltage to ring the doorbell? From my perspective, the answer is no.

I tried connecting the wires to the other chime/plunger, and can’t get a voltage reading at the pushbutton or the plunger.

2. What obvious thing am I missing here?

Finally, I can’t locate the transformer. It’s not near the service panel. It’s not in the closet located right next to the chime. It’s not in the attic or garage.

3. Is it possible the electrician stuck it in the wall which I understand is contrary to code? Could it be somewhere else by industry standard?

4. I’m assuming it would be very unwise to just cap off the wires and install a wireless doorbell?

Thanks for the help — I rarely mess with doorbells so don’t have a lot of experience with them.

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Replies

  1. User avater
    Sphere | Nov 25, 2004 08:29pm | #1

    I bet the xformer is in the wall..above the header.
    I also bet it's bad.

    4.5 is exaclty half of the nine it needs ( read the unit's spec's on the chime assy.)

    Hook up a cell phone charger or a 9 v batt. inline with the switch..bet it rings.

    If not feel free to flame away at me..

     

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

     

     

    1. Ken | Nov 25, 2004 08:50pm | #2

      Thanks Sphere,Now why would I flame you?

      1. User avater
        Sphere | Nov 25, 2004 09:29pm | #3

        cuz i have been wrong before..and latly some folks enjoy in the belittlement..no attack at you, just an observation.Use a circut tester to locate the xformer..I bet it's upper right of the door header..most sparkies are rt handed.short of xray vision..it's your best bet. 

        Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

        Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

         

         

        1. Ken | Nov 25, 2004 11:26pm | #4

          Naw, I appreciate the help. I'll keep looking for it, would rather just be able to unplug it if I can find the junction box where the wire originates.

    2. Hubedube | Nov 27, 2004 07:08pm | #9

      FYI, a great majority of door bell transformers are 16 V

      Edited 11/27/2004 11:09 am ET by Hube

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Nov 28, 2004 07:19am | #10

        a lot are still 12...

        he needs a new transformer...

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

        WOW!!!   What a Ride!

  2. stonefever | Nov 26, 2004 12:27am | #5

    Mine is attached to the furnace power conduit.

     

  3. calvin | Nov 26, 2004 03:32am | #6

    Ken, if over a bsmt, check in the ceiling near the door.

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    Quittin' Time

  4. fireball | Nov 26, 2004 08:05pm | #7

    Follow your low voltage wiring back from either the button or the chime and it has to lead to the transformer.They're usually mounted to the junction box where they get their 120v. feed,often the jb closest to either the button or chime.If you want to go wireless you really should at least find the transformer and kill the feed to it,if you want to bury the switch wires.It could be in the attic or basement,maybe somewhere inconvenient,but I've never heard of anybody being shoddy enough to just bury one....

    1. Ken | Nov 26, 2004 11:25pm | #8

      Thanks all,I found the transformer. Turns out it was oriented with the unused whole house vacuum system vice near the doorbell. I do appreciate the help as it gave me a better idea of where to look. Still went with wireless just to be done with the thing. As DW says, so long as makes a noise when someone pushes the button, that's all that counts.Ken

      Edited 11/26/2004 4:04 pm ET by Ken in Maryland

  5. DanH | Nov 28, 2004 07:48am | #11

    See if the transformer isn't hung right off the breaker panel.

    4.5V is definitely too low for most units. There isn't a real standard voltage, but somewhere around 10 volts seems to be normal, if I recall correctly.

    1. Ken | Nov 28, 2004 04:16pm | #12

      Thanks, found it. Off from everything, but not drywalled in.

      Appreciate the response.

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