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Friday, December 11th, 2020 11:16 PM

SimpliSafe Video Doorbell without pre-existing Chime/Doorbell

I acquired the SimpliSafe system recently. I installed all components except for the SimpliCam Video Doorbell. That installation of everything has been a breeze. Not so much with the installation of the video doorbell - it is turning into a real chore.
Called customer service and they told me that it would only work with an existing doorbell. Well, I don't have one - the house was not wired for a doorbell and uses a wireless one.

I am trying to get info on what components I need and how to install a chime with the video doorbell (what's a doorbell without a chime? and what's a security system without a video doorbell?).  I purchased a 16V transformer that will be used (per the SimpliSafe's recommendation to use a 16V one)

From my conversation with customer service, I gather that SimpliSafe is not recommending any specific Chimes. I did find out from the internet (user comment) that you cannot use a wireless chime, not even those digital chimes - you have to get a mechanical chime...

After experiencing how easy the rest of the SimpliSafe system is to setup and how well it works (very intuitive, quality components) I would really hate to return it, but I want to have a whole system that integrates a video doorbell with it.

The installation has started but its stuck - an electrician drilled through the front of the house, then ran a wire through the wall and through the subfloor into the basement below the entry way...I am stuck though, since I am just finding out that you need to not only power the video doorbell, but also connect it to a (mechanical chime).

If you have any suggestions please let me know what your experience has been. Any tips would be very much appreciated!!

The Video Doorbell Pro requires installation into a wired doorbell system, for both power and sound. Any model of doorbell can work, so long as it is an analog system that meets the power requirements, which you can read about here.

4 years ago

https://www.ohmkat.com/products/copy-of-ohmkat-video-doorbell-power-supply-compatible-with-simplisafe-pro-smart-wi-fi-video-doorbell?ref=robotpoweredhome  I found this link I am buying it know. Also I've been told it will ring to your phone so you don't need a chime. I agree system was awesome to set up until now. This is the flaw in the customer service it should be made clear you need a existing doorbell camera unless you want to just keep spending money ahhhhh frustrated at this point..  Hope this helps !

4 Messages

4 years ago

Hi, I am the founder of OhmKat and we make power supplies and chimes that work great with Simplisafe video doorbells.  We have sold thousands of them to happy customers and made installations easier.  

With our power supply and chime, you can add a simplisafe doorbell to any door on any house regardless of whether you already had a doorbell.  

You can buy safely knowing that we offer unlimited installation support and a lifetime warranty on everything we buy.  We are even happy to work with your electrician so he or she can have a great installation experience in your home (if you are using one).

You can buy our products at https://www.ohmkat.com.  Please use discount code SIMPLISAFE10 for 10% off on simplisafe compatible power supplies and chimes.  Please reach out if you have any questions to service@ohmkat.com or 732-876-3034.

1 Message

@brent_11614228​ 

How do you plug it in through the door.

i understand you have to plug it in to

an indoor outlet.  So I plug into the video pro simysafe outside and then a take the cord and I plug it i side.

i read something about putting the cord through the door?


completely confused?

could you send me pictures on how to do it?

thanks

Amelia

10 Messages

I just wanted to say that the OhmKat system works as advertised.

4 Messages

4 years ago

Thanks for the note!  I founded OhmKat we are excited to help simplisafe customers install their video doorbells easily.  Reach out if you have any questions.  You can find us at www.ohmkat.com.

1 Message

8 months ago

Would love to know if you found a solution for this. I just realized I'm in the same predicament. Was not clear that you needed an existing doorbell.

3 Messages

I am in the same predicament. Was there ever a solution?

Community Admin

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3.4K Messages

@amoody1588The Video Doorbell Pro does require existing doorbell wiring, a mechanical chime, and a transformer with 8-24VAC, 10-30VA prior to installing the device. In order to install the Video Doorbell Pro, your setup does need to meet those requirements.

1 Message

5 months ago

Wow, so easy, until....  the doorbell camera. With everything digital these days how is it possible this STILL needs analog system to set up.  This post was 3.5 years ago and it's June 2024 and it's STILL analog.  I've never had an alarm system as I just bought my first single family home.  I looked around at other systems and chose this one not knowing about this issue and now questioning my decision.  I have a 100yr old house and electrical and wiring can be difficult without destroying integrity and continuity of existing walls, structure and original woodwork, much less the hassle this post had trying to find a solution. Other companies should not have to come in with a solution to fix a poor design.  I will investigate what I've seen in this thread for a way to get this to work but not sure it will be feasible if it needs new electrical work.  

3 Messages

I 100% agree. I believe there’s a 30 day return policy which I’ll unfortunately have to use. 

Community Admin

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3.4K Messages

Hi @Shel6791​, 

I'm sorry to hear about this. Unfortunately the Video Doorbell Pro does require existing doorbell wiring and a mechanical chime prior to its installation. But we do have a 60-day return window if your setup does not align with these requirements.

We also offer a battery-powered Outdoor Camera that doesn't require any pre-existing wiring. That could be another option to put by your door. 

1 Message

100% agree! We were gifted our bundle for our move and I am now installing all of the products, but can’t use the doorbell since we have a rental. Super frustrated with SimpliSafe! I’ll have to keep using our Blink doorbell. SimpliSafe needs to upgrade their doorbell! It should be able to work like the Blink one in sending notifications through your phone, keypad and base.

1 Message

2 months ago

I too am on the cusp of ordering a full system and came across the same issue, I called support for advice and spoke to a charming young lady who could not understand the question ‘do you supply a power supply for the bell in your range of accessories’  also for a door chime which needs to be wireless.  The current offer ends tonight so there goes my order, only £450 but I will have to look elsewhere. 

Community Admin

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15 Messages

Hi There, 

We're sorry you didn't get a clear answer on your call to us. We'll look into that to ensure all our support agents are able to assist any query fully. 

The Video Doorbell can work 2 ways in the UK: 

1. Hardwiring. If you do not have an existing doorbell or a wireless / battery powered doorbell, you would need to have it professionally installed by an electrician.
SimpliSafe has partnered with OrderWork in the UK to help you source and schedule a technician. 
The Hardwiring option requires you to have between 8 - 24VAC transformer providing 1 Amp of power to the Doorbell. If you would like a chime, you will need a Mechanical Chime to be added into the setup. 


2. The UK offer a DIY power solution called the OhmKat Power Supply. Whilst some installation is required this can be done yourself or a local handy man can assist but it doesn't require an electrician. With this power supply, you can also have a wireless chime that you plug into a power socket. You can also have more than 1 chime around your home. This can be purchased through SimpliSafe, you can find it here: https://spr.ly/61210omRcy;

Please reach out to us if you would like to proceed. Your quote is valid for 7 days! 

Thanks, 
SimpliSafe Team

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