How to Fix Everything For Dummies
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Doorbell chimes come in many varieties. You aren’t stuck with the old standards any longer. Whether your old doorbell finally gave out, or you just want a new sound to alert you that company has arrived, changing the chime is easy.

Remote doorbells have a variety of sounds, and when they malfunction, all you have to do is get new batteries for the receiver.

Exposed to the elements, doorbells rust and get dirty after time. Clean yours up before replacing the bell or chimes unless your heart is set on getting a nicer one. Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol for the job.

To replace a sounding device, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the power to the doorbell at the service panel.

  2. Tape and label the wires so they can be reinstalled the same.

  3. Loosen the terminal screws and take the wires off.

  4. Using a screwdriver, unfasten the bell or chimes from the wall.

  5. Put the wires into the back of the replacement unit.

  6. Attach it to the wall. When you attach each wire, loop the end clockwise around the terminal screw. Make sure you attach the previously marked wires to the correct terminals. Then tighten the screws.

  7. Put the cover on the new unit.

  8. Turn on the power and test the doorbell.

    It should work now. If it doesn’t, buy a new transformer and replace the old one.

It doesn’t matter which wire connects to the black or white wires in the house electric box, and you can put the low-voltage wires on either way also.

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book authors:

Gary and Peg Hedstrom are self-taught repair masters with experience in carpentry, plumbing, appliance repair, and more. Judy Ondrla Tremore is a writer and editor for various newspapers and magazines.

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