Doorbell transformer suddenly started humming
#1
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Doorbell transformer suddenly started humming
We recently moved into a 1997 house and I distinctly remember _NOT_ hearing any humming of any sort for a few days. Until my 4 year old banged on the doorbell a few too many times in quick succession. (I could be wrong, and the hum might have been there... but it is so loud that I would not have missed it)
Now, the basement area, specifically near the stairs is humming. When I turn off the circuit (ironically marked upstairs bedrooms), the humming stops and the doorbell stops working. Unfortunately, the previous owners (or the ones before them) had finished the basement and I see no panel/access to get to the transformer. I don't even know for sure if it is there.
Is it possible that banging the doorbell could cause the transformer to 'go bad' and start humming ? Unlikely, but just want to check
I have been reading up and found that one could use AM radios to correctly pinpoint the transformer location. Can I presume that the area where the humming is the loudest is the place where the transformer is ?
The chime is next to the door, and the humming does not seem to come from it. Unfortunately, I can't seem to pry it open without damaging it, so can't trace the wires, etc
Any help/tips will be welcome. I am really not a DIY person; but want to learn if and what I can do before forking out 125-150 bucks for an electrician to come take a look
Now, the basement area, specifically near the stairs is humming. When I turn off the circuit (ironically marked upstairs bedrooms), the humming stops and the doorbell stops working. Unfortunately, the previous owners (or the ones before them) had finished the basement and I see no panel/access to get to the transformer. I don't even know for sure if it is there.
Is it possible that banging the doorbell could cause the transformer to 'go bad' and start humming ? Unlikely, but just want to check
I have been reading up and found that one could use AM radios to correctly pinpoint the transformer location. Can I presume that the area where the humming is the loudest is the place where the transformer is ?
The chime is next to the door, and the humming does not seem to come from it. Unfortunately, I can't seem to pry it open without damaging it, so can't trace the wires, etc
Any help/tips will be welcome. I am really not a DIY person; but want to learn if and what I can do before forking out 125-150 bucks for an electrician to come take a look
#2
finished the basement and I see no panel/access to get to the transformer. I don't even know for sure if it is there.
#3
Welcome to the forums!
If you post a few pictures of your chime, or a link to it, we may be able to help you with that. See How To Put Pictures In Your Post.
Ray has good advice on the rest of your question.
The chime is next to the door, and the humming does not seem to come from it. Unfortunately, I can't seem to pry it open without damaging it, so can't trace the wires, etc
Ray has good advice on the rest of your question.
#4
Now, the basement area, specifically near the stairs is humming.
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I found this on ebay. This seems to be exactly what I have. Looks like the transformer is "remote" and not part of the chime enclosure.
Chinex Door Chimes Doorbell Maple Chase Company 1994 | eBay
Chinex Door Chimes Doorbell Maple Chase Company 1994 | eBay
#6
Looks like the transformer is "remote" and not part of the chime enclosure.