Among the electrical work, there are those that do not require a call from a specialist. Knowing the principles of building electrical circuits, you can independently replace the electric bell. Agree, this is a great opportunity to learn new skills and save money.
But even when performing the simplest work with electrical installations and wires, you need to know both the basics and the small, but important nuances of installation: the choice of the scheme and the place of installation, ways of connecting wires in a junction box, electrical panel arrangement.
We will help you to understand in more detail the stages of installation and will tell you in detail how the installation of a call to an apartment is performed. And first, let's take a look at the types of devices and several popular schemes.
The content of the article:
- Design and types of electric calls
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Overview of wiring diagrams
- # 1 - Wiring diagram of the old model
- # 2 - One or two calls for 2 buttons
- # 3 - Wiring diagrams of modern models
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Step-by-step instructions for installing the bell
- Step 1 - materials and tools
- Step 2 - preparatory work
- Step 3 - installing the bell housing
- Step 4 - mounting the button
- Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Design and types of electric calls
According to the principle of operation and design features, electrical models can be divided into 2 large categories: electromechanical and electronic. They are united by the principle of operation - a sound is heard when a button is pressed. At this moment, the contacts close and voltage is applied.
The sound in electromechanical bells is heard due to the operation of the electromagnetic coil and the interaction of the percussion mechanism with the electric plate. There is no adjustment for such models, and the quality and volume of sound depend on the material and dimensions of the plate, hammer and bowl.
Electromechanical bell design. The traditional monotonous sound is heard the moment the hammer starts striking the bowl. Thanks to the bowl device, the sound is boomy and loud
Electronic products are distinguished by their internal filling. Instead of interacting metal parts, electronics and a loudspeaker are located inside the box. The advantage is that you can adjust the volume of the sound, and for some models, you can choose a melody.
Electronic models, in turn, are divided into 2 groups:
- Wired, in which all parts are connected by wires. Pros: clear design, easy installation, reliability. Cons: depend on electricity supply, require drilling and wall chasing.
- Wirelesstransmitting signals by radio waves. They run on batteries or accumulators, less often from the mains. Pros: Does not depend on the mains connection, the button is protected from dust and moisture, easy installation. Cons: limited distance between blocks, regular battery replacement.
There are also video calls with a camera, but their design, installation method and principle of operation should be discussed separately. We will focus on the current electronic models, which are present in large quantities on the domestic market.
Overview of wiring diagrams
The amount of preparatory and installation work depends on the choice of the scheme. The circuit itself is selected taking into account several criteria: the type and number of devices, the need to connect to automation, the method of signal transmission. Let's consider the most common wired options.
# 1 - Wiring diagram of the old model
The sequence of connecting the old model with a "bell" or "bowl" can be useful if you started to change the electrical wiring, but do not want to change the device itself.
The scheme is simple and straightforward: both mains conductors, zero and phase, are directed to 2 terminals or bell wires, but the phase is preliminarily brought into the button.
The junction box connects three wires: one goes from the bell, the second from the button, the third from the circuit breaker, which is installed in the electrical panel, in the apartment or on the landing
The cable serving the button and coming from the junction box is routed through a hole in the wall, most often near the front door.
Previously, the construction company was responsible for the installation of the bell, and the laying of the networks was designed from the very beginning. Nowadays, new houses are often rented out with imperfections, so you have to grind the walls yourself and make holes in the wall.
Some wireless models are easier to connect - they do not need to be integrated into the general network, since the power is drawn from the outlet. In this case, you will have to find or install an additional socket to call.
Loads of the loop are small and short-term, so thin copper wires 2 * 1.5 or 3 * 1.5 can be used. It is forbidden to use aluminum cables of small cross-section.
# 2 - One or two calls for 2 buttons
In some houses, the layout of common areas is such that a vestibule is formed for 2-3 apartments, that is, another door appears on the guest's path. In order to be able to call the owner of one of the apartments or any tenant, the bell is installed both at the door of the apartment and at the general entrance.
An additional 2-wire cable and a parallel connection are used to split the network into two buttons. As a result, you do not need to set 2 rings - the same one will ring when you press any button
A scheme in which 2 buttons are connected to two bells may also be useful, and when either of the buttons is pressed, both devices are triggered.
Distinctive features of the circuit: the use of a 3-core cable from the junction box to the buttons, and the connection of the 2nd bell with a separate wire
The phase coming from the soldering box is connected with a jumper to the contacts of the buttons, and the connecting wires are sent separately - from each button to its own bell. For the correct use of the buttons, it is better to label them.
# 3 - Wiring diagrams of modern models
Apartments in old houses were wired using the TN-C system, now TN-S / TN-C-S is used.
Modern networks have an additional PE conductor that provides grounding. All conductors of the "earth" type, connected to metal housings, are connected in the junction box and grounded on the shield.
The instructions for the product indicate which wires to use when connecting. If grounding is required, a 3-wire wire is required. The ground conductor is marked with a yellow-green marking
If the button is metal, it also needs to be grounded.
For plastic products, a simpler scheme is suitable - with 2 contacts. This is the most requested option.
