TOOL & MATERIAL CHECKLIST
Chimes or Doorbell(s), 120V Transformer, Junction Box, Electrician's Tape, 12/3 or 14/3 Cable, Continuity Tester and Voltage Meter, Fish Tape, Bell Wire, Screwdriver (Phillips/Standard), Wire Connectors, Medium Grit Abrasive.
Doorbells, chimes, and buzzers operate on a low-voltage electrical system which usually requires 16 to 24 volts of power (sometimes a little more or a little less than this figure). The electricity is supplied by 120-volt housepower connected to a bell/chime transformer. The transformer reduces the 120-volt housepower load to the lower voltage figure.
Bell wire which you can buy in single insulated rolls is 18- or 20-gauge. Transformers are pre-wired for housepower connections. The connections are made in a junction box; the transformer usually is fastened directly to the junction box or alongside of it. Chimes and bells are also usually pre-wired, making wire connections easy directly to screw type terminals.
If you are installing a new system, replacing old chimes, buzzers, or bells with new sounding devices, or just repairing the system, you'll find the techniques very similar and extremely easy to do. The exception might be a new system where the bell wires have to be fished through walls, ceilings, and framing members; this can require lots and lots of patience.
If you are replacing old bells, buzzers, or chimes with new ones, it's just a matter of disconnecting the wires at the devices, removing them, and hooking up the new devices-almost without exception.
Any difference will be noted in the manufacturer's instructions that are packaged with the units.