What to pay attention to when choosing a wireless doorbell

A wireless doorbell is a convenient device, in the acquisition of which certain requirements are observed. There are many types of such devices, suitable for private homes and apartments. When choosing a bell pay attention to the technical characteristics, design and features of the device.

Main features of bell models

Modern wireless bells have the following characteristics:

1. The possibility of selecting a melody. New music is set by connecting a flash card, smartphone or computer to the device. The melody can also be selected from those that are installed by default.
2. The presence of multiple speakers. This makes it possible to install signal receivers in several places, which helps the owner to hear the sound alert from anywhere in the house.
3. Availability of 2 to 5 buttons. The bell with two buttons is convenient for private homes that have several entrances located on different sides of the site.

Scheme and principle of operation

The circuitry of the device includes:

1. A button that sends a signal to a speaker in the room. Instead of the usual cable, wireless devices use radio waves to transmit the signal.
2. A receiver that picks up and converts the radio waves.
3. A battery or rechargeable battery. Such a battery allows the device to be placed at a great distance from the mains.

The melody is heard the moment the visitor presses the button. The receiver picks up and converts the radio waves into a sound signal. This is how the owner knows there is a visitor. Wireless bells transmit the signal from the button to different distances. It all depends on the type of materials used in building the home. The strength of the signal decreases if the device is in a brick or concrete building and behind a metal door.

The difference between street and apartment models

Outdoor models of electric doorbell, unlike apartment models, are equipped with special protection. The device lasts longer if the construction contains a canopy. This element protects the wireless bell on the gate from precipitation, wind and sunlight. However, the presence of the visor should not affect the quality of the signal.

Some models of outdoor notification devices have additional protection against dust and moisture. Not all wireless doorbells are able to function in conditions of low and high temperatures. Resistant to mechanical damage vandal-resistant models, equipped with special safety elements and a solid steel casing. It is best to choose a street radio caller with a metal button. The price of such a device is 2-3 times higher than the cost of the apartment.

Advantages and disadvantages

To understand whether it is worth installing a doorbell on batteries, evaluate its advantages:

1. No need to run wires to the speaker. This is a major advantage that influences the choice of a buzzer for a private home where the front door is far away from the gate. If you install a wired electric doorbell, you have to lay the wires underground. Radio doorbells have no such disadvantage.
2. Self-powered. The device is powered by battery, its work is not affected by a power outage. This is also important for dacha houses that do not have a power supply.
3. Ease of installation and transfer of the button. This advantage is rarely realized in practice. People who decide to move the gate, change the side of its opening, install the mailbox in the place of the former location of the button encounter it. In the case of a wired device, you have to relocate the cable, radio-wave devices are simply re-hung.

Disadvantages include:

1. The inconvenience of using batteries. The batteries have to be replaced regularly, so the owner of the apartment needs to calculate the costs in advance.
2. Problems with the choice of installation location. Wireless devices are not installed everywhere. When choosing a place, take into account the range of the device, the distance from the button to the receiver, the presence of obstacles that interfere with the signal transmission.
3. Problems with fixing the device. Some manufacturers provide an adhesive surface for mounting. Over time, the velcro can lose its properties, due to which the bell begins to shift. When installing such a product, screws are additionally used.

Peculiarity of choice

When choosing a wireless doorbell, pay attention to the following points:

1. The type of device. Doorbells have the same principle of operation. They differ in design and the type of sound alert.
2. Number of batteries. This point determines the cost of regular battery replacement.
3. Radius of action. If the device is installed in an apartment, there are no difficulties. As for multi-storey country houses, when choosing a bell, take into account the distance from the button to the speaker and possible obstacles to the signal transmission.
4. Melody. Most devices have standard melodies, which become boring over time. It is desirable that the device has the ability to download music from a phone or flash card.
5. Type of case. This is an important factor that is taken into account when choosing a street bell. It should be made of material resistant to high humidity. In addition, protection from mechanical damage is required.
6. Completeness. If a simple model does not meet the requirements of the owner, choose a device augmented with a video eye and additional receivers. If such parts are not provided in the set, specify whether they can be connected in the future.
7. Distance. The minimum distance is 10 m, in this case, this parameter is not taken into account. If the button is located 50-100 meters from the receiver, purchase devices with an amplified signal. Before buying the bell is checked, this helps to avoid the registration of the return.
8. The price of the device. If the homeowner is not interested in additional features that affect the cost of the device, he may not consider the opinion of an intrusive consultant trying to sell an expensive model. It is not worth overpaying if some of the functions will not be used.
9. Mounting method. Wireless devices have Velcro, with which the bell is attached to the wall. This is an unreliable method of attachment, so when choosing take into account the possibility of strengthening the structure with self-tapping screws.
10. Warranty. Simple models fail less often than devices equipped with additional parts. When you buy an expensive bell, you get a warranty card. Sometimes the warranty period reaches 10 years.

Installation of the bell

There are several options for installation:

1. On the door. This method is chosen when it is impossible to mount Velcro or screws into the wall. The bell in this case is fixed on the door leaf.
2. Near the entrance. The button is placed on the casing or part of the wall, located at a small distance from the door.
3. On the wicket door. This option is implemented when installing the device in a private home. The bell must be protected from direct sunlight, precipitation and wind.

The button and the speaker are fixed with self-tapping screws or double-sided adhesive tape (if Velcro is not provided in the design). Most bells have holes used for screwing in screws.

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