How to Choose Wireless Doorbell Systems

Wireless doorbells use radio waves instead of wires to connect the switch to the bell. The switch is a small self-contained battery-powered radio transmitter. The receiver/chime can be battery-powered or plugged into the electricity mains.

As no wiring is required, almost anyone can install one in minutes. They can be used to replace a faulty wired doorbell that is too difficult to repair. There will also be fewer problems with the landlord if the property is rented as any modifications are not permanent.

Prices range between $20 and $40। Designer doorbells can cost a few hundred dollars. Popular brands include Heath Zenith, Jacob Jensen, Byron and Friedland.

The maximum distance between the transmitter and receiver as quoted by manufacturers is normally between 150 and 450 feet. This is usually "open air" distance. If any doors or walls are in the way the distance can fall to one third (50 to 150 feet) or less. Metal doors and walls will reduce the distance even more.

Some wireless doorbells are advertised as "digital". This isn't very meaningful or advantageous as wireless doorbells are quite simple systems.

The radio channel used should be selectable to avoid interference with neighbors' systems. Sixteen to 256 channels are common.

Wireless Doorbell Configurations

Different doorbell configurations are possible। Manufacturers sell doorbell systems to fit the most popular configurations. Homeowners can also combine two or more systems for more flexibility.

Common examples are:

• One switch, one bell. This is the simplest configuration and will suit the needs of many homes and small offices.
• Two switches and one bell. Typically one switch is for the front door, the other for the back door. Doorbell systems built to support two switches can sound different chimes, depending on which switch is pressed.
• One switch and two bells. Both bells will sound at the same time when the switch is pressed. This is useful if the bell needs to be heard from different places: the basement, kitchen, garage, backyard.

How to Choose a Doorbell Button or Switch

Some switches are designed to be rain resistant for outdoor mounting on a garden gate. Silicon grease will help to waterproof any switch.

The switch should click when pressed, or flash an LED, so that the visitor will know that the switch has triggered. This is important if the bell is too far away to be heard. Many switches are mushy and give no tactile feedback.

Switches are mounted with screws or double-sided sticky tape (grandly called "surface mount" by some manufacturers). Some switches support both methods, others only one. Sticky tape is quick and easy to install, and causes less damage to walls and door posts. Screws are more reliable: the switch won't easily fall off and will better resist theft by vandals.

How to Choose a Doorbell Receiver and Chimes

Modern doorbells don't use real bells anymore. They use audio speakers and play digital recordings of bells and other sounds.

This increases the number of different chimes that can be sounded (including songs, special low-frequency tones for the hearing-impaired). However the sound quality can be inferior, depending on the model. Using speakers also means that the volume can be controlled but a volume control isn't always provided. Maximum volume should be checked as it can be too soft for some situations.

Receivers/doorbells can be powered by

• Batteries (D or C cell). These are portable and can be easily moved from room to room, even a few times a day to follow the homeowner from room to room. Having to replace batteries is obviously an issue.
• Mains electricity. Some receivers have no wires and plug directly into the wall socket and therefore require no mounting. This makes them almost as portable as battery-powered receivers but they can block adjoining sockets.
• Both, powered by a DC adapter or batteries.

Some receivers can flash a built-in LED for the hearing-impaired or to be noticed over the noise of a home theatre system. These aren't usually very bright, and need to be directly in the field of view to be seen (unlike a camera flash that can be seen bounced off walls). For more visibility some receivers have an electrical socket that can be used to flash a standard table lamp.

More complex receivers can serve double duty as intruder alarms, triggered by motion detectors or door contacts. A different tone is sounded to differentiate between a normal bell press and an unauthorized entry.

The Best Wireless Doorbell

Wireless doorbells can be as simple or as complex as required. Complaints are usually related to reception range, maximum volume and switch durability.

House-proud homeowners will want to consider paying more for a designer system to avoid putting a cheap plastic switch on the front door of a million dollar house.