Doorbell/electricity question?

Question

When we moved into our house there is a doorbell switch outside of the house, but no chimes/bells in the house anywhere. I don't know if the previous owner removed the chimes and all traces of it, but they are nowhere to be find - and no wires to be found as "evidence".

People constantly press our defunct doorbell that doesn't work, and therefore do not get an answer at the door.

I want to remove the doorbell switch and replace it with a wireless one that we don't have to wire up. Obviously when I remove the doorbell switch screws there is a wire hooked up to it. Any suggestions on safely and easily removing this and getting a new switch (wireless) mounted over the hole?

Answer 1

It's low voltage so there's not a huge risk, but the safest way to do it would be to turn off the main circuit breaker in the electric panel so there's no power in the house, then snip the wires and abandon them (you could put wire nuts on the ends of the wires).

If you can find the transformer you may be able to disconnect the wires there, but you'd need a voltage sniffer to know for sure that the wires at the door bell are dead. The first method I mentioned would be cheaper.

Answer 2

Use a circuit tracer and find the circuit breaker that powers the doorbell.  If not then cap both ends of the switch (wires).  After you have capped them, you have a safe situation.  If you trace the switch wires to find the circuit breaker, you can take it out of play (probably too much for a layman)  This is a low voltage situation and you should find a transformer close to the door.  (sometimes built into the frame)

Answer 3

don't "just cut the wires and push them in" the right way is to make sure there is no voltage on them. if there is voltage you will have to locate the bell transformer, mine's in my basement on one of the lighting outlets, and you will have to disconnect it.... then you can push the wires back  

Answer 4

nothing to it,remove the old switch,cut the wires&push them back in the hole,then just put your wireless switch over it.it to should have screws,put one in one of the existing holes and make a new one for the other.THEN RING YOUR HEART OUT

getrdone