What is a wireless doorbell system? R&I carries Zenith and Broan brand wireless door bell systems. "A wireless doorbell system is simply a transmitter that is attached to the outside of the home and a wireless...
"A wireless doorbell system is simply a transmitter that is attached to the outside of the home and a wireless receiver that is located inside and operated by sending a radio signal to the receiver when someone presses the button on the transmitter," says doorbell expert John Hartman who is the sales manager for R & I Enterprises, a distributor of Broan and Nutone products. Hartman explains that the wireless doorbell system can operate on battery power or can be plugged into the house current.
Conventional wired doorbells are made up of a sound device, button, and transformer and the components are wired together and to the house current. How they work is that when someone pushes the button the current is broken and sets off the sound device or bell.
What makes wireless doorbell systems better is that no wiring is required since the system works by transmitting a radio signal to the sound unit, which can be placed anywhere inside the home. This also makes the system easier to hear. You can also purchase systems that include two or more receivers, which can be placed in different locations. You might want to place one in the kitchen and one in the basement or garage so that you will be sure to hear the doorbell if you are working in those areas.
Some receivers will also flash a light when the doorbell is activated, making the system handy for the hearing impaired or while you are engaged in a noisy activity like watching television. Some systems are also equipped with sensors that detect sound or movement near the door and alert you with a tone or flashing light, so these units are a great safety device.
Wireless doorbell systems come in a variety of prices ranging from $12 to $150. In the higher price range you can select systems that include an intercom system and even video that allows you to speak to or see the person on the other side of the door.
Wireless doorbell systems are very easy to install and can be purchased at your local home improvement or hardware store. Since there is no wiring, you simply insert the batteries or plug the unit in and attach the outdoor unit to the wall outside your door, placing the indoor receiver wherever it is most convenient, such as on top of the refrigerator.
There is also a wide variety of sound options available, ranging from traditional door bell tones to chimes, and you can even record your own music or sound with the fancier models. Some systems include multiple button transmitters, which can be placed at every entrance and will signal the receiver to provide a different sound for each location. You could program the system to play "Beethoven's 5th Symphony" when someone is at the front door and the "Star Spangled Banner" for the back door. You can even switch to holiday songs like "Joy to the World" and "Jingle Bells" during the Christmas season. One model offers an option for playing "Happy Birthday". Depending on how much you want to spend, a wireless doorbell system can be a simple or technologically advanced gadget, but all are easy to install.
