Doorbell not working? Looking to upgrade to a fancier doorbell like a Google Nest Hello or Ring and need to know if your transformer is compatible? One thing you need to check is your doorbell’s transformer. But how do you find your doorbell’s transformer?
Last weekend, I installed Google Nest WiFi and a Google Nest Hello doorbell system with a Google Nest Hub. The doorbell system requires a bit of pre-work, including verifying if your existing doorbell system is compatible with the Google Nest Hello doorbell.
What is a doorbell transformer?
A standard doorbell is a closed-circuit, low-voltage connection, activated when someone presses the doorbell button. In order to provide this low-voltage connection, a transformer is required to convert the household power down to the lower voltage required by the doorbell mechanism.
The standard doorbell mechanism is mostly DIY serviceable, as the voltage is low enough to not provide any danger. It is still a good idea to turn off the power to the transformer before servicing the doorbell mechanism. However, before you do this, you need to know where it is so you can turn off the breaker at your electric panel.
READ MORE: How to Troubleshoot Google Nest Hello Doorbell Error NC033
What transformers work with a Google Nest Hello doorbell?
One important piece of information you need before installing a Google Nest Hello or Ring doorbell is the type of transformer powering your existing doorbell. If the transformer is too weak, you won’t be able to power your fancy new doorbell, and if it is too strong, you might fry it.
Google provides a fairly comprehensive guide on figuring out your current setup and its compatibility with its Nest Hello hardware. For United States installations, the wires coming from the transformer to the doorbell mechanism need to be between 16 and 24 volts, and at least 10 VA. For most transformers, this is labeled on the front of the transformer.
However, you still need to locate your transformer to verify this!
READ MORE: How to Set Up Google Nest WiFi
How to locate your doorbell transformer
Home Depot provides a pretty good overview of how to find and test a doorbell transformer. The transformer is a small metal box connected to high voltage electric wires from your home electrical system, and to smaller white or gray wires connected to your doorbell(s).
According to Home Depot, doorbell transformers can be located in the following areas:
- Outside the home along the siding
- On a wall in your garage
- Fixed to a wall in the basement or a closet near the front door
- Tucked in the wall behind the chime
- In your attic
- In the crawlspace
The last location is where I found mine. I crawled under my house to the area under the front door, located the smaller gray wire and then traced it back to the transformer, which was under my living room for some reason.
Once located, I noted the fact that the transformer was indeed labeled 16V and 10VA. Good to go!
How to troubleshoot or replace your doorbell transformer
Since the transformer connects to your home’s main power, it is highly recommended to have a professional electrician perform this work. Your location may also fall under certain permit and inspection requirements. One main thing you must remember is that you need to turn off the power to your entire home before attempting such work.
As this involves electrical work, I do not recommend doing this yourself unless you have significant home electrical experience. I will defer to another site for these instructions!
Hopefully this helps you locate your doorbell transformer. Whether you need to troubleshoot an existing transformer or verify your transformer for use with a doorbell upgrade, you will need to know where it is located.
