Electricians enter... doorbell question?

**grandkodiak** · 03-30-2007, 09:32 AM

The doorbell on my house has stopped working, the button doesnt light up and pressing it doesnt make the bell chime. I noticed that you had to press the button alittle harder to get it to work for awhile, but now nothing.

I unscrewed the housing for the button and there are two wires running into the back of the button, doesnt seem like theres a contact problem when the button is pressed.

Problem is i cant trace the wires back to the bell box, I'm guessing they run up into the attic then drop back down in the hallway where the bell box is?

So I undid the housing for the bell box and it only has two wires as well, which is confusing... where is it getting its power, and/or how is it connected to the button? I would figure the two wires are ITS power source from the house, and it should have 2 more wires running to the button. OR that the two wires connect directly to the button, and the bell box has an internal battery, BUT i cant see one??

**Spaz** · 03-30-2007, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by grandkodiak

The doorbell on my house has stopped working, the button doesnt light up and pressing it doesnt make the bell chime. I noticed that you had to press the button alittle harder to get it to work for awhile, but now nothing.

I unscrewed the housing for the button and there are two wires running into the back of the button, doesnt seem like theres a contact problem when the button is pressed.

Problem is i cant trace the wires back to the bell box, I'm guessing they run up into the attic then drop back down in the hallway where the bell box is?

So I undid the housing for the bell box and it only has two wires as well, which is confusing... where is it getting its power, and/or how is it connected to the button? I would figure the two wires are ITS power source from the house, and it should have 2 more wires running to the button. OR that the two wires connect directly to the button, and the bell box has an internal battery, BUT i cant see one??

i dunno... but you should reverse the current and shock who ever rings the bell...

**grandkodiak** · 03-30-2007, 09:43 AM

would be cool and all but i dont think there even is one at this point...

**Spaz** · 03-30-2007, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by grandkodiak

would be cool and all but i dont think there even is one at this point...

use a 220 line then....

**86 IROC-Z** · 03-30-2007, 10:08 AM

nevermind
it probably just has a battery you cant see.

**INeedLS1** · 03-30-2007, 10:22 AM

Look for the transformer, your problem could be there. Also, it is not uncommon to have only 1 cable in either the button or the chime. Usually a cable is ran from those two back to the transformer.

**56car** · 03-30-2007, 10:28 AM

Your button wore out. Replace it.

To check, just put the two wires at the button together, it should activate the bell.

**GOT1GOAT** · 03-30-2007, 12:17 PM

Doorbells are low voltage and there should be a transformer either in your basement or near your service panel.

P.S. You can buy remote doorbells also.

**grandkodiak** · 03-30-2007, 12:31 PM

I crossed the wires in the button and still no bell sounded... i think the things not getting power at all.

**INeedLS1** · 03-30-2007, 12:52 PM

Your chime could be bad, or you could have a broken connection somewhere. Here is a common way doorbells are wired, maybe it could help. Try finding your transformer and check the connections there.