The Video Doorbell Pro is design to plug only into an existing wired analog doorbell system, for both power and sound. We wouldn't recommend trying other methods, as incorrect wiring could lead to damage.
The doorbell camera DEPENDS on the transformer of an existing doorbell system. You could put in your own transformer, but it would require an electrician, or equivalent experience with 120v home wiring. Since the expected power is "AC" rather than DC, a battery based solution probably would not be practical.
As I understand the above comments about the video doorbell, in a house without a wired doorbell, one would have to buy a regular regular doorbell and install everything except the outside the outside button, then hook up the SimpliSafe doorbell instead of the outside button. I also understand that the chime comes from the traditional doorbell and not the SimpliSafe bas station. Am I correct with my observations?
@rpgustafson Not quite. You CAN do that, and it would be the most effective solution. However, getting the wire from the doorbell button/camera to the chime may be a challenge in a completed home. All you REALLY need is the transformer hooked to 120 vac, which generally is fairly available around the front door. And from what I hear, the SS3 base station can now be set to chime when the camera button is pushed.
Can anyone tell me the voltage requirements of the video doorbell? I need the specs to buy a transformer. I was told 8 to 24 volts. I would like the exact specs, but cannot find them. I guess I'll just buy a 24V xformer.
@dwmoore The mini-USB is used to flash firmware on the Video Doorbell Pro at our warehouse. It does have a very small internal battery, but it can only keep the Video Doorbell Pro powered for a few minutes. The Video Doorbell Pro should get all of its power from your pre-existing doorbell wiring.
I was very excited to plug in my Simplisafe camera to the power. I purchased a new transformer specifically for this. Unfortunately when I plugged the camera, I smelled burning. The camera is not working anymore. What I did wrong here? The new transformer is 16vac 30va. I checked the power before I plugged in the camera, it was 18 vac. I am very sad I was looking forward to use the camera.
@mazinsaber Do you have a mechanical chime as a part of your setup? The Video Doorbell Pro does require a mechanical chime, as it acts as a bit of a resistor. Without one, it can cause damage to either your transformer or Video Doorbell Pro.
I purchased two doorbell cameras only to find that now I will have to install equipment and wiring. Would someone tell me exactly what I should purchase?????
You would need to buy a transformer to convert 120VAC line voltage to 8-24VAC, and it needs to be capable of delivering 10-30 watts of power (VA). 24v transformers are commonly used for HVAC and are readily available at hardware stores. This would generally be placed in an out of the way location where it can be plugged in or wired. The only other thing you would need is a pair of wires to connect the transformer to the camera. 20 gauge or larger wiring will do fine. Standard doorbell wiring will do nicely for this part, but it can't be used to wire the 120v side of the transformer because the insulation isn't rated for the higher voltage.
You can purchase the OhmKat power supply which is a plug in transformer designed to work with our Video Doorbell. https://spr.ly/612127Moe8 - it is listed next to the doorbell. Here is the Help Centre Guide for installation Support.
I am having the same problem, so looks like I’m going to have to send my kit back, which is a shame, almost every other video doorbell allows for a plug in transformer.
You can purchase the OhmKat power supply which is a plug in transformer designed to work with our Video Doorbell. https://spr.ly/612127Moe8 - it is listed next to the doorbell. Here is the Help Centre Guide for installation Support.
Official Solution
davey_d
Former Community Admin
•
5.7K Messages
4 years ago
Hi Courtney,
The Video Doorbell Pro is design to plug only into an existing wired analog doorbell system, for both power and sound. We wouldn't recommend trying other methods, as incorrect wiring could lead to damage.
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sevensiamesecats
2.2K Messages
4 years ago
The doorbell camera DEPENDS on the transformer of an existing doorbell system. You could put in your own transformer, but it would require an electrician, or equivalent experience with 120v home wiring. Since the expected power is "AC" rather than DC, a battery based solution probably would not be practical.
0
rpgustafson
2 Messages
4 years ago
As I understand the above comments about the video doorbell, in a house without a wired doorbell, one would have to buy a regular regular doorbell and install everything except the outside the outside button, then hook up the SimpliSafe doorbell instead of the outside button. I also understand that the chime comes from the traditional doorbell and not the SimpliSafe bas station. Am I correct with my observations?
1
todd_714406
1 Message
3 years ago
Can anyone tell me the voltage requirements of the video doorbell? I need the specs to buy a transformer. I was told 8 to 24 volts. I would like the exact specs, but cannot find them. I guess I'll just buy a 24V xformer.
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bruce_
2 Messages
2 years ago
Can the SimpliCam Video Doorbell run on DC power, such as a standard 12VDC power supply?
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ssalinas
3 Messages
5 months ago
I purchased two doorbell cameras only to find that now I will have to install equipment and wiring. Would someone tell me exactly what I should purchase?????
1
0
eac2205
3 Messages
10 days ago
I have the same problem, think I will be sending my kit back which is a shame, nearly every other video doorbell allows a plug in transformer
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0
eac2205
3 Messages
10 days ago
I am having the same problem, so looks like I’m going to have to send my kit back, which is a shame, almost every other video doorbell allows for a plug in transformer.
1
0