How to wire a doorbell: Expert tips for a flawless setup

When learning how to wire a doorbell, it’s important to start with the basics. Mount the doorbell button at a convenient height for guests to reach. Strip the existing low-voltage wires and connect one wire to the “front” terminal and the other to the “trans” terminal of the button. Tighten the screws to secure the wires in place. After mounting and wiring the button, restore power and test if it sends a signal to the chime.

This process works for traditional wired doorbells powered by a transformer that steps down the voltage from your home's electrical system. But what if you're installing a doorbell transformer or a smart ring doorbell?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each setup step by step, helping you tackle both with ease.

How to wire a basic doorbell button

Before wiring a doorbell button, turn off the power at the breaker panel to avoid electric shock. Once you have turned it off, use a non-contact voltage or a simple voltage tester to ensure no electrical current flows through the wires at the switch box. 

What you will need

• Voltage tester
• Wire cutter
• Wire stripper
• Needle nose plier
• Screwdriver
• Doorbell kit
• Electrical tape
• Masking tape
• Drill (if you need to make holes for mounting)

Remove the old doorbell button

If you have an existing doorbell button, simply remove the screws or fasteners that hold the old button in place. As you pull the old button away from the wall, be mindful of the wires attached to the terminals, and note where each wire is connected to ensure you reconnect the wires correctly when you install the new button.

If you don’t have an existing doorbell button but have wires in place for a new doorbell, keep reading; we will show you how to install it.

Connect the wires to the terminals of the new doorbell button

Most doorbell buttons have two terminals: one labeled “Common” or “Front” and the other labeled “Push.” The wire from the doorbell chime connects to the “Common” terminal, while the wire from the transformer connects to the “Push” terminal.

To make the connections, use a wire stripper to strip about 1/2 inch of insulation off the ends of each wire. Then, attach one wire to the “Common” terminal and tighten the terminal screw to secure it in place. Next, attach the second wire similarly to the “Push” terminal. Ensure that both connections are tight and secure.

Mount the doorbell button

Align the button's mounting holes with the existing hole in the wall, ensuring the wires are neatly tucked behind the button housing. 

If you don’t have existing mounting holes, use a drill to make two holes: one at the top of the wire and another at the bottom end. Use the doorbell button to determine the exact position to drill the holes.

Next, use a screwdriver to secure the button to the wall with screws. Tighten the screws until the button is firmly held in place.

Test the doorbell

It’s time to test the doorbell to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. Next, press the doorbell button to hear the chime. If the chime rings, the installation is successful, and the wiring is correct. 

However, if the chime doesn’t sound, double-check that the wires are securely attached to the proper terminals on the new button and that there are no loose connections. If everything appears correct and the system still doesn’t work, verify that the transformer is functioning and supplying power to the doorbell system.

How to wire a doorbell transformer?

Start by turning off the power at the circuit breaker panel to your doorbell transformer. If you don’t know which breaker controls the transformer, turn off the main power to the entire house. Once the power is off, use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure no electrical current flows through the wires.

If you are working with an existing transformer, inspect its current location and condition. The transformer should be installed in a dry, accessible location, such as near the electrical panel, in a basement, attic, or utility room. It should be placed where it can be easily reached for maintenance but away from high-traffic areas to avoid accidental damage.

The same rule applies to the location if you are installing a new doorbell transformer.

Prepare the wires

If you are replacing an existing transformer, use a wire cutter to carefully snip the live (black or red wire), neutral (white wire), and ground (green or bare copper) wires connected to it. 

Once the wires are safely disconnected, unscrew the mounting screws that hold the transformer in place and remove the transformer from the wall or box.

Next, use wire strippers to remove about 1/2 inch of insulation from the wire ends. This also applies if you are installing a new doorbell transformer.

Mount the new transformer

Position the new transformer where the old one was, and secure it to the wall, junction box, or surface using screws that came with the package.

Wire the new doorbell transformer

The new doorbell transformer has a black, white, and green wire set. To connect the wires we prepared in the step above, simply connect the black wire from the transformer to the hot (black) wire from the house's electrical system and the white wire from the transformer to the neutral (white) wire from the house.

Likewise, connect the green wire from the transformer to the ground wire in the junction box. If there isn't a green wire in the junction box, connect the green wire from the transformer to a grounding bar or grounding screw.

For the low-voltage side, choose the appropriate voltage terminal on the transformer (typically 16V for most doorbell systems) and connect a wire from this terminal to the doorbell button. Then, run another wire from the button to the doorbell chime.

Test the system

After the wiring is complete, replace and screw in the junction box cover. Then, turn the power back on at the breaker panel. Press the doorbell button and listen for the chime sound. If the doorbell chimes correctly, you have wired the transformer correctly.

What does a doorbell transformer look like?

A doorbell transformer is a rectangular metal or plastic device about the size of a small shoebox. Some models have a short power cord that plugs into an outlet, while others are hardwired with black, white, and green wires for connection to the house power supply. The transformer has a label for 120V input and a 16V or 24V low-voltage output.

How to wire a Ring doorbell

First, confirm that your doorbell transformer is rated for 10-24 VAC, 10-40 VA, and 50/60 Hz, as this is the typical range required for Ring doorbells. The transformer is usually mounted near the chime in places like the attic, closet, or electrical box. 

If it is the correct rating, proceed to the next step. If not, you need to change the doorbell transformer (see above for the steps).

Turn off the power at the breaker to ensure safety. Then, remove the chime cover and loosen the terminal screws marked "Front" and "Trans," ensuring the existing wires stay in place. Install the jumper cable between these terminals and tighten the screws back in place, then replace the chime cover.

Next, unscrew your existing Ring doorbell from the wall and disconnect the wires, careful not to let them fall into the wall. Align the new Ring doorbell on the wall and mark the screw positions, then drill holes and insert wall anchors. 

Afterward, connect the doorbell wires to the back of the Ring doorbell by loosening the screws, looping the wires around each terminal, and tightening them. Mount the Ring doorbell on the wall by securing it with screws. Finally, restore power at the breaker to complete the installation.

How to wire a doorbell: Know when to get professional help

Doorbell wiring is usually DIY, especially if you are replacing an existing system or connecting a new one to a compatible transformer. However, if you're unfamiliar with electrical work or an electrical box is unavailable, it’s best to hire a licensed electrician. 

An electrician can install an electrical box, ensure your doorbell system is safely wired, and avoid common issues such as incorrect voltage, loose connections, or grounding problems that could lead to malfunctions, electrical shocks, or fire hazards.

If you choose to hire an electrician, Angi is a useful resource. The electricians on Angi’s list are fully licensed, and their credentials are verified through background checks and licensing confirmation, adding an extra layer of confidence when selecting a professional. Plus, you can read reviews from real customers to know who to hire for your next project.