Short answer
First check what voltage your doorbell transformer supplies, usually 8 or 12 volts, and buy a chime that matches it. Hang it centrally in the home, not in the meter cupboard, because nobody will hear it there. If you want to hear it in several places, a second chime or a wireless extension chime is possible, provided the transformer has enough power.
Who this article is for For anyone who wants to replace a chime. The low-voltage side is harmless; the transformer in the consumer unit is work for an electrician.
First: what voltage do you have
The doorbell transformer shows what it supplies, usually 8, 12 or 24 volts. Buy a chime that works on that. A 12 volt chime on an 8 volt transformer sounds weak; the other way round it can break.
If you cannot find the transformer, that in itself tells you something. Where it usually sits is in doorbell transformer.
Also check the power
Next to the number of volts the transformer shows VA. A simple chime needs only a few VA. A chime with an illuminated push button, or two chimes together, needs more. Too little power gives a dull sound or a chime that hums.
Where to hang it
- centrally in the home, usually in the hallway or entrance hall
- not in the meter cupboard, however tempting, because nobody hears it there
- not behind a door or in a cupboard surrounded by textiles
- at about two metres high, so the sound can carry into the room
If you live on three floors, one chime in the hall is often just not enough. A second chime on the landing solves that.
Several chimes
Two wired chimes on one transformer is possible, provided the transformer has the power. A wireless extension chime is the other option: you plug it into a socket where you need it, and it listens in on the wired system via a transmitter at the chime.
Mechanical or electronic
Mechanical is the classic ding-dong with two bars. Reliable, lasts for decades, and the sound is clear. Only one tone, though.
For most people mechanical works fine.
Electronic gives a choice of melody and volume, and can handle several inputs, for example front door and back door with a different sound. A bit more electronics that can break.
For most people mechanical works fine. If you are hard of hearing, an electronic one with volume control and a flashing light is more use to you.
With a video doorbell
If you want to keep the chime alongside a video doorbell, you usually need a module from the same manufacturer. Simply connecting it in parallel does not work and can damage the doorbell. See connecting a video doorbell.
From my own work
At a house in Ulestraten a nice new chime had been bought that worked on 12 volts, while the transformer gave 8 volts. It did work, but so quietly that you could not hear it even in the kitchen. With a 12 volt transformer with enough VA it sounded as intended. Takes a quarter of an hour, if you know beforehand.
When to call an electrician
- You do not know what voltage your transformer supplies
- The chime is quiet or hums
- You want to hear the doorbell in the loft or in the garden too
This is usually a small job that I combine with other work. Call +31 43 204 18 26.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what voltage my doorbell needs?
The doorbell transformer shows what it supplies, usually 8, 12 or 24 volts. Buy the chime that matches it.
Can I put two chimes on one transformer?
Yes, provided the transformer has enough power. Otherwise it sounds dull or hums.
Can I keep the chime working alongside a video doorbell?
Usually only with a module from the same manufacturer. Simply connecting it in parallel does not work and can damage the doorbell.
Further reading
Doorbell transformer: what it is for and why your doorbell is not working
If your doorbell is not working, it is usually the push button and not the transformer. Search in this order and you will usually have it within a quarter of an hour.
The intercom is not working: troubleshooting in four steps
If it does not work in one home, the problem is in that home. If it works for nobody, the problem is at the entrance or the power supply.
Intercom in a block of flats: how it is put together
In a block of flats the work is in the riser cable and the door entry panel, not in the handsets. That decides whether replacement turns out easier or harder than expected.
Questions and comments
Ask your question below. Ask before 17:00 on a working day and you get an answer from Kevin himself the same day. No account needed, and your email address does not appear on the site.