By Susan Hoffman

Maybe your old doorbell stopped working. Or perhaps you just want to hear a new tone, buzzer or chime when someone comes to your door. Just a few tools are needed to replace your old doorbell with a new one; it’s a quick and easy project.

SUPPLIES

New doorbell unit

Screwdriver

Circuit tester

Writable tape

Pen or felt-tipped marker

Wire cutter/stripper

INSTRUCTIONS

Caution: Make sure the electrical power is off before removing the old doorbell or installing the new.

1. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker box.

The power for your doorbell may be on a dedicated breaker or on a breaker shared with other electricals located in the same vicinity of the house. 

2. Remove the old doorbell’s faceplate.

With the screwdriver, remove the screws that hold the metal or plastic decorative cover that surrounds the doorbell button. Use a circuit tester on the wires to ensure the power is off.

3. Disconnect the old doorbell.

Gently pull the old doorbell from the wall and turn it over. Label each wire with tape to ID it with its corresponding terminal location. Now, disconnect each wire from its terminal. Some styles have screws; others have pinch slots. If necessary, use wire strippers to expose 0.5 inch of new, clean wire ends. Discard the old doorbell.

4. Connect the new doorbell.

Simply reverse your steps. Remove the new doorbell’s faceplate. Using the labeled wires for guidance, securely attach each wire to the correct terminal location on the back of the new doorbell. Remove the labels and snug the doorbell back into the wall. Use the screws included with the new doorbell and a screwdriver to mount the faceplate. Turn the power on and try out your new doorbell.

HELPFUL HINT

Not sure which size or style doorbell to buy? Bring your old doorbell to your home improvement center and ask a sales associate for assistance.

Susan Hoffman has written extensively on building, interior design and home products for companies including DuPont Corian, Armstrong, GE, Black & Decker, LitterMaid and Starnet Flooring

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Home Projects - Have a broken or annoying doorbell?