Door Chime Transformer Not Powerful Enough?

[Del Ishy]

I currently have a single door chime. I have recently purchased another chime of the same make to position it within another room, I have taken the wires from the existing chime. However, with the second door chime connected both door chimes do not work, there is slight movement on one of the internal mechanisms.

So I'm guessing the transformer is not sufficient to power both door chimes, so I was wondering what kind of transformer is needed in terms of volts/amps.

Many thanks

 

[winston1]

So I'm guessing the transformer is not sufficient to power both door chimes, so I was wondering what kind of transformer is needed in terms of volts/amps.

Many thanks

So are we and will continue to wonder until you give us more information.

E.G. Make/model no of chime. Voltage and current rating of existing transformer.

But probably there are no bell transformers rated for 2 chimes so you will have to improvise.

 

[winston1]

Thinking about improvisation if the chimes are identical you could buy another identical transformer and put the chimes in series and the transformer secondaries in series. But if you have an illuminated bell push the bulb will need changing to one twice the voltage.

Don't consider putting transformer secondaries in parallel. You would likely get circulating currents and burn one or both out.

 

[AdrianUK]

....the transformer secondaries in series....

Maybe...... but, if the phasing of windings isn't taken into consideration, he well get nothing out!

I do agree that attempting to parallel the secondaries of two simple door bell transformers isn't a good idea - they are unlikely to be matched.

 

[AdrianUK]

....the transformer secondaries in series....

Maybe...... but, if the phasing of windings isn't taken into consideration, he well get nothing out! I wonder if the primary/secondary phase relationship is guaranteed with a bell transformer?

I do agree that attempting to parallel the secondaries of two simple door bell transformers isn't a good idea - they are unlikely to be matched.

edit: How on earth did I manage a duplicate post?!!????

 

[bernardgreen]

The other thing to consider with series connections of chimes is whether they have interrupters.

If they go DING when the button is pressed and DONG when the button is released they can be connected in series. ( they do not have an interrupter )

If they go DING-DONG-DING~~~~DONG-DING-DONG as long as the button is pressed they do have interrupters and will not work well in series.

 

[JohnW2]

edit: How on earth did I manage a duplicate post?!!????

The same way that most of us manage fairly often, I suppose, but goodness knows what that is!!

... and another oops for you, since you've just replied to your own post, rather than editing it (another thing that most of us manage to do from time to time!)

Kind Regards, John

 

[Del Ishy]

The door chimes I have are Volex DCW13.
The current transformer is 8v/1a.

 

[sparkwright]

There's not much data on the chimes, from what I can see.

The best thing to do would be to contact the technical helpline (though since it's Volex it may not be as specialist as say Friedland) and see what they suggest.

With Friedland bells they have on occasion recommended a stronger transformer, but I wouldn't want to suggest that without knowing more info.

Doorbells can be surprisingly difficult once you start adding bells and longer lengths of cable.

 

[Del Ishy]

I'll give the helpline a call and see what they suggest.

Currently, the door chime is not loud enough and you can hardly hear it the next room.

Based on your experiences any recommendation for a loud door chime?

 

[sparkwright]

Helplines MAY not be open till Tuesday. Don't phone lunchtime!

Friedland have a very useful helpline, I'm sure they will give you plenty of advice even if you aren't using their products.

Very important not to take chances, as the transformers or bells can burn out and become useless.

 

[deadshort]

Hi, if you can find a double pole push switch you could use both chimes with two transformers, effectively two separate circuits switched with one switch

DS

 

[sparkwright]

From memory, the last time I did what you are proposing, I had two doorbells at I THINK 8 V (which it was claimed could be used on a 12 V transformer if necessary I THINK). And I THINK the bells were each rated at 1 A.

I THINK I used a 2 A transformer, and I THINK I was advised it could be 8 V but 12 V would be ok because of the extra cable run.

But I'm not sure on the spec of your bells, so don't start work yet!

It's all coming back, but it's pathetic when an electrician can't think about simple science like a doorbell and the simple maths that goes with it.

Brain going soft.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

ISTR this pretty-much-exact-same topic being discussed here a few months ago

 

[securespark]

Happens to us all mate!

My brain's gone soft since I was forced to retire.