Disconnecting doorbell step-down transformer
#1
12-03-20, 11:59 AM
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Disconnecting doorbell step-down transformer
I’m having to upgrade a doorbell transformer from a 16-10 to a 16-30 (per ring doorbell pro help). I’ve found the transformer but I can’t figure out which breaker kills the power to it. I’ve turned every breaker off(albeit for a very short time) but power is still present.
Do transformers “hold” power and “drain” slowly?
Hate to kill the whole house just for this.
Do transformers “hold” power and “drain” slowly?
Hate to kill the whole house just for this.
#2
12-03-20, 12:56 PM
Member
Transformers "deenergize" very quickly. However, if the doorbell is electronic, it might take half a minute or so to deenergize.
#4
12-03-20, 03:11 PM
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Killed power
Went ahead and killed house. Installed new transformer (16-30) but now no power at doorbell. Am I missing something? Re-installed old transformer and got power at doorbell but not enough. Put new (16-30) back on and no power. ??? Could this new transformer be DOA?
Last edited by Blue Ostrich; 12-03-20 at 04:22 PM.
#6
12-03-20, 04:59 PM
Group Moderator
Was this mounted to the panel requiring you to open it ?
Typically in a panel it's connected to a breaker with something else
Typically in a panel it's connected to a breaker with something else
#7
12-04-20, 01:17 PM
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Doa
Only one way to hook up. White/white & black/black.
No was just sitting in attic. Older home
No was just sitting in attic. Older home
#8
12-04-20, 04:13 PM
Member
How are you checking for power? If it is with a volt ohm meter and there is actually no power, then you very well have a bad transformer. I had one from Amazon that was indeed DOA. But if it shows 16VAC, OR if you are just checking your Ring door bell for function, it could be that your bell wiring is too small. Being an old house, they may have used 22 or even 24 gauge bell wire which could have too much voltage drop for Ring to work. So even if the transformer is putting our 16VAC, there still could be too much line loss for a proper Ring operation. 18 gauge bell wire should be used for a Ring installation, although 20 gauge is acceptable, just not ideal.
CasualJoe voted this post useful.
#9
12-07-20, 12:08 PM
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Ring
New transformer indeed DOA. Replaced and good but ring still not operating. Contacted ring. They verified all good except the doorbell. Go figure! Their sending a replacement. I’ll update in a few days.
note:I’ve had a ring installed for four years with no issues till now. Crazy how they (ring) say transformer not pushing enough power for new cam (same as old cam)then cam is bad. Crazy. At least their standing by their product.
note:I’ve had a ring installed for four years with no issues till now. Crazy how they (ring) say transformer not pushing enough power for new cam (same as old cam)then cam is bad. Crazy. At least their standing by their product.
#11
12-14-20, 11:21 PM
Group Moderator
Check out post #2 in the following thread. Nest is similar in operation to the Ring.
I wrote that to another member with a similar problem to yours.
burn-marks-nest-chime-connector.
I wrote that to another member with a similar problem to yours.
burn-marks-nest-chime-connector.
#12
12-21-20, 01:57 AM
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Thx
Thx tjmax.
now I’m on my third ring pro. Been dealing with them and they’ve been very helpful. Said my second ring had faults that engineering was aware of (???) so sent me a third one saying it’s the newest of the newest. We’ll see.
now I’m on my third ring pro. Been dealing with them and they’ve been very helpful. Said my second ring had faults that engineering was aware of (???) so sent me a third one saying it’s the newest of the newest. We’ll see.
