When setting up a new doorbell, most people are going to take out the old one.
This can create a situation where you have extra components on hand that can be used for other purposes.
A common point people focus on is what to do with old doorbell wires.
The best solution is to cap off the wires and tuck them behind the new doorbell. You can place a wire nut on each conductor to ensure the wires are stabilized. This provides access to the same wires if necessary.
It’s important to make sure something is done to stop the doorbell wires from damaging the new doorbell or causing an electrical fire.
Some people prefer turning off the transformer running to the doorbell, which is one option that is available to you.
However, simply capping off the wires is more than enough to get the job done.
This article will provide the main steps you need to focus on as you learn what to do with old doorbell wires.
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Steps On What To Do With Old Doorbell Wires
1. Cap Off The Wires
The first thing you need to consider is how to stop the old doorbell wires from becoming an electrical hazard.
This is the greatest concern a property owner has.
You don’t want to install a new doorbell in front of the old one and then have the wiring create issues. This is a common concern with newer doorbells such as the Ring doorbell because they don’t require the wiring that is in place.
As a result, you will need to cap off the wiring.
You can do this by using wire caps.
These wire caps will go on the front ends of each wire that is present. You will want to make sure they are securely in place.
This will allow you to move the wires around as the new doorbell is set up.
2. Tuck The Wiring Behind The New Doorbell
The next thing you want to look at with old doorbell wiring is where it will go as soon as you have set up the wire caps.
For most people, the doorbell wires are still going to be there.
You will want them to stay accessible assuming the new doorbell has to be removed or converted back to a more traditional installation.
Keeping this in mind, you will want to tuck the doorbell wires behind the new doorbell installation. This will ensure they are hidden and still accessible as soon as the new doorbell is taken out.
3. Check The Main Electrical Source
It is also important to look at the main electrical source for the doorbell.
Where is the power coming from?
You have to check on this to make sure nothing is live as that is a real concern when you are unsure about where the power is coming from.
Look at the main power source and ensure it is in control. This means you can turn it off or have a safety mechanism in place such as wire nuts.
This will allow you to feel confident the wiring is not going to cause an electrical shock or perhaps ruin the new doorbell.
Always look into this and have a plan for how you are going to handle an old doorbell’s wires.
4. Use Wire Nuts To Regulate Each Conductor
It’s important to use wire nuts for all exposed wires.
Most people will only look at the wires that are behind the new doorbell, but you should also think about any wiring that is connected to the main power source.
You will not be using this wiring, which can lead to a situation where you disconnect it. If that is the case, it is still recommended to use wire nuts as a way to regulate each conductor.
It will provide peace of mind and the wiring is still going to be there whenever you need to use it.
Final Thoughts
These are the steps to look at as you focus on what to do with old doorbell wires.
When it comes to old doorbell wires, place a wire cap on each end, tuck the wiring behind the new doorbell, and make sure to place wire nuts on any other exposed wire. This will prevent electrical shocks and/or fires.
Whenever it is time to start using the old doorbell wires again, you will have an easy time accessing them.
This is why it’s best to simply tuck them behind the new doorbell.
It will be out of the way and you won’t have to think too much of it. This is ideal over the long term.
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