How Do Ring Doorbells Work?
The doorbell works by sensing or detecting motion around where it is mounted, up to 30 feet within its range. It is usually connected to Wi-Fi and sends an alert when motion is detected or the doorbell is pressed. These visual images are typically stored in the doorbell’s cloud for a fee, or what I’d call a monthly fee. Additionally, if the doorbell is linked to your smartphone, you will receive a notification when it detects motion or when the bell button is pressed.
Transformers and Ring Doorbells:
As stated earlier, the transformers are the power source of the ring doorbell. This is a result of the fact that these doorbells require a power supply. This supply has to be very constant to deliver a specific amount of energy for effective working. While installing a transformer for the doorbell, one should take into consideration the power and voltage requirements of the doorbell. Disregarding this information could lead to the rupture of the transformer after it has been installed.
Causes and Solutions to Ring Doorbells Blowing Transformers:
For effective use of a ring doorbell, an appropriate transformer is considered. The transformer required for operating a ring doorbell should fall within the 16-24V power bracket. Contrary to this range, the doorbell would not work in the slightest. Certain factors are commonly responsible for blowing the transformers, some of which are:
High Incoming Voltage; ShortCircuits; Overheating; DamagedOr Faulty Transformers.
Any of these can lead to the blowing up of a transformer. As such, when it comes to the high incoming voltage, a transformer with a lower recommended voltage would be affected. This would in turn lead to the destruction of this transformer on receiving this voltage. When you inspect for improper or high incoming voltage, it is important that you do not use a transformer higher than 40W. On the other hand, a transformer whose recommended value is in the standard power bracket would accumulate such high voltage and still be in perfect working condition. Using a voltage stabilizer also helps to curb transformer casualties, thereby passing only the required voltage to the doorbell.
Observing a short circuit in the work is another issue that can lead to the destruction of transformers and, in more cases than not, the doorbell and its components.
Overheating could be one of the recurrent causes of transformer blowouts. The location of your transformer has huge importance in this. Improper location could lead to overheating and, as such, transformers should be kept away from direct UV rays. It can be most likely located nearest to the main electric panel, or in your garage, a utility room, near the television or cable TV line, or even in the attic. Overloading a transformer can also lead to overheating of the transformer. You should always check for this by only connecting devices that do not exceed the amount of power your transformer can draw.
When it comes to faulty transformers, a proper visual check can be carried out to check for all worn out parts. You also need to observe the meter reading of the transformer. If it’s of the appropriate value, you would also check if the transformer receives enough voltage, if there are any burn marks or parts, and so on. A transformer would be considered faulty if any of these or more were observed. If you seem to be unsure, you can always resort to contacting a trained professional to help you check your transformer for faults. If any of these issues are observed, you would need to fix them, or you can buy a new transformer.
Moreover, installing a ring pro power kit can also help to maintain the doorbell and the transformer, as it regulates the power and makes sure the ring doorbell receives the required power at all times.
Conclusion:
It is certain that blown transformers are a result of one or more of the issues stated in this article. With this knowledge, cases of blown transformers would be at a minimum, as you would be aware of the compatibility of the transformers and the ring doorbells, and make a proper choice while purchasing a transformer in order to prevent any form of safety hazard.
Frequently Asked Question:
I have a transformer. It doesn’t overheat and I check the voltage regularly, but it keeps getting blown up. What should I do?
First of all, I’d suggest you change the battery in the regulator. This is because the regulator might not be giving accurate voltage records of the incoming voltage and this might be leading to the blowing up of your transformer. Secondly, you need to observe the transformer properly for any inward defaults or damage. If all these are still intact, I’d suggest you contact customer support.
