Doorbell Transformer Options (UnifFi G4 Doorbell)

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colinbowern

30 posts

Geek

#288458 30-Jun-2021 21:54

I got my G4 Doorbell and it looks like the NZ distributor is shipping the package without the transformer in the box, even though some in Australia are reporting that they are receiving the transformer.

I ended up sourcing a TSL Transformers EW19 (24VAC / 1.25A / 30VA) through my local electrician. After install it turns out that it might be too much juice for my Honeywell D3230 chime to work. Ubiquiti support is suggesting that I use a 16V / 20VA transformer, but those don't seem to exist in New Zealand from my searching.

I found a 16V / 20VA transformer but it is 240V / 60hz, but from what I understand that isn't something recommended for NZ 230V / 50Hz supply.

Has anyone found options in this scenario? I am open to replacing the chime at this point instead of fishing for more transformers.

SATTV

1648 posts

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#2737080 30-Jun-2021 22:44

Depending on how far away the transformer is from the doorbell a 12V transformer will probably work a treat, the first thing the doorbell will do is rectify it to DC and then put it through its own regulators to get the required voltages internally.

The AC transformer has to cope with ups and downs of power do an little under will not hurt and a little over will not hurt. but i think 24v will be pushing the device a little.

Something like this will be overkill.

https://www.jaycar.co.nz/240v-to-12vac-105va-lighting-transformer/p/MP3043?pos=2&queryId=33f0c4d33d1cc2d9670bbcb236daf7af&sort=relevance

Down worry about the 105VA the doorbell will only use what it needs.

I looked at RS and Element 14 and I cant see a simple wall wart that does AC.

John

I know enough to be dangerous

SATTV

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#2737086 30-Jun-2021 22:50

Something like this has multi taps.

https://www.jaycar.co.nz/9-30v-60va-2a-multi-tapped-type-2165-transformer/p/MM2005

I know enough to be dangerous

Bung

6477 posts

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#2737093 30-Jun-2021 23:54

The Honeywell D3230 has its own internal 230v - 8v transformer. You may be applying 24v to terminals expecting mains voltage. How was your chime originally wired? Be careful!

colinbowern

30 posts

Geek

#2742270 10-Jul-2021 20:32

SATTV:

Something like this has multi taps.

https://www.jaycar.co.nz/9-30v-60va-2a-multi-tapped-type-2165-transformer/p/MM2005

The Unifi doorbell needs a minimum of 16V, and the chime I suspect could operate in an 8-16V range. If I tap into the 15V that looks like it might not give me enough? I am pursuing a ticket with support to see if they will ship the transformer that is being offered in AU and EU to us.

Bung: The Honeywell D3230 has its own internal 230v - 8v transformer. You may be applying 24v to terminals expecting mains voltage. How was your chime originally wired? Be careful!

The electrician removed the internal transformer which connects to the top two terminals of the chime. The transformer is a Honeywell 52528PL which is a 8v / 1a transformer, similar to the Honeywell D753 which is only different in terms of the physical dimensions. The D3230 appears to be similar to the D230 where you can use batteries or an external transformer. From the research to this point I do not believe there is any difference in the chime itself.

rogercruse

644 posts

Ultimate Geek

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Lifetime subscriber

#2742325 11-Jul-2021 06:47

colinbowern: ... got my G4 Doorbell and ... without the transformer in the box ...

A purchased our Ring Video Doorbell Pro from their USA website without a transformer and assumed that any locally sourced transformer would suffice.... WRONG

The 'offical' transformers were available from Ring but these were more expensive and it wasn't clear if these would function with a 240 volt supply.

After repeated attempts to use a locally sourced units (and we tried a couple!) and a few long calls to their customer services hotline, we finally ordered a transformer from their website (they explained that if the fault was the doorbell then they would replace it). and it coped with the higher voltage and