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doorbell camera burning out doorbell transformers
Since I can't reach the technical support, I am posting here. I have been trying to install my Simplisafe doorbell camera. It has taken a while because our house did not have a pre-existing doorbell, so it was a bigger project than the plug/play instructions. I needed to install a transformer and run a low voltage wire. I now have several holes in the wall and 3 burned out transformers for my effort.
All of these transformers were 16V units. The first ran the doorbell through part of the setup, but then stopped suddenly. The second burned out immediately. The first 2 transformers were rated at 16V 10vA, so I upgraded to a 16V 30vA unit based on an online recommendation, which is what you use when technical support doesn't answer.
I had been testing the voltage after installation, but this last time I tested the installation stepwise. I installed the transformer and tested it with no load...good output. I attached the low voltage wires and tested the base unit (no camera)...good output again and this demonstrated there was no short in the line from transformer to base. I attached the camera and it lit up green for a few seconds and then stopped. The transformer was dead coincident with attaching the Simplisafe doorbell camera. Simplisafe owes me for 3 transformers (~$60) and for the worthless doorbell camera. Anyone else have this problem?
All of these transformers were 16V units. The first ran the doorbell through part of the setup, but then stopped suddenly. The second burned out immediately. The first 2 transformers were rated at 16V 10vA, so I upgraded to a 16V 30vA unit based on an online recommendation, which is what you use when technical support doesn't answer.
I had been testing the voltage after installation, but this last time I tested the installation stepwise. I installed the transformer and tested it with no load...good output. I attached the low voltage wires and tested the base unit (no camera)...good output again and this demonstrated there was no short in the line from transformer to base. I attached the camera and it lit up green for a few seconds and then stopped. The transformer was dead coincident with attaching the Simplisafe doorbell camera. Simplisafe owes me for 3 transformers (~$60) and for the worthless doorbell camera. Anyone else have this problem?
worthing
742 Messages
3 years ago
I do have a question - what does this sentence mean?
Are you attaching the low voltage wiring from the doorbell transformer to the SimpliSafe base?! Or are you referring to a different kind of base? Also did you install a chime box as well, or just a transformer and wiring? (I don't know if this matters, I'm just curious.)
FYI, this isn't a SimpliSafe specific problem. You will find a TON of hits for this same issue with Ring Doorbell Cameras with a variety of root causes given as well. At this point you may have 3 dead transformers and a dead camera as well.
Good luck with this. I'm super curious to hear what the root cause is.
@Johnny M,
Can you provide clarity on the specs needed to power the doorbell pro? Is the 30a part overkill but otherwise safe? Or is it possibly causing an issue?
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Damon
1 Message
1 year ago
I had a very similar experience. I am convinced that the first three transformers burned up due to a short across the wires; The wire casing got scratched off during installation which caused the short. Amazingly, the third transformer worked long enough to power up the doorbell for a a few minutes before burning up.
For the fourth transformer I performed multiple checks:
I switched off the power, installed the doorbell, and turned the power back on - nothing.
Re-checked the transformer output:
I took the doorbell off and tried running it using the micro-USB port on the back but had no luck there.
Best guess is that the doorbell burned up during my third attempt, and the fried doorbell burned up the fourth transformer.
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srosewhitmore
4 Messages
1 year ago
So have you resolved it? Have had mine a couple years and this is the second time I am going through burning up transformers. Last time, the replaced the doorbell unit and was good for a long ti.e. back at it now
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sbrof
5 Messages
4 months ago
I have also had this same issue. Been running a Simplisafe Video doorbell connected to a Defiant Transformer for several years. The transformer and doorbell were installed at the same time. Suddenly the transformer died about a week ago. bought a replacement, and it died. However I was skeptical that was defective since it looked like a returned item. So today bought a 3rd transformer. I connected the transformer it to the power supply, the load screws were reading perfect output, 8v, 16v or 24v. All of which are accepted by the Simplisafe doorbell. I connected the low voltage wires, still solid steady voltage readings. I connect the doorbell, the ring lit up for a second, then nothing. I went back in the basement and the transformer is no longer providing any output voltage on the load screws. The doorbell caused it to burn out, and probably burned out the 2nd one too. These are standard, off the shelf transformers that work for decades otherwise. Why is this suddenly a problem? When I connect the doorbell to a USB cords, functions just fine.
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lance843
1K Messages
4 months ago
Yep I have went through 2 of them in the past few years
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dlpsr
1.4K Messages
4 months ago
I don't known the truth of the situations out there, but doorbells and chime connectors always seemed dangerous for fire. Old ones and new ones. Not nitpicking.
Sticking buttons, the ringer pins getting stuck. Seems like your chime connector is being overloaded somehow or undersized.
Some transformers going poof and/or getting hot, in the attic, possibly underneath the insulation.🤔
Not like we check old doorbell ringer pins or ever check the springs. I have checked with adding these doorbells. No chime connector in mine. Not needed.
Back in around 2020 Ring recalled some, a screw issue or something.
Loose wires, melted insulation on wiring, causes potential sparks and potential fire.
Best checked out thoroughly.
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