How to Connect a Doorbell to a Light Switch (Three Step Guide)

Connecting the doorbell to a light switch makes it easy to control the doorbell without incurring the additional cost of purchasing a new outlet.

As an electrician, I've done this many times and I can tell you it's an easy task that you can do without hiring a professional. You only need to find and connect the transformer to the doorbell and then to the switch.

In general, connect the doorbell from the light switch.

• Find a transformer in the electrical box or install a new 16V transformer in the electrical box.
• Connect the wire from the button to the red screw on the transformer, and the wire from the bell to any screw on the transformer.
• Divide the electrical line in the junction box so that one goes to the doorbell and the other to the switch.

I'll go into more detail below.

What do you need

To install a doorbell in a light switch, you will need the following tools and materials:

• Connecting wires - gauge 22
• Digital multimeter
• Wire splitter
• Wire nuts
• door bell
• Screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers

The Importance of a Transformer in Connecting a Doorbell

The doorbell is usually connected to a transformer, which converts the 120 volts AC from that electrical source into 16 volts. (1)

The doorbell cannot operate on a 120 volt circuit as it will explode. So, the transformer is a critical and must-have piece of equipment for a doorbell wire and you can't avoid it when installing a doorbell in your home. It regulates the voltage applied to the doorbell chime.

Connecting a doorbell to a light switch

Follow the steps below to connect the doorbell system to the light switch.

Step 1: Find a transformer

You need to find a doorbell transformer to connect it properly. The transformer is easy to find because it will stick out on one side of the electrical box.

Alternatively, you can install a 16V doorbell transformer like this:

• Power off
• Remove the electrical box cover and then the old transformer.
• Pull out one side of the plug and install the 16 volt transformer.
• Connect the black wire from the transformer to the black wire in the box.
• Connect the white wire from the transformer to the white wire in the electrical box.

Step 2: Connect the doorbell to a transformer

Remove about one inch of insulation from the doorbell wires with a wire stripper. Then attach them to the front screws of the 16 volt transformer. (2)

To the doorbell

The live or hot wire is the wire from the button, and the wire from the horn is the neutral wire.

So, attach the hot wire to the red screw on the transformer and the neutral wire to any other screw on the transformer.

Use a screwdriver to securely fasten the wires to the screw. You can then repair the protective frame or plate on the junction box and turn the power back on.

Step 3: Connecting the doorbell to the light switch

Now remove the light switch box and install the large 2-station box.

Then split the electrical line so that one line goes to the switch and the other goes to the doorbell kit that can be mounted on the wall switch.

Then connect the switch to the ring as you now have the correct output voltage from the transformer.

Take a look at some of our articles below.

• How to connect the light in parallel with the switch circuit
• How to test a low voltage transformer
• How to connect stone lanterns to a switch

Recommendations

(1) source of electricity - https://www.nationalgeographic.org/activity/

source-destination-source-of-energy/

(2) insulation - https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/types-insulation