Is it safe to call an electrician after the holiday since I disconnected the wires causing the buzzing, or is there more that needs to be addressed?
Asked by Liliana de la Fuente 
2 months ago
Last Updated: September 14, 2024
We noticed a strange smell earlier, kind of like burning wires, but not exactly. It got better though. Then the doorbell chime started buzzing. I took out all the wires and the buzzing stopped. So, I’m wondering if it’s safe to wait until after the holiday to call an electrician or if there’s anything else I need to deal with right away. Thanks!
It should be safe for the time being!
The transformer in the doorbell may have blown, most likely.
There isn’t a single one.
I think is wondering how the voltage gets to pull the plunger. My guess is that the bell button might be jammed… the transformers are usually a class 2 type unless they were replaced with something different.
Stan’s Transformer is actually located in a different place, not within the chime itself. It only receives low voltage from the chime.
It sounds like the transformer isn’t in the chime, but it’s probably somewhere in the basement. It could be a stuck button causing the issue. Let’s start from there.
David, it seems like you might have missed his point. The chime keeps burning out because the coil inside is faulty, which is likely what you were smelling. ‘t worry though, it’s disconnected so it’s safe. You’ll just need to replace the chime and button, and possibly the transformer if it’s also damaged.
Could also act as the transformer by drawing it in and engaging with the push button.
Transformers are usually found in the garage or a closet.
I would suspect that the main issue is the door button being stuck closed.
Dual lighted buttons can also overload it.
Nope, that wouldn’t cause the bell to buzz. It’s probably just a stuck button, which is also known as a $15 repair.
I have witnessed this 4 times since I started in 1993. It was never the transformer, and only once did the bell coil show some overheating BUT IT STILL WORKED.
Usually hangs out in the Los Angeles area, I usually find him in a closet with the houses forced air heater.
You have little practical knowledge.
Locate the transformer and disconnect the black wire.
It seems like the doorbell switch may have shorted out. Make sure to check for a short in the doorbell switch and then double check that the transformer looks fine. It should be safe to wait for repairs with those wires disconnected.
^ The original poster will likely interpret this “switch” as the outdoor push button for the doorbell. Yes, it’s just a 16 volt system, so having all the wires disconnected will be safe until you can get someone out during regular hours. Keep in mind that you have two doorbell push buttons, so either one of them may be faulty. It would be wise to just go ahead and replace both while you’re at it.
Please change the button and the chime.
I’d be more worried about the transformer potentially overheating. I’d also disconnect that.
The burning smell was likely the chime plunger being stuck also causing the buzzing. Most likely chime went bad, Chinese garbage. Tranny could be bad as well depending on how long that chime was stuck.
You can head over to Home Depot and purchase a new one for 30 dollars, or opt for the battery-operated version.
The chime is not working because the dinger is stuck and causing a buzzing sound. You should replace both the dinger and the button.
Actually, that’s low voltage. You will find a transformer somewhere near the panel. Check if it smells strange or feels hot to the touch, that could be the source of the smell.
Transformers can be found in different places; sometimes directly below the wall where the chime is installed
You know, I made a mistake, I live in FL where basements aren’t a thing, so transformers are always at the panel, or close to the attic light
Et a new kit for around $30 super easy to switch out.
One of the buttons is probably stuck in or broken by the door.
The door switch seems to be shorted, causing the chime plunger to stay energized and overheat. It’s fine now that it’s disconnected, but you should contact your electrician soon to fix the issue.
The outside button is stuck, which caused the buzzing and burned out the coil. You will need to replace both the button and the chime.
Perhaps it’s the transformer 12 volts..or 24 volt..depend..they are occasionally broken
Door bell transformers have a rating of 16 volts
Regory Kowal ..alright..no problem..16 volts..
Instead of keeping that bell, you can cut the wires and install a ring doorbell.
To answer your question simply, you are safe for the weekend. You can contact an electrician on Tuesday. Enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday.
The button seems to be stuck
No need to stress! Have a great weekend knowing you disconnected the wires properly.
You’re safe! It would be a good idea to locate the transformer connected to the doorbell and remove the wires from it.
Looks like the doorbell button is stuck.
Secure
Always make sure to turn off the circuit at the breaker in the electrical panel before working on it.
Take a look near your panel for the transformer
Do you own a ring or similar doorbell camera?
