How to install ring doorbell pro with existing doorbell

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My obsession with video doorbells led me to test the Ring Video Doorbell, a behemoth in the video doorbell and security industry.

I figured it was an all-in-one package and I wouldn’t need any prerequisites like an existing doorbell to install it on my front door, like with the Merkury Doorbell.

But unfortunately, I had no existing wiring in place for my new video doorbell to draw power from.

I put in a lot of research to figure out how to hardwire my Ring Doorbell without an Existing Doorbell.

Use an indoor power adapter, with a transformer regulating the voltage, to power the Ring doorbell, negating the need for an existing doorbell or chime.

Ring Video Doorbell can be installed without an existing doorbell or chime.

Instead of hardwiring the Ring doorbell, an indoor power adapter with a transformer regulating the voltage can be used to power the Ring doorbell.

This type of Ring doorbell camera installation does away with the need for an existing doorbell or chime.

Ring Doorbells Voltage Requirements

The most important part of installing a ring video doorbell is ensuring that the doorbell receives the appropriate and only the appropriate voltage that it requires.

This varies for each Ring doorbell. To make your work easier, I will list down the different Ring video doorbells and the corresponding voltage requirements.

Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus needs a voltage rating 8-24 V AC. However, the maximum VA rating is 40A.

Ring Video Doorbell 3

The Ring Video Doorbell 3, similar to the plus model requires a voltage rating between 8 and 24 V AC with the maximum possible VA rating being 40A.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro, unlike the others in the list, requires a voltage rating of 16-24 V AC.

This is because the Ring Pro video doorbell does not contain rechargeable batteries, thereby limiting its ability to accept a wider range of voltages.

Ring Video Doorbell 2

The Ring Video Doorbell 2nd generation can handle a voltage rating 8-24 V AC.

Ring Doorbell No Wires Installation Using an Indoor Power Adapter

The easiest way to install a ring video doorbell if there are no wires is to use an indoor power adapter that plugs into a power source.

It is a simple adapter with a transformer built-in which ensures that your Ring Video Doorbell receives the appropriate voltage.

All you have to do is connect the Ring doorbell and plug the adapter in. It is a quick plug-n-play solution that you can pretty much set and forget.

This avoids the hassle involved in installing a new transformer, chime-box, and wiring the whole system.

I initially considered hiring a professional to install a transformer and take care of the wiring, but that would cost me a lot more than just doing this myself.

Do note that the plug-in adapters for the Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell 3, Ring Doorbell 3 Plus are the same, because of the identical voltage requirement (8-24 V AC).

Installing Ring Doorbell 2 and 3 Without Existing Doorbell

This Ring Video Doorbell Plug-in Adapter works for Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Doorbell 3, and Ring Doorbell 3 Plus because they are similar in their voltage requirements.

This adapter comes with a lifetime replacement guarantee and was designed specifically for these three Ring doorbells.

Installing Ring Doorbell Pro Without Existing Doorbell

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro Plug-in Adapteris perfect for the Pro model of Ring doorbells because it does not have a battery but instead relies on a wired connection.

Without an adapter, the only choice for you is to do the whole wiring in your house.

Extending the Adapter Wire for Your Ring Video Doorbell

A problem that I faced while trying to install the Ring Video Doorbell using the indoor power adapter was that the adapter wires weren’t long enough to reach the power outlet in my house.

I solved this problem by getting an extension cord for the same adapter. If you are not sure whether the adapter wire length would be enough, I recommend you purchase it along with the adapter so that you don’t lose it any time later.

Using a Plug-in Chime for Your Ring Video Doorbell

Normally, when installing the Ring video doorbell with an existing doorbell, the doorbell is connected to a mechanical or digital chime.

However, for this installation, you can simply use a Plug-in Chime. This is a very simple replacement for a digital or mechanical chime.

This way, you just have to plug in the Ring Chime and you can hear the doorbell throughout your house.

In case you want to buy the official Ring plug-in chime, you can read the guide I wrote on Ring Chime v Ring Chime Pro.

Is Hardwiring The Ring Doorbell Worth It?

Yes. I really think so. This is because I find it quite the hassle to be swapping batteries all the time.

Interestingly enough, this is a question I see being asked a lot and you may have a different answer if you think just having two separate batteries and swapping them out whenever one runs is not inconvenient.

