How To: Doorbell Wiring for Beginners | Wayfair (2024)

Though they may seem like old-fashioned devices, doorbells still play a huge role in your everyday life – the chime of your doorbell is your first notification that you have a package or that someone's at your door. If your current doorbell isn't working properly or if you'd like to refresh it with a newer, more stylish model, you can replace it yourself with the help of our guide. You'll get the master class on doorbell wiring, from how to wire a doorbell to how to install a doorbell's many components all on your own. We've also included tips on installing battery-operated doorbells if you'd rather go wireless.

In This Guide:

Doorbell Installation Types
Doorbell Components to Know
Doorbell Wiring Diagrams
How to Remove a Doorbell
How to Install a Doorbell
How to Install a Wireless Doorbell

There are two doorbell installation types available: wired and wireless (battery-operated). Wired doorbells are the more traditional option and are connected to your electrical through the doorbell's transformer. Wireless doorbells are battery-operated and use radio waves to connect the doorbell button that you press to the receiver that emits the sound. To learn more about these types, check out our Types of Doorbells Buying Guide.

This guide focuses on both the installation of wired doorbells into an existing doorbell system and the installation of wireless doorbells. If you are installing a doorbell system in a home that does not have an existing doorbell electrical setup, consult an electrician for assistance.

Tip!

For information on wireless doorbells, check out our guide How Do Wireless Doorbells Work?

Before you can learn how to install a doorbell, you should become familiar with the different doorbell parts. There are three main parts to a wired doorbell: the push button, the chime, and the transformer that connects the button and chime. Read more about each part below.

Push Button

The doorbell push button is installed on your home's exterior, usually beside a main entry door. When a doorbell's button is pushed, the chime rings to alert you that someone is at the door. Because they are an exterior element of your home, doorbell push buttons are available in a wide variety of stylish materials and decorative designs.

Chime

The doorbell chime is the part of a doorbell system that produces the sound – it rings when the doorbell button is pushed. Below is a diagram of the parts of a doorbell chime. Read on to learn more about each part and how it works.

Terminals: Located on the central hub of a doorbell chime, the doorbell terminals are where the wires from the doorbell push button(s) and transformer connect to the chime.

Typically, doorbell chimes have three terminals, labeled "rear," "trans," and "front," that correspond with each connection. The rear terminal is where the rear doorbell push button (if you have one) connects to the chime, the front terminal is where the front push button connects to the chime, and the trans terminal (also called the transformer or common terminal) is where the transformer connects to the chime.

Resonators: These two flat metal bars sit above and below the terminals of a doorbell chime. The resonators are tuned to the notes of a doorbell's ring and produce those notes when they are struck.

Solenoids: A solenoid is a type of electromagnet made up of a coil of wire that produces a magnetic field when an electrical current runs through the wire.

In a doorbell chime, when an electrical current passes from the push button to a terminal to a solenoid, the resulting electromagnetic field pulls the solenoid downward. The hammer around which the coil is wrapped strikes the chime's lower resonator to produce the first note. Then, when the electric current subsides, the solenoid and hammer bounce back upward and strike the upper resonator to produce the second note.

In some doorbell chimes, including the one in the above diagram, a small barrier will block one of the solenoids from hitting the upper chime, allowing you to be able to differentiate between the two-note ring of the front doorbell and the one-note ring of the rear doorbell.

Doorbell Transformer

Doorbells can't be connected directly to your home's electrical system because they require a much lower voltage to operate. A doorbell transformer wires into your electrical system and allows you to connect your doorbell push button and chime at a much lower voltage. They can be located inside or outside of your home but are usually attached to an electrical junction box in an inconspicuous location. Take a look at the doorbell transformer diagram below to get a better understanding of what a transformer looks like.

Screw Terminals: Doorbell transformers often have two screw terminals. One of these terminals connects (via wire) to the doorbell chime and the other connects to the doorbell push button.

Ground, Neutral, & Hot Wires: These three wires connect the doorbell transformer to your home's electrical system. Typically, the ground wire will be green, the neutral wire will be white, and the hot (or live) wire will be black.

Tip!

Don't want to purchase your doorbell parts separately? Opt for a doorbell kit that comes with everything included.

Familiarize yourself with the four most common doorbell push button, chime, and transformer circuits by taking a look at the diagrams below.

Single Doorbell Push Button With a Single Chime

This is the most basic doorbell setup option. You can see that the push button connects to one of the button terminals (in this case, the front) in the chime. The circuit is completed by the transformer, which is connected to both the doorbell chime and the doorbell push button.

Double Doorbell Push Buttons With a Single Chime

This doorbell setup is fairly standard if you'd like a doorbell at the front and rear of your home. Because both push buttons are attached to their corresponding terminal on the chime, a guest can ring the doorbell at either door and one chime will ring.

Single Doorbell Push Button With Double Chimes

In this diagram, you can see that the front doorbell push button is attached to the front terminal of both chimes and the transformer is attached to the trans terminal of both chimes. You would want this doorbell system setup if you want to be able to hear your front doorbell ring better in different areas of your home.

