Reducing the Hum of a Video Door Bell System

[@niekvandenberg205]

We ended up exchanging this model for the slimmer version kzbin.infoUgkx0jZ_lGlDVJhDnmagEU8gn47cmfPNlLQU because it was too wide for the only door trim area that made sense to mount it on. However, we should have just noted the dimensions prior to purchasing. Otherwise, we love the doorbell. It works perfectly, and the video is very clear, even at night.

[@Toddlermealtips]

Thanks for this video, I was so freaked out by the sound in case it was bad wiring. Relieved to find your video. I think I can sleep now.

[@leww2546]

Thank you for this video! Adding a resistor worked like a charm!

[@chulee9419]

what's the chime model number (C102-MESH)? thanks

[@wreckagevic]

My Arlo doorbell makes a humming noise. I replaced the transformer to the recommended 16v yet it still continues

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I have not had an Arlo. It is humming loud even with the resistor as shown?

[@wreckagevic]

@@ThriftyToolShed I haven’t added the resistor but I am browsing options at the moment.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Ok. Yeah even with the 16V transformer alot of them still have a loud rattle or him. That is why the resistor works with most of them, dropping the voltage accross the coil a couple of volts!

[@haydendillard4306]

Will this work if you have two door bells?

[@delsteroth]

I’m Wanting to install two of this brand camera door bell. I’ve already shot (2) 16 v transformers and considering using a 20v. Not certain of the voltage draw for one camera door bell. Of course instructions are for one requesting 16v transformer. Installing the two does work but not for long, like a day or two. I like your idea of the resistor. I was having the same problem. If you can lead me in the right direction I’d appreciate.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I only connected one camera so I had no issues. I have no experience connecting more than one. The manufacturer does state transformer should be rated for 16V and atleast 10VA. So either power individually from separate transformers or make sure at least 20VA or higher maybe? Just my thoughts.

[@justinengg4745]

So on mine that’s buzzing it says it has a constant 1.8-2 running through it and you said yours has right around a 1.7. Should I still use the same resistor you did?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I think it would work just fine.

[@truth4you349]

Thanks for the explanation. Glad to know that there's a reason for the humming noise that I hear.

[@joeli7614]

I used a 10 ohms 0.5 watts resistor, but it was burnt after I tried testing my door bell. Do I need a different kind of resistor?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

You may need to check voltage across yours before adding the resistor, yours maybe higher voltage across it than mine, which is odd. you would think it would really rattle loud if over say 2 V? Of course when the button is pressed momentarily it does put the whole 28VAC across and it can only take that for second, if someone holds the button it could burn it up also. The only thing to do is check voltage while not pressed and make sure it's not higher than around 2V and then you may have to go with high value and wattage. May just be a different set-up than I have seen.

[@joerumaker987]

Excellent job! That Ohms Law thing comes in pretty handy, huh? Thank you so much!

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Yes sir it does. Glad it helped. Thanks for your comment!

[@barbarabd8902]

Also the restore unit is hot to the touch. I purchased a flameproof 10 ohm. Should it be hot to the touch? Is that ok?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

It does depend on how much your model allows to bleed through. If you measured the voltage as I showed in the video, what was your reading? Some may need higher resistance so the resistor will not be overloaded. Mine worked out great and it's barely warm, if it gets too hot it could open up. You can also put 2 of them in series if you have more than one of the value you purchase and try ( for example) 20 ohms accross it instead of just the one 10 ohm.

[@6663alice]

Hi - just wondering why 10ohm is picked instead of 20ohms or larger?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I think I mentioned in the video with the voltage drop across mine I calculated with ohm's law that it would drop about 2 volts. Enough to make mine stop humming. Yours should be measured for your application. Just sharing how mine was, not sure if yours is the same. Of course as mentioned the resistor gets full voltage across it when push button pressed if same design as mine so it would likely burn up if pressed longer than a brief second.

[@brianhaygood183]

What do the white boxed actually do? I've got a few problems. I hooked the front doorbell up and it won't ring the chime. I hooked the second/rear doorbell up and it wouldn't work at all. I ended up putting the second one on its own transformer and it works. I didn't use the little white box with that one. Its transformer buzzes like mad. Could you tell me what the white box seems to do so I can maybe tell how to troubleshoot and improve my setup?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I believe the white box on most of these is the diode module. I did not take mine apart to see if just a diode or a small circuit board? But either way these used to come with a diode to work back when they first came out.

[@HsingSun]

You have wiring error.

[@barbarabd8902]

THANK YOU!!!! I could never have figured this out. The annoying buzzing has stopped! You mention that this might wear out the transformer sooner. How will I know that has happened? I can't seem to find the transformer unit.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

The only concern is if someone held the button in for a very long time or it gets stuck. Honestly that would be an issue with any doorbell though. I also mentioned the buzzing and rattling is not good for the doorbell coil or the transformer. The transformer is usually located in the attic in most houses. Just follow the small low voltage wire (brown usually) in the attic from the doorbell and push buttons to the transformer if ever needed.

[@jacobweibel2912]

Do you have a link to the resistor you used?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I did not add a link. I just used a 10 ohm 1/2W resistor I had so did not add a link to one that I have not tried myself. If you still need help finding one let me know and I can add a link or share one with you of one that seems to be correct! BTW: It can be larger than 1/2W if you want like a 1W or so.

[@pattyarek]

Hi, how did u know to chose a 10 ohm resistor? Txs

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I simply used Ohm's law. E= I x R and P= E × I. So I had to drop around 1.5V on mine and I had 1/4w resistors on hand so I needed around 10 ohms. To drop about 1.5V accross it and have 150ma or so for load is .225w. It worked out great for mine, some friends of mine said it worked great for there's also and they had different type than mine so I figured I would show a quick video on it. As mentioned, it will over current the resistor when the doorbell button is pressed very momentarily, but not an issue it is so breif.

[@pattyarek]

I was asking because I have some at home... Would a 15 ohm, 1/2 watt resistor work?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Most likely will reduce rattle and hum alot. Not quite as much as 10 ohm but may work just fine! Hi showed the voltage accross mine as a example, some may not be as high as mine was?

[@Renaissanceman81]

Where can I buy the resister?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

If in no hurry eBay is the cheapest for components. The places like Digi-Key and Newark are great for large orders, but buying small quantities the shipping is more than the parts!

[@TheLZempir3]

Is radio shack still a thing?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

In some locations. I have none close to me anymore. I know they are still online.

[@NascarDog]

I used a 10 ohm resistor from an old LG Plasma TV power supply. That got rid of the annoying hum in my doorbell that my Skybell HD doorbell camera was causing.

[@vmina12]

Who can I call to come look my doorbell?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Hi, I would probably try to post on a more local community for someone close to you that may see your post. This is a worldwide post. So possibly Facebook, Nextdoor apps etc. may possibly help find someone in your area that has a business that can help. (As always be cautious with any post and check credentials of the company or individual that responds). Best of luck to ya!

[@HsingSun]

We do not need to install 10 Ohm resistor across the F & T. A little bit humble noise for five second is normal due to using transformer.

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I don't know what humble noise is, but this is for the loud rattling that happens on some of these all the time. As explained. Nothing to do with sound while button is pressed.

[@haydendillard4306]

Will this work if you have two door bells?

[@ThriftyToolShed]

I have not tried it myself, but it should work because typically the second button is going to a separate coil on the bell.