In homes built after 1960, you are likely in a grounded house. If there are major issues, the breaker will trip.
Transformers are typically found in the attic, usually near the AC unit and the attic switch.
“Always”?? Not really. What if you don’t have air conditioning or an attic? 🤡🤦🏻♂️
My is not in the attic, it’s by my panel. You all are too funny with your “always” comments.
I’ve noticed them more in basements and on panels.
Sometimes works on the unfinished basement lighting circuit as well.
Has been an electrician for two decades. I’ve never seen one up there. Why on earth would you install something in the attic unless you absolutely had to?
Hey Dean, remember we decided against putting the transformer in the attic.
Make sure your button isn’t stuck
Make sure to check the transformer connected to your chime to determine if it needs to be replaced.
A stuck doorbell button can cause a transformer to overheat and malfunction, as well as produce a humming sound at the chime.
The coil that triggers the doorbell chime is broken and melted. It’s not dangerous, but you’ll need to get a new indoor chime.
Just replace it
Ene Toler, I have enough knowledge as an electrician at this point to disconnect the wires. Will get it replaced next week.
From what I’ve observed, the coils tend to swell and restrict the plunger, which can cause it to start smoking IF the power is constant. Just remember that the voltage is only 16 volts
So I have to knock? 😆 🤣
If there is a specific circuit dedicated to your doorbell, I recommend turning off or disconnecting the wires at the transformer.
Hey Francis, I had an electrician come by to check out the doorbell situation. The button was stuck and caused the chime box to overheat. The electrician fixed it so it’s safe for now, but we’ll need to replace it soon.
Is ready for a ring! 😃
I don’t think there’s a separate circuit just for the doorbell! You’re definitely not an electrician, haha 😄
Do you have a separate circuit for a doorbell transformer in your house? Is this your first year?
Bailey wired many houses without ever installing a separate circuit for a doorbell that operates on 24 volts.
The doorbell needs to be on a separate circuit in the UK.
abriel Cantu
That’s ridiculous! I’ve never seen that happen before. That transformer must be huge! 🤣😆😂 What a joke, claiming to be the operator/owner!
Abriel Cantu currently I’m in a condo in Hawaii. It actually has a dedicated, 20A circuit for the doorbell. Maybe a bit excessive, but that’s how it is
My guess is if you turn off that breaker for a few days, you’ll notice other things not working
Abriel Cantu typically we install them on the attic pull chain light or near the gas furnace
The transformer is no good
Faulty transformer alert.
It’s best to get rid of the old doorbell, replace it with a ring doorbell and chime that can be plugged into an outlet.
I’ll set up the ring doorbell for you and wrap up with the old one
Have you heard of a two gang box transformer behind the chime? No need to search for it.
You should contact an electrician
Simply remove and swap it out
This is NOT a big deal
YOU should replace both doorbell buttons, front door and rear door then reconnect the doorbell. DONE
no you donr need to call an electrician or to turn off power while doing the repair
Doorbell voltage is between
10 VAC – 16VAC. (remember, your car battery is 12 volts and a lot more amperage) you won’t even feel a tingle.
And no I don’t recommend working hot, but this is extremely low power for doing what I said.
There is a remote chance of a lighted Doorbell button causing this, but it’s rare, again just change the buttons and go have coffee.
Homeowners who are not familiar with wiring are giving advice on doorbells.
Purchase a new chime and reconnect the wires the same way you removed them! That’ll be $75 please!😜
If one of the doorbell buttons is stuck or the chime is not working, it’s usually not an emergency.
It will cost you 20 dollars for a brand new kit that includes the chime, button, and transformer. It’s likely that the button is the issue, but it’s best to replace both the button and the chime to fix it easily.
Completed
Hey Suzanne, they have a kit available that includes chimes, a transformer, and a doorbell button. I recommend contacting a local electrician to discuss the issue. You can ask if they install cameras for the doorbell button and if they can help you set it up on your phone. It’s great for checking outside before answering the door and even works at night. You can receive notifications on your phone even from a thousand miles away. Just a suggestion. ood luck!
You’re all set. Just buy a new door chime and you should be able to reconnect it.
I had a similar experience once. I discovered that the doorbell button was faulty and stuck, causing the chime to remain on. Upon inspection, it was clear that the button had been pressed. Start by checking the doorbell button.