Double Doorbell Push Buttons With Double Chimes

In this diagram, you'll see that the front push button is connected to the front terminals on both chimes and the rear push button is connected to the rear terminals on both chimes. Both push buttons are connected to the transformer, which is connected to both chimes at their trans terminals. You would want this setup if you'd like doorbells at two doors of your home and if you'd like to be able to hear them ring clearly in different locations of your home.

Tip!

Does wiring a doorbell seem difficult? You can hire a licensed electrician to install a wired doorbell or try a wireless doorbell instead. If you're interested in installing a wireless doorbell, skip to that section below.

Before you can install and wire a new doorbell system, you will have to remove your old one. There are a few steps to doorbell removal: removing the doorbell push button, removing the doorbell chime, and removing the doorbell transformer. Below, we cover all three.

If you've already done this, skip to the next section to learn how to install and wire a doorbell.

Before You Start

To avoid electrical injury, it's important to shut off the power to the doorbell transformer before you attempt to remove it or any other doorbell parts. Either locate and shut off the circuit breaker switch for the transformer or shut off your home's main electricity supply.

Before touching any wires, use a voltage sensor to check that the power is actually off – the sensor will alert you if the wires are still live.

How to Remove a Doorbell Push Button

Step 1: Remove the doorbell push button from your home's exterior.
Using a screwdriver, unscrew the two screws holding the doorbell push button to the wall. If the screws holding the button in place aren't exposed, you'll have to remove the plate covering them first. It can often be pried off with a utility knife or flathead screwdriver.

Step 2: Pull the doorbell push button gently from the wall.
Expose the wiring behind the button without damaging it.

Step 3: Disconnect the wires.
Using your screwdriver, unscrew the screws holding the wires in place in the back of the doorbell push button. Once the screws are loose enough, you can gently pull the wires away and free the doorbell push button.

Step 4: Tape the wires in place so you don't lose them.
Because you'll be installing your new doorbell push button using these same wires, it can be helpful to tape them down against the wall so they don't fall out of place.

How to Remove a Doorbell Chime

Step 1: Locate your doorbell chime.
It should be located in the general area of your entry door(s), often close to the ceiling.

Step 2: Remove the outer plate.
It can usually be easily lifted or pried out of place.

Step 3: Locate the terminal wires and mark them.
Your chime will have two or three wires connected to its central terminals. Wrap a small piece of tape around each wire and mark it according to the terminal to which it is connected so you don't have to worry about forgetting later on.

Step 4: Disconnect the wires.
Using your screwdriver, loosen the screws holding the terminal wires in place in the chime. You'll be able to gently release them once the screws are loose enough.

Step 5: Detach the chime from the wall and remove it.
With the wires loose, you are free to remove the chime from the wall. Use your screwdriver to unscrew the larger screws on either side of the chime. Keep your hand on the chime when you loosen the second screw so it doesn't fall to the floor. Make sure to hold the wires from the back as you gently pull the chime off of the wall so they don't fall into the wall upon release.

Step 6: Tape the wires in place.
Similar to removing your doorbell push button, tape all dangling wires in place on your wall so you don't lose track of them.

How to Remove a Doorbell Transformer

Step 1: Locate your doorbell transformer.
Doorbell transformers are usually tucked away along an exterior wall in your garage, basem*nt, or attic. It will be in the general vicinity of your doorbell(s), typically close to the ceiling of that room. It will be attached to the side of a wall-mounted electrical junction box. It may be behind a plate or even behind the doorbell push button itself, though this is unlikely.

Step 2: Locate and disconnect the wires at the screw terminals.
Your transformer will likely have two screw terminals holding two wires in place. Unscrew those screws to release the two wires. Labeling these wires is not important unless you notice multiple wires connected to each terminal – this means your transformer is connected to multiple doorbell buttons. In this case, tape the groups of wires together according to the terminal to which they connect. It's a good idea to tape those wires in place along the wall so you don't lose them while working on the other parts of the transformer.

Step 3: Remove the cover on the electrical junction box.
To expose the wiring connecting your doorbell transformer to your home, you'll need to remove the electrical junction box cover. If it is held in place by screws, unscrew it using a screwdriver. If not, you can gently pry it off.

Step 4: Disconnect the thick power-supply wires.
You'll notice three wires – green, white, and black – connecting your transformer to your home's electrical system. There will be wire caps attaching the doorbell transformer's wires to your electrical system's corresponding wires. Detach the transformer from your home's power supply by untwisting those caps and then gently separating the wires from each other.

Step 4: Detach the transformer from the electrical junction box.
Your transformer will be held in place against the electrical junction box by a large bolt or set of screws. If you see a bolt, use a wrench to loosen it. If you see screws, use a screwdriver to loosen them. Once freed, gently pull the transformer out of place and thread its wires out of the junction box.

Step 5: Tape the power supply wires in place.
Even though they are located in an electrical junction box, the power supply wires may still fall out of place. Tape them down to ensure they don't move.

This section explains how to install a doorbell into an existing electrical system that has already been set up with the proper connections for a doorbell system. If you haven't yet prepared your home's electrical system for a doorbell, consult an electrician.

Again, before working with any wires, use a voltage sensor to make absolutely sure that your power is off.

Before You Begin

Similar to removing an old doorbell, it is imperative to shut off the power supply to the doorbell system so you don't injure yourself while wiring a doorbell. Locate the circuit breaker that connects to the electrical junction box where your doorbell transformer will be and shut it off. If you can't locate yours, shut your home's entire power supply off before you begin.

If you become unsure that you're making the proper electrical connections at any stage of your doorbell installation, contact an electrician. It's always better to stay on the safe side when doing home installation projects, especially when dealing with electricity.

How to Install a Doorbell Transformer

Step 1: Attach the transformer to the electrical junction box.
If the electrical junction box cover is still on, remove it. Thread the power supply wires into the electrical junction box through the appropriate hole. Then, position the transformer in its opening in the side of the electrical junction box. Using a wrench (if a bolt is required) or a screwdriver (if screws are required), fasten the transformer in place.

Step 2: Connect the transformer's power supply wires to your home's power supply wires.
Match the wires by color – green with green or brown, white with white, and black with black – and twist them together. Then, twist wire caps onto the connections to hold them in place. You can wrap some electrical tape around the caps for a hold that is even more secure.

Step 3: Replace the electrical junction box cover.
Either snap the cover back in place or re-tighten its screws using a screwdriver.

Step 4: Attach the doorbell push button and chime wires to the screw terminals.
Your system's button and chime wires should be left taped in place from when you removed your old system. If this is the case, simply wrap the appropriate wires or wire groups around the corresponding screw terminals and use a screwdriver to tighten the screws in place.

How to Install a Doorbell Push Button

Step 1: Locate the exterior wires and attach them to the push button.
Find the two wires you taped to the exterior wall and replace them under the screws on the back of your new doorbell push button's plate. Using a screwdriver, tighten the screws until the wires are held in place.

Step 2: Place the push button in the wall and screw it in place.
Gently push the button into place on your exterior wall so that the wires are no longer exposed, then screw it into place using a screwdriver.

Step 3: If applicable, place the cover over the push-button plate.
If your doorbell push button came with a cover, place that over the push-button plate and attach it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

How to Install a Doorbell Chime

Step 1: Locate the doorbell chime wires and thread them through the back of the chime.
Untape the wires and gently thread them through the appropriate hole in the back of the chime without damaging the labels you made earlier. Once through, you can re-tape them temporarily in the chime if you still don't want to risk losing them.

Step 2: Screw the chime in place on your wall.
Position the chime on your wall. If it is the same size as your old chime, you can use the same screw holes. If not, you may need to use a power drill for this step. Place the left and right screws in their appropriate holes on the chime. Using a screwdriver or power drill, screw the chime into the wall.

Step 3: Attach the doorbell wires to their appropriate terminals in the chime.
Using the labels you made earlier, place each wire on its corresponding terminal and use a screwdriver to tighten it in place.

Step 4: Place the cover over the chime.
Position the cover that came with your chime and fasten it in place according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Test Your Doorbell

Once all the components are in place and connected properly, it's time to test your doorbell! Turn the circuit breaker or power supply back on and test away. Press your doorbell's push button(s) and ensure that you can hear the chime loud and clear each time.

This section walks you through the installation of a wireless doorbell. These battery-operated doorbells are a great option if your home doesn't have existing doorbell wiring or if you're looking for smart features. The installation process is fairly straightforward and doesn't require you to have any electrical experience. Plus, most wireless doorbells come in kits that include the doorbell, the receiver(s), and any mounting brackets needed for installation.

Step 1: Install the mounting bracket.
At your front door, install the mounting plate that was included in your wireless doorbell kit, using a screwdriver and the included screws. Unlike wired doorbells, wireless doorbells come with a mounting plate that makes it easy to slide the doorbell off to recharge or change its batteries. If possible, try to use the same screw holes from your previous doorbell. Otherwise, you'll need to patch the old holes and drill new holes that align with your new mounting plate.

Step 2: Add batteries and attach to the mounting plate.
Place batteries inside the doorbell. Then attach the doorbell to the mounting plate by sliding it into place.

Step 3: Find the right location for the receiver.
Since wireless doorbells operate on radio waves or Wi-Fi, you'll need to check the range for your specific doorbell to determine the maximum distance between the doorbell and the receiver. This receiver will be the chime unit, so place the receiver where you'd be likely to hear it.

Note: Some receivers plug into standard electric outlets, while others are battery-operated. Keep this in mind while choosing the right spot for your receiver(s).

Step 4: Test your wireless doorbell.
Test the doorbell to see if it's working properly and move any receivers closer if needed. If your wireless doorbell is a smart doorbell, this is also the time to download any apps, sync your doorbell to the Wi-Fi, and customize your settings to meet your household's needs.

Tip!

Is replacing your door knob and/or door lock next on your renovation list? Check out our guides to find helpful tips:

Hardware 101: How to Remove a Door Knob
Hardware 101: How to Install a Door Knob

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