It makes sense if you are doing it to avoid wiring your whole system to accommodate your doorbell but if you go with an indoor power adapter, this stops becoming an issue.

If you are a person who is always keen on getting your money’s worth with your Ring doorbell, I would greatly encourage you to check out our guide on using Ring Doorbell without a subscription.

Using Alexa for Visitor Announcements Through Echo Device For Ring Video Doorbell

As you may already know, Amazon acquired Ring a few years ago. An extremely useful consequence of this acquisition is the Alexa compatibility with all Ring devices, including the Ring Video doorbell.

Now you can have Alexa announce visitors through your Amazon Echo device whenever someone rings the doorbell or send you notifications if your doorbell senses motion in the frame.

Before you set up visitor announcements using Alexa, ensure that the “Do Not Disturb” setting for your Echo device is disabled.

Also, ensure that the “Announcements” are turned on in the Device Settings for your Echo device on the Amazon Alexa app.

• In the Amazon Alexa app, tap on the ‘Devices’ tab located on the bottom right of the screen.
• Select All Devices from the menu.
• Tap on Your Ring Doorbell.
• Enable “Doorbell Press” for announcing visitors whenever someone rings a bell.
• If you want, you can also enable “Motion” and “Person” if you want to be notified of any movement or person in your Ring Doorbell camera’s frame.

How to Install a Ring Doorbell Without Existing Doorbell?

1. Step 1: Choose a location for the Ring doorbell that is at least 4 feet from the floor at a height that gives you the appropriate field of view. Use the level tool to adjust the position of the Ring doorbell.
2. Step 2: Using the faceplate for the Ring video doorbell as a template, mark the four points on the wall for inserting the screws to secure the Ring doorbell and another bigger point in the middle for running the wires for the indoor power adapter for the Ring doorbell since there is no existing doorbell.
3. Step 3: Drill four holes in the positions marked for the screws using a small drill bit. Drill a bigger hole in the middle to pull the adapter wires for the Ring doorbell. A drill may not be necessary if you are not installing the Ring doorbell on brick, stucco, or concrete.
4. Step 4: Secure the faceplate for the Ring doorbell using the screws and anchors provided in the box.
5. Step 5: Run the indoor power adapter wire through the wall and connect it to the two screws on the faceplate of the Ring video doorbell.
6. Step 6: Take the Ring Doorbell and carefully slide it into place on the bracket.
7. Step 7: Tighten the two screws underneath the Ring doorbell to ensure that it remains locked in place.
8. Step 8: Plug the Ring chime into any power outlet in the house.
9. Step 9: Plug the indoor power adapter connected to your Ring doorbell camera into a power outlet to power on the doorbell.

How to Set up Ring Doorbell With the App?

• If you haven’t done so already, download the Ring app.
• Sign up or log in to your Ring account.
• Select ‘Set up a Device’.
• Scan the QR Code/Mac ID Bar Code present on your Ring Video Doorbell.
• Enter your address or allow the app to use your phone’s location. This is needed to unlock certain features on the Ring Video Doorbell.
• Tap on “I’ve already installed it”.
• Join the Ring Doorbell Wi-Fi Network.
• Connect the Ring doorbell to your Wi-Fi.

Does Ring Doorbell Need to Be Hardwired?

Most models of the Ring Doorbell (except the Ring Doorbell Pro) don’t need to be hardwired.

You can have it run off its battery entirely. Since it uses Wi-Fi to connect to a Chime, you can simply mount it and connect it to the Chime.

The battery should last you six to twelve months before you need to recharge it.

If you get yourself an extra battery, you can rest assured that there’s zero downtime and that your front porch is always being monitored.

Which Ring Doorbell Does Not Require Wiring?

The Ring Doorbell (Gen 1), Ring Doorbell 2, Ring Video Doorbell 3, and the Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus all come with internal batteries that can sustain the operation.

This means that they don’t need to be hardwired. The Ring Doorbell Pro, however, needs to be hardwired at all costs.

Does Ring Doorbell Need a Resistor?

You’ll need a resistor if you’re directly connecting a Ring Doorbell to a low voltage 8-24V AC transformer.

