DO YOU NEED A WIRED OR WIRELESS VIDEO
DOORBELL?
When choosing a smart doorbell, you have to decide
whether you want a wireless, battery-powered device or
one powered by low-voltage doorbell wiring. Naturally,
a wireless doorbell is easier to install, as it draws power
from batteries rather than from your home’s electricity
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with wires. The downside to wireless doorbells is they
tend to deplete batteries quickly: Depending on usage,
they last anywhere from two to six months. If you live in
an area where the winters are cold, you can expect to
recharge or replace your batteries every couple of
months, and you run the risk of your doorbell shutting
down at an inopportune time.
Wired doorbells are not as easy to install as their
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and you don’t have to worry about them losing power
unless your whole house does. Since most homes
already have doorbell wiring, installing a video doorbell
is as easy as removing your old doorbell, disconnecting
the two wires, connecting your new doorbell to the
wires, and attaching it to the outside of your house. In
most cases, you can connect the doorbell to an existing
chime box, too.
Wired doorbells draw power from two wires connected
to a transformer that steps down your household power
to between 16 and 24 volts. If your home isn’t equipped
with doorbell wiring, though, you can wire it yourself
using a plug-in transformer or have an electrician do
the work for you. Either way, some drilling will be
required to run wires from the inside of your home to
an exterior location.
A wireless
doorbell is
easier to install,
as it draws
power from
batteries rather
than from your
home’s
electricity.