Video type Doorbell upgrade - requirements and suggestions

MiketheMechanic

My doorbell and house is almost 20 years old.

I was thinking of upgrading to one of the new video doorbells.

I am not tied to any particular brand, but obviously there seems to be a lot of discussion about Amazon Ring.

The existing transformer in the fuseboard is an 8V 1A unit.

see attached

Are there any video doorbells that will work successfully with this supply?

If not, what sort of traffo should I get and where is the cheapest place to source a suitable unit.

The existing doorbell has a chime in the hallway. Can this be reused by the new video units?

Or do I have to swap the old chime out for a new chime unit.

Finally, are there any bargains out there for a good video doorbell?

Thanks

MtM

kirk.

The ring doorbell is 24v wired direct to doorbell and a separate plug in chime

10-10-20 or someone probably knows a lot more about it

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120259117#Comment_120259117

Actually, that I don't! I'll pass that baton to more knowledgeable folk.

astrofool

It depends which doorbell you got, it looks like the Ring Video Doorbell (non-pro) will work off 8V now and should work with that transformer (used to be 16-24V minimum, you won't know this till you try it), the pro needs at least 16V:

Checking if your existing doorbell wiring is compatible with Ring Video Doorbells – Ring Help

If the current transformer is on the fuse box (and it looks like it is from the picture) and you need to change it, you'll need an electrician to do it for you (transformer would be like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/PROTEK-Transformer-Mount-Module-BT8-24/dp/B07MGC65W3).

If you want to keep a regular chime, you would need one like this that supports up to 16V (and then set the transformer to be 16V):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Friedland-Own-brand-packaging-D117/dp/B0001NPYZ2/

Or you can use a wireless chime (the bell itself also makes a bell sound), some of the doorbells can also be plugged into a socket instead, if it's located nearby (and you're happy getting the cable through the door to the chime):

Ring Video Doorbell Plug-In Adapter | Video Doorbell Power Adapter

Internally, the doorbell will be running off 3.3V or 5V (the doorbell itself will do the voltage step down similar to an auto-switching power supply, providing the wattage is great enough) but you won't need to worry about this (more of an FYI if you're worried about setting it to 16V or 24V, the difference is minimal).

Nest Doorbell needs a minimum of 12V or 16V for comparison:

Check Nest doorbell compatibility - Google Nest Help

Also this old thread:

Any way to wire 8V chime to Ring Doorbell Pro (24V)? — boards.ie - Now Ye're Talkin'