Replacing a wired doorbell key

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  • SHADOWFOX
    Veteran Member
    • May 2005
    • 1232
    • IL, USA.
    • DELTA 36-675
    #1

    Replacing a wired doorbell key

    Folks,

    This might sound like a stupid question but our doorbell key (transparent plastic part that is pressed) by the front door broke and I went to Home Depot to get a cheapo replacement ($3.00) and my question is do I have to turn off the power before replacing this or can I just replace it without turning the power. Have not replaced one of these before and did not want to have to switch to a wireless unit.

    Thanks!
    Chris

    "The first key to wisdom is constant and frequent questioning, for by doubting we are led to question and by questioning we arrive at the truth." -Pierre Abelard 11th Century philosopher.
    Tags: None
    • LinuxRandal
      Veteran Member
      • Feb 2005
      • 4889
      • Independence, MO, USA.
      • bt3100
      #2
      I replaced one years ago, and I didn't shut off the power. I just transfered one line at a time and didn't let them touch. I don't remember the voltage, but I know it has a stepdown transformer (my belief is 12v).
      She couldn't tell the difference between the escape pod, and the bathroom. We had to go back for her.........................Twice.

        Comment

        • cabinetman
          Gone but not Forgotten RIP
          • Jun 2006
          • 15216
          • So. Florida
          • Delta
          #3
          I've changed those and mine were low voltage (transformer), and didn't shut off the power. I'm not saying don't shut off the power. I've always done crazy things.
          .

            Comment

            • BobSch
              • Aug 2004
              • 4385
              • Minneapolis, MN, USA.
              • BT3100
              #4
              Doorbells run on 12v or less. No need to turn off the power. Just don't cross the wires too often while changing the button. It'll drive the dog nuts!
              Bob

              Bad decisions make good stories.

                Comment

                • SHADOWFOX
                  Veteran Member
                  • May 2005
                  • 1232
                  • IL, USA.
                  • DELTA 36-675
                  #5
                  Thanks guys!

                  I'll get on it when I get home from work tonight. Wife has been getting on me for over a week now. She has some people coming over this weekend so she won't let up on it.

                  Kind regards!
                  Chris

                  "The first key to wisdom is constant and frequent questioning, for by doubting we are led to question and by questioning we arrive at the truth." -Pierre Abelard 11th Century philosopher.

                    Comment

                    • phi1l
                      Senior Member
                      • Oct 2009
                      • 681
                      • Madison, WI
                      #6
                      everyone is right, you don't have to turn off the electricity, .. but I wouldn't touch both wires with my tongue either

                      Mine checks out to 18V though..
                      Last edited by phi1l; 03-18-2010, 05:42 PM.

                        Comment

                        • LCHIEN
                          Internet Fact Checker
                          • Dec 2002
                          • 21065
                          • Katy, TX, USA.
                          • BT3000 vintage 1999
                          #7
                          looking at the web on doorbell voltages is very confusing. I recall 24 volts.
                          Web references mentioned voltages from 6 to 24. One reference said 10 for buzzers and bells and 16 for chimes.

                          ANyway, its AC, not DC.

                          You can safely handle all the voltages i mentioned w/o danger.
                          Just don't short them out or you could damage the transformer.
                          Loring in Katy, TX USA
                          If your only tool is a hammer, you tend to treat all problems as if they were nails.
                          BT3 FAQ - https://www.sawdustzone.org/forum/di...sked-questions

                            Comment

                            • eezlock
                              Senior Member
                              • Feb 2006
                              • 997
                              • Charlotte,N.C.
                              • BT3100
                              #8
                              replacing a wired doorbell key?

                              I never heard it called a "key" before...but I'm assuming you are talking about
                              the pushbutton...correct? No problem, they are are wired on 12/24 volt transformers. Don't let the wires touch each other, if you do, the indoor chime will sound off same as if the button has been pushed.

                                Comment

                                • phi1l
                                  Senior Member
                                  • Oct 2009
                                  • 681
                                  • Madison, WI
                                  #9
                                  Originally posted by LCHIEN
                                  looking at the web on doorbell voltages is very confusing. I recall 24 volts.
                                  Web references mentioned voltages from 6 to 24. One reference said 10 for buzzers and bells and 16 for chimes.

                                  Here the door bell uses the same transformer as the furnace controls, soI think the over riding consideration is what the relays require to operate.

                                    Comment

                                    • billwmeyer
                                      Veteran Member
                                      • Feb 2003
                                      • 1858
                                      • Weir, Ks, USA.
                                      • BT3000
                                      #10
                                      Originally posted by SHADOWFOX
                                      Thanks guys!

                                      I'll get on it when I get home from work tonight. Wife has been getting on me for over a week now. She has some people coming over this weekend so she won't let up on it.

                                      Kind regards!
                                      In that case change the button when she is home and cross the wires alot!

                                      Bill
                                      "I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in."-Kenny Rogers

                                        Comment

                                        • eccentrictinkerer
                                          Senior Member
                                          • Aug 2007
                                          • 669
                                          • Minneapolis, MN
                                          • BT-3000, 21829
                                          #11
                                          I've received a 'tickle' from a 24 VAC circuit, but I was sweating on a 90 degree day.

                                          I've also felt a tingle from a 12 volt battery!

                                          I was wearing shorts, the temp was in the high 80's and I was working on my '64 Corvair convertible. As I leaned against the chrome bumper and started wrenching the the bolt on the positive terminal I definitely felt a slight shock.

                                          I've been in the electronics biz my whole life and never thought this could happen.

                                          Maybe I should gone into railroading. I'd have made a great 'conductor'!
                                          You might think I haven't contributed much to the world, but a large number
                                          of the warning labels on tools can be traced back to things I've done...

                                            Comment

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