Doorbell Extension
Fancy shelf? Elaborate crown molding? NO! It's a doorbell!
Doorbell Extension TIPS
- Kits are available to install a second or third doorbell
- Wireless is the way to go.
- Video doorbells are even better - answer door and talk to guest from your smart phone
- Get free bids from local pros to help - see links below
- CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter!
DEAR TIM: When my wife and I sit on our back patio, we can't hear the door chime. I was thinking of adding a doorbell extension adjacent to the patio door.
This way both door chimes would work when the front door button is pushed. Is it possible to do this?
If so, what do I have to do? I'm not an electric wizard.
In case the wiring process is too difficult, is there an alternative solution? Dale M., Arlington, TX
DEAR DALE: You bet you can hook up an additional door chime.
Multiple Doorbells Are Easy
In fact, it is possible to install up to 3 standard door chimes that are activated by front, back, or side door buttons. This is handy for people who find themselves working in a basement or up on a second floor area away from the primary door chime.
Easy Install
The electrical wiring process is not too difficult. There are wireless kits now available that can install in minutes.
You just need to install a small radio transmitter to your existing wired door chime.
Here's a simple doorbell extender kit. Easy install. CLICK THE PHOTO NOW TO HAVE IT DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME.
Hard-Wired Solution
You might have to install a new transformer if you choose to add a second traditional doorbell. Single door chimes work best with 16 volt, 10 watt transformers.
To power your additional chime, you will need to install a 16 volt, 30 watt transformer. The voltage and wattage of transformers is stamped or printed on the body of the transformer. When you install the 30 watt transformer, it can go in the same location as your existing transformer.
Free & Fast Bids
Turn Off Circuit Breaker
Before you begin to install the new transformer or modify any of the low voltage wiring from the transformer, you need to disconnect the high voltage power to the transformer. If you don't do this, you can easily cause an electrical short that will harm the transformer, the door chimes, and/or yourself.
Light-Gauge Wire
The wiring of the second chime is not too difficult. You need to make sure that you use the proper wire. Purchase 18 or 20 gauge wire that's UL approved.
Make sure the wire is the solid type, not stranded. Purchase a large spool containing several hundred feet. You will be surprised at how much wire you'll use. The existing wires in your walls do not require upgrading.
Remove Covers
Next, remove the covers from your door chimes. You will probably see four screws. Three of these screws are used to connect to the door buttons.
They're usually clearly marked: Front, Rear, and Side. The other screw is marked Transformer.
Your challenge will be to run four separate wires between the two door chimes. All you have to do is hook each individual wire to the same screw on each chime.
For example, the first wire you run should attach to the screw marked Transformer on each chime. Be sure to leave the existing wires in place on the original door chime.
Turn On Power
Once you have made all of the connections, re-energize the new transformer. As long as you installed a standard 2 note chime (Ding - Dong) to match your existing chime, both chimes should activate when someone pushes the front door button.
Don't make the mistake of trying to install a fancy four or eight note chime if you have a traditional two note door chime. These fancy door chimes require a fifth wire to be run between the door chime and the door buttons. That can get complicated.
Wireless Is The Way
If you wish to avoid all of the wiring hassles, you can solve your problem by installing a new separate wireless door chime. These are very clever devices.
They require no wires at all. The door chimes themselves are very attractive.
Many have up to a 100-300 foot operating range. You can even get one that has a fancy eight note chime.
Because the wireless models come with over 50 different codes, your TV remote and garage door operators will not cause the door chime to activate.
Video Too!
You can now get a doorbell that has video with it so you can see who's at your door no matter where you are. Even if you're not home, you can answer the doorbell, see and TALK with the person at the door! You do all this using an app on your smart phone.
Video doorbell. You gotta love technology. CLICK THE PHOTO NOW TO SEE ALL THE VIDEO DOORBELLS. YOU CAN HAVE ONE DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME NOW.
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