Whether you’re replacing a broken doorbell or upgrading your doorbell for a fresher look, it’s a useful skill to know how to install one. If your home already has wiring in place, you can get a new wired doorbell system that runs on your home’s electricity. Otherwise, you can get a battery-operated doorbell system that uses a radio signal to communicate with the chime.

Installing a new doorbell is easy, especially with the doorbell kits sold in most home improvement stores. They’ll provide all the parts to replace your entire wired or battery-powered system.

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Wired Doorbell Systems

First, you’ll need to remove your current doorbell system.

  1. Turn off the breaker powering your doorbell. If you aren’t sure which one powers your doorbell’s transformer, you may need to flip random ones and then try your doorbell each time (if it still works).
  2. Unscrew the doorbell cover to remove it from your home’s exterior wall.
  3. Pull the button slowly away from the wall. You should use a voltage tester to ensure there is no power running to the doorbell, especially if you aren’t sure which breaker controls the doorbell.
  4. Disconnect the bell from the wires. Tape the wires to the wall as you prepare the new doorbell to connect them so they don’t fall into the wall.
  5. Remove the current chime unit and check these wires with the voltage tester as well. Disconnect the wires, then tape them to the wall as well so they don’t fall in.

Next, attach the new system.

  1. Secure the wires to the new doorbell.
  2. Mount the doorbell back onto the wall and attach the cover according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You may need to fill some holes if the new cover is smaller than the old one or patch the wall if the current screw holes are too big.
  3. Attach the new chime unit and cover as well.
  4. Turn the power back on and test the new doorbell.

Wireless Systems

  1. Remove the current wireless doorbell and mounting bracket from the exterior wall. If you are replacing a wired system with a battery-powered system, you will need to turn off the power running to your doorbell, detach the wires, and cover them with wire caps before tucking them into the wall. This ensures they won’t start a fire once the breaker is turned back on.
  2. Remove the chime from its mount on your wall as well (this may be a mounting plate, or you may hang it from a nail).
  3. Properly recycle dead batteries from the units or reuse them for another device if they are not fully dead yet.
  4. Check the instructions on your new unit to determine the maximum distance the chime can be from the bell, and make sure it’ll be within communication range.
  5. Mount the new doorbell, using the old screw holes if possible.
  6. Place batteries in the doorbell and chime unit.
  7. Hang the chime unit within range and test out your new system!

While you may not need an electrician to wire your new doorbell, there are hundreds of projects around the home that do require professional assistance. From new light fixtures to upgrading your electrical panel, call a local Sarasota electrician to be sure that the job is done correctly and safely.

Promise Electric is a team of master electricians providing residential and commercial electrical services across Sarasota County.