The issue many people have with doorbell installations is the wiring.
Having to install a Ring doorbell switch when there are probably several light switches in and outside the house.
So, this begs the question: can you wire a Ring doorbell to a light switch?
You can wire a Ring doorbell to a light switch. Connect the doorbell’s hot (positive) and negative wires to your light switch’s top and bottom terminals. Ensure you turn off the light switch before you start the wiring.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at how you can safely wire a Ring doorbell to a light switch and why you might want to do that in the first place.
How To Wire a Ring Doorbell Switch to a Light Switch
Fortunately, contrary to what many people think, you can wire your Ring doorbell to your light switch by yourself. Here are simple steps to follow:
Turn Off Your Light Switch
You must ensure the light source you’re connecting to your Ring doorbell isn’t on. However, turning off the power supply to the entire house isn’t necessary.
The single light switch is enough. After you have done this, you’re ready to proceed.
Note: Turning off the power source is an important safety step in any electrical wiring process.
Remove the Light Switch’s Faceplate
First, remove the faceplate. Depending on the type of switch, you can either unscrew it or pull it out from the wall.
In the latter case, you might have to use a thin plastic tool (such as a guitar pick) to unclip the faceplate by dragging it underneath it.
The second step involves removing the wires from the terminals.
It would help to write down or take a picture of the wires. You could even use a color marker for easier identification.
Here’s a quick video showing you how it’s done:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQQpGyjjUSg
Identify the Hot and Neutral Wires
After removing the faceplate and the wires, you should try to identify the different wires.
This step is crucial because the connection may not work if you don’t do it right.
Wrong identification would lead to a wrong connection, leading to electrical issues.
So, you need to identify the hot wire in your doorbell.
The hot wire is usually the positive black wire.
However, the color may differ depending on your doorbell manufacturer.
You can check using a multimeter if you prefer not to get electrocuted.
On a more serious note, if you’re not a qualified electrician, you should call a professional.
Next, identify the neutral wire in your light switch.
The neutral wire is usually not as thick as the others and is often white. Don’t forget that this specification largely depends on your house’s wiring.
Note: If you can’t accurately tell which wire is negative or positive, use a multimeter.
Connect the Wires
Connect the doorbell’s hot wire to the terminal at the top of your light switch box and the negative wire to the terminal at the bottom of the light switch.
Note that your wiring should be a parallel connection.
Getting this right is an important step if you want to connect your Ring Doorbell to your light switch.
Secure Your Connection
After correctly connecting the wires. You can secure your connection by doing the following:
- Ensure each wire is in place.
- Use tapes to hold wires and also tighten screws that have wires around them.
- Check that you didn’t leave any wire exposed.
- Test the Doorbell
If you got the above steps right, your doorbell should ring when you flick on the light switch.
You should test it before putting the light switch faceplate back in its place.
If your doorbell doesn’t ring, you’ve probably installed the wires incorrectly.
So, check your wires. If the doorbell doesn’t ring after the reconnection, consider getting professional help.
Mount the Ring Doorbell
If the doorbell works as it should after the wiring, you can mount it to your door.
Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions because there are many different Ring doorbell models with slightly different steps needed to install.
For some, you may need to drill holes in your wall.
For others, you may need to glue them.
If you can’t get the connection done or are not comfortable handling electricity, don’t hesitate to get professional help.
Why You Should Wire Your Ring Doorbell to Your Light Switch
People use their light switches for their doorbells for many reasons. Here are some of the most significant reasons:
For Functionality and Convenience
Functionality is one of the major reasons people use their light switches for their doorbells.
Everyone loves a functional home. It is trendy and cool.
Imagine if your light switch could also ring your doorbell and control your cooling system.
There is also the matter of convenience.
For example, it is functional and convenient for your light to come on when somebody rings the doorbell, especially at night.
Fewer Wires and Electrical Connections
Fewer wires and connections often reduce the many electrical issues and accidents that may arise from a connection that wasn’t installed correctly.
It also means you don’t have to have a separate connection for your doorbell or start wiring from scratch, saving you time and money.
Saves Cost
Even though the amount of money you will save by wiring a Ring doorbell to your light switch wouldn’t be much, you can save some costs by doing this.
The doorbell and light switch will only work when you want them to.
You could even go a step further and use a smart switch to control it remotely.
Can You Wire a Ring Doorbell to a Light Switch? Conclusion
It is possible to wire a Ring doorbell to a light switch.
However, you must ensure that you do this correctly, both for safety and functionality.
It is possible to go through this process, and the doorbell still won’t work.
At this point, you should seek professional help or ask around the neighborhood to see if somebody could help you out.