But there are models with 4 terminals. They should not be confusing, as they only simplify wiring.
When installing a bell with 4 terminals, a junction box is not needed. Its function is performed by the bell body: the wires coming from the button are connected to the 2nd terminals, and the wires coming from the power line are connected to the other 2 terminals.
If a transformer is included with the bell, then a different connection scheme is used.
Circuit for bells with safe low voltage control. The button is powered with a voltage of 12-24 V, and the conductors are connected in a separate junction box
A transformer for the bell is mounted in the electrical panel, which resembles an ordinary automatic machine in size. From it, a low voltage cable is directed into the junction box.
Both wires are connected to the bell: low voltage and 220 V power, coming from the unit with the device that makes the sound.
There are other connection diagrams - we advise you to take the exact information only from the technical documentation and installation instructions.
Step-by-step instructions for installing the bell
The installation of the button and the indoor unit is carried out according to the instructions, which must be included in the kit for new products. We offer general instructions suitable for a standard wired model, consisting of 2 main working blocks - a button and the bell itself.
Step 1 - materials and tools
It is better to prepare the tools right away so as not to be distracted once more during work. If you plan to chisel the walls, a chasing cutter, punch or drill will come in handy. If necessary, they can be borrowed from friends or rented. The rest of the devices and accessories are not as bulky.
It is better to carry out "dirty" work together with the repair of the corridor or hallway, then the wires will be reliably "sewn up" into the plaster and the appearance of the walls will not suffer as a result
A set of tools and materials for installing the bell:
- construction knife;
- screwdriwer set;
- indicator screwdriver;
- screws and screwdriver;
- insulating tape;
- terminals.
Connecting wires can be done not only terminals - they are simply faster and more convenient. Some people still use soldering, then a soldering iron will be required.
We do not recommend doing twists without soldering - this is an unreliable and dangerous way of connecting the conductors.
For outdoor installation of cables, in which you do not have to gouge walls, protective cable channels will come in handy. This is an option for hallways with a fresh renovation.
If there is no cable included with the bell, you need to buy it. Before buying, look at the installation diagram and clarify which cable required: 2- or 3-wire.
Step 2 - preparatory work
If you are installing a wireless model, no preparation is needed. It is required when it is necessary to pave the path for the wires connecting the loop elements.
The hardest part is to drill a hole and hammer grooves in a concrete wall. To do this, make a markup, and then use a special power tool: a chasing cutter, a perforator, an impact drill
The hole is usually drilled near the front door. Sometimes it is neatly masked with platbands. The wires for the button are led out, approximately at a height of 150-160 cm from the floor, for the bell body - to the place of its installation. Usually this is an area under the ceiling above the door or slightly to the side of it.
If a connection to the electrical panel is required, consider the path to the ground bus. If the bell has an adapter with a plug, choose the place of installation of the case so that it looks organically on the wall.
The wires are laid in the made grooves, covered with plaster on top. To make the walls and the bell body look neat, we recommend finishing the walls only after the installation of the fasteners is completed.
Step 3 - installing the bell housing
First, we connect the conductors, and then we install the case on the bracket or holder. Sometimes it's just 1-2 screws for the "ears".
Before connecting, we remove the voltage from the involved circuit - turn off the circuit breaker in the electrical panel and warn others not to turn it on
The veins sticking out of the wall are taken out, according to the diagram, into the case through a special hole or unscrew the lid. Find the terminals, start stripped conductors, we twist.
Often, self-tightening terminals are installed in expensive or imported products, the wires in which are fixed with one click.
We close the lid, "push" the body onto screws, self-tapping screws or bolts. If a special bracket is pre-installed, we simply fix it on the latch
There are products, the body of which must be screwed to the bar. Then first we screw in the screws, and only then we close the lid. As a result of correct installation, only the front decorative panel is visible, the fasteners are invisible.
Step 4 - mounting the button
The order of installation of the button and the indoor unit does not matter, you can first connect the button, and then the case. The standard installation height is 150-160 cm, but sometimes, for objective reasons, it is fixed a little lower. It is better to retreat 10-15 cm from the jamb.
First, the wires are brought into the case in the same way, they are connected to the terminals, then the cover is snapped in and the button body is fixed on the wall.
If you find double-sided tape in the kit - it is provided for attaching the button to the wall. But it is much more reliable if it is screwed onto screws or self-tapping screws.
After installing all the elements on the dashboard, turn on the machine and check the operation of the bell. If possible, adjust the volume.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Detailed instruction from a Russian cable manufacturer:
Self-installation option:
With the advent of intercoms and mobile phones, the need for the mandatory installation of a doorbell has disappeared. But it still remains a useful device that makes life much easier - if, for example, an intercom is not installed in your entrance.
Self-assembly is simple and is a good training for further, more serious practices in the field of electrical supply of your own home. But, when working with electricity, do not forget about safety - your own and those of others.
If you are familiar with the installation of a call in an apartment or house, we invite you to share your personal experience. Perhaps you have encountered difficulties during installation, let's discuss them together with our readers. Go to the comments, ask questions to our experts and other site visitors.
