Wiring SkyBell

Contents

  • Identifying the Doorbell Chime Type (Mechanical vs. Digital)
  • Wiring the SkyBell with a Mechanical Chime
  • Wiring the SkyBell with a Digital Chime (incorporating the Digital Doorbell Adapter)
  • Wiring the SkyBell without a Chime

Identifying the Doorbell Chime Type (Mechanical vs. Digital)

SkyBell HD and SkyBell Trim Pro devices work with both mechanical and digital chimes.

  • Mechanical chimes have two (2) plungers that make the traditional "Ding Dong" sound when the doorbell is pressed.
  • Digital chimes typically play a melody when the doorbell is pressed and most often utilize a loudspeaker. These types of doorbells are found in newer houses.

SkyBell Digital Doorbell Adapter (DDA) is required for all digital doorbell chimes to work correctly with the SkyBell device.

The following video shows the different types of chimes:

Wiring the SkyBell with a Mechanical Chime

Mechanical chimes have two plungers and go DING DONG, whereas Digital chimes play different tunes and tend to have speakers. See the next section for installation when using a Digital chime.

The SkyBell requires 10-36 VAC (volts alternating current) 10 VA (volts ampere) and 0.5A to 1.0A (ampere) in order to operate. Most homes that were built within the past 15 years will have a transformer capable of outputting enough power for SkyBell. The Wired Doorbell Contractor Kit contains both the recommended transformer as well as a compatible mechanical chime.

The diagram below shows how the SkyBell replaces the existing push-button doorbell switch by connecting to the existing doorbell system wires.

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Wiring the SkyBell with a Digital Chime

Download this SkyBell Digital Doorbell Adapter (DDA) Installation Guide in PDF format.

The SkyBell Digital Doorbell Adapter (DDA) is required for all digital doorbell chimes to work with the SkyBell HD or SkyBell Trim Pro device.

It is also very important to ensure that the power requirements for the SkyBell are met before beginning installation. The SkyBell requires 10-36 VAC (volts alternating current) 10 VA (volts ampere) and 0.5A to 1.0A (ampere) in order to operate. Most homes that were built within the past 15 years will have a transformer capable of outputting enough power for the SkyBell device.

The SkyBell Digital Doorbell Adapter's main purpose is to regulate the power between the digital chime and the SkyBell, allowing the SkyBell to power up.

The following image shows the latest version of the SkyBell Digital Doorbell Adapter (DDA).

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SkyBell Digital Doorbell Adapter Installation

The SkyBell Digital Doorbell Adapter (DDA) can be installed relatively quickly and easily. Please watch the SkyBell Digital Doorbell Adapter Installation Video to learn how it is done.

Note: The SkyBell DDA featured in this video has since been modified so the connectors to terminals are wire based rather than fitting the circular openings allowing it to work in most digital doorbells. The app featured in this video has also been updated and does not reflect the most recent app layout and design.

The SkyBell DDA installs inside of an indoor digital doorbell chime by connecting the wires to the terminals used for FRONT (representing the front doorbell) and TRANS or TRANSFORMER, used for regulating low-voltage power of wired indoor digital chime systems.

  • Insert one wire each into the connector on the SkyBell DDA as shown in the diagram.
  • Ensure the wire is inserted all the way and is not loose.
  • Connect one wire lead to the “FRONT” terminal of the digital doorbell chime.
  • Connect the second wire lead to the “TRANS” or TRANSFORMER” terminal.
  • Make sure all wires are securely fastened.

The diagram below shows how the SkyBell DDA connects to the terminals inside of a digital doorbell chime, which is connected to both the SkyBell device and the transformer.

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SkyBell App: Digital Chime SelectorOnce the SkyBell Digital Doorbell Adapter is installed into the digital chime system, please ensure that the Digital Door Chime selector is enabled within the SkyBell app. This feature can be found under “Device Settings” in the SkyBell app. Without this feature enabled, users will experience irregular behavior from the SkyBell and/or the chime such as warped tones, constant ringing from the chime or power loss to the chime.

Wiring the SkyBell without a Chime

If you are not using a doorbell chime (either mechanical or digital), you must use a 10 Ω (Ohm) / 10 W (Watt) resistor on one of the connections between SkyBell and the transformer.

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