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A doorbell is a signaling device commonly found near a door.
How doorbells work
Wired system
In most wired systems, a button, located around the height of the doorknob, activates a signaling device (usually a chime, bell, or buzzer) inside the building. This single-pole, single throw (SPST) switch switch momentarily closes the doorbell circuit. One terminal of this button is wired to a terminal on a transformer. A doorbell transformer steps down the 120-240 volts AC electrical power to a lower voltage, typically 3-30 volts. The transformer's other terminal connects to one of three terminals on the signaling device. Another terminal is connected to a wire that travels to the other terminal on the button. If there is another button (typically near a back door) it is connected between the transformer and the third terminal on the signaling device.Most signaling devices consist of two solenoids and two flat bars. The flat bars are tuned to two pleasing notes. The flat bars are mounted loosely above and below the solenoids. When the doorbell button is pressed the first solenoid's plunger strikes the bottom bar. When the button is released a spring on the plunger pushes the plunger up, causing the plunger to strike the other bar. If the other bell is used, it will activate the other solenoid, which will strike only one bar — typically the bottom bar.
More elaborate signaling devices play a short musical tune, such as Westminster Quarters.
The deaf use visual signaling devices — typically light bulbs — rather than audible signaling devices.Alerting and Communicating Devices for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People — What's Available NowNPR — At Gallaudet, a Turn Inward Opens New Worlds
Circuit Diagram
Wireless system
A button near the door activates a built in transmitter. The transmitter sends a radio signal to the doorbell radio receiver inside the building. When the radio signal is detected by the receiver, it activates a buzzer, speaker or light.References
External links
"Doorbell"