It can only be an AC transformer. DC transformers aren’t supported. You’ll need some wiring and soldering know-how if you’re considering this.

It’s a serious fire hazard to try to wire up a Ring Doorbell this way without a resistor, so ensure you have one that fits your electrical wiring.

Otherwise, it’d be easier and safer to hire a professional to take care of it. Consult a licensed electrician to handle this job.

Alternatively, you could use the built-in rechargeable battery to power your Ring Doorbell.

Can Ring Doorbell Work with a Mechanical Chime?

The Ring Doorbell can absolutely work with a Mechanical Chime. Ring has its own proprietary Ring Mechanical Chime.

You can still use any mechanical chime that matches the voltage of your transformer, which in turn must lie between 8 and 24 volts.

You can use the following Wiring Diagram to properly install the Mechanical Chime.

Can you put a ring doorbell anywhere?

With the Universal Mount and a bit of elbow grease, you can mount a Ring Doorbell pretty much anywhere, even on your front door.

Does Ring Doorbell need Mains Power?

No, the Ring Doorbell doesn’t actually need mains power. Your Ring Doorbell runs entirely off its internal battery, which is rechargeable.

If you do wire up your Ring Doorbell, it’ll slowly charge up your battery, so you don’t have to worry about swapping out your battery in time to avoid downtime.

The fact that you can install it without having to safely connect everything with your existing wiring is what makes the Ring Doorbell an appealing Video Doorbell.

How To Wire Ring Doorbell To Light Switch?

Tapping off a regular 120V light switch to power a Ring Doorbell is a risky idea. Even putting a transformer inside an enclosure is a bad idea.

A great alternative is to have an electrician wire up an electrical socket where your light switch is and rewire it.

Now you can Hardwire your Ring Doorbell using an adapter the way I described earlier in the article.

Since the wiring just charges the battery and the ring uses the battery to run the device, it’s a better option to just run the Doorbell off the battery, maybe get an extra battery to swap with so you never have downtime.

Final Thoughts

The common response to this issue is to charge your Ring Video Doorbell and mount it.

This way your Ring video doorbell gets trickle charged and you do not need to bother with charging the batteries often.

Moreover, you would have also saved a lot of money that would otherwise have been spent on hiring an electrician to hardwire the Ring doorbell and install a doorbell transformer.

When all is said and done, you’ll want to connect to the Ring Doorbell you’ve just installed.

You May Also Enjoy Reading:

• Can You Change Ring Doorbell Sound Outside?
• Is The Ring Doorbell Waterproof? Time To Test
• Best Video Doorbells Without Subscription
• How Does a Ring Doorbell Work If You Don’t Have A Doorbell?
• Does Ring Work With Apple HomeKit?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to charge the Ring Video Doorbell even after hardwiring it?

The Ring Video Doorbell gets trickle-charged when it is hardwired. However, this may not be enough to charge the battery fully.

Can you use ring doorbell without wires?

Ring doorbell can be used without wires. Ring video doorbells have rechargeable batteries that can be used

Do people steal ring doorbells?

Ring doorbells can be stolen but it is unlikely that the thief will be able to use them.

How long does battery last on ring doorbell?

According to Ring, the Ring video doorbell can go without charging for months.

However, the activity of the Ring doorbell and the weather condition may affect the battery drain.

How do I check the battery on my ring doorbell?

You can check the battery level on your Ring video doorbell by going to the device health section on the Ring app.

Which is the easiest Ring Doorbell to install?

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 is the easiest to install, especially if used with the Ring Chime Pro since all you have to do is mount the two and connect them via the Ring App.

There is no wiring involved, as the Ring Video Doorbell 3 is wireless and battery-powered, and the mounting system has been improved over its predecessors.

Does Ring Doorbell Only Work When Pressed?

The Ring Doorbell can record video and notify you when it detects motion, even if no one presses the button, and you can adjust the parameters of motion detection by setting custom motion zones.

You can even adjust the notifications you receive, from whether or not you get them on your phone or chime, to how often you get them throughout the day.

Do note that, to access the videos recorded, you’ll need a subscription to the Ring Protect, coming at as little as $3/month.

Can you install a Ring Doorbell with an existing doorbell?

Does Ring Doorbell Pro connect to existing chime?

How do I contact Ring customer service?