Doorbell problems

[NNN0LHI]

Both my doorbell buttons stopped working and the buttons no longer light up.

Does that mean my transformer in the attic has went out? The transformer is about 30 years old if that helps.

Does anyone know?

Thanks in advance if anyone knows.

Don

[ret5hd]

1. Could be as simple as the button itself.

Take the button off, take those 2 wires coming from the transformer and check them with a voltmeter (don't worry, its only 12, maybe 24 volts).

[NNN0LHI]

2. Two buttons and both stopped lighting and bell stopped working at same time

Going to take the bell off of wall and test for voltage from transformer. 12 V DC or AC?

Thank you very much.

Don

[ret5hd]

4. dc

[ahg]

3. The doorbell is still working.

You are going deaf.

[Warpy]

5. Loose wiring or transformer

Last edited Thu Sep 6, 2012, 11:16 AM - Edit history (1)

Turn your power off, unscrew the buttons and make sure they're connected. If they are, locate the transformer, pull it, and take it to the hardware store with you when you get a new one (the easiest way to make sure you get the right one).

ETA: the voltage might be only 24 but the amperage is sufficient to give you a pretty good belt if the power is off. I know--I had a thermostat on a 24 volt transformer fall apart in my hands once. Zap!

[NNN0LHI]

6. Thanks to you and everyone else for the help

It was the transformer.

Went out and purchased and installed an entire new wireless chime. Priced very reasonable and easy to install. Took about 15 minutes for the entire installation.

Its all good here again.

Take care and see you guys later.

Don

[Hassin Bin Sober]

7. 15minutes? Bah!

What kind of DIY project is that? There should have been at least 3 or 4 trips to the hardware store for shit you forgot.

[Jersey Devil]

8. don't like wireless bells

The problem is that if your neighbors also have wireless chimes and someone rings their doorbell your bell might also ring if it is on the same frequency. I did what you did when my doorbell went dead and regretted it later when the door would repeatedly ring and no one was there. Also I suspect they are susceptible to humidity changes. Every time a cold weather front would come though the bell would start ringing as well.

I god rid of it and hard wired it again. I hope this doesn't happen to you but talking to others with them I found out the wireless bells all seem to have these problems.