How To Install a Doorbell

A doorbell has become such a useful device to have in your home, especially when expecting certain guests. By following these simple steps, you will be able to hardwire your doorbell by yourself, ensuring that you won’t miss that important ding-dong!

Step 1: Turn off the circuit breaker supplying the branch circuit where you will be connecting your transformer. Use a noncontact voltage tester to ensure that you have turned off the right branch. The transformer may be connected using any convenient uninterrupted circuit box.

Step 2: Mark the spot where the doorbell is to be mounted, but make sure you’re not going to drill into a wall stud – you can find these studs by using an electronic stud finder. Drill a 1-inch hole for the wires, and hold the doorbell over this hole, marking the spots where the anchoring screws will be installed. Drill holes for the wall anchors, using the drill bit that came with the anchor kit. Press the plastic anchors into the holes.

Step 3: Remove the baseboard section beneath the doorbell location. Remove a 2-inch square of plasterboard, and drill a 3/8-inch hole through the wall’s baseplate into the basement.

Step 4: Remove the interior trim on the latch of the side of the door where the button is to be installed, and cut a channel in the wallboard for the wiring. Use an electrician’s bit to drill into the basement at the base of the channel. Drill another hole through the wall at the height the button is to be mounted on the outside wall.

Step 5: Install one length of the bell wire cable from the transformer to the doorbell location. Install an additional length of cable from the doorbell from the door where the button will be. In the basement, run the wires through the holes drilled through the floor beams or alongside these beams. When running the wire along the side of the beams, you can secure it in place using wire staples at four-foot intervals. Once all the wires are in place, replace the baseboard and door trim.

Step 6: Remove 4-inches of the outer jacket for all cable ends, and strip ½-inch of insulation from the individual wires. Connect the black and white wires to the silver screws at the transformer. Wrap the ends clockwise around the screws and tighten the screws.

Step 7: Feed the two cable ends through the back of the doorbell and mount it to the wall. Use a wire nut to connect the two black wires together. Then connect the two white wires to the terminal screws on the doorbell, and snap on the doorbell’s cover.

Step 8: Attach the black and white wires to the terminal screws on the back of the doorbell button. Run a bead of silicon sealer around the back of the button, and mount the button with the screws provided. Turn on the branch circuit breaker, and ring the ding out of your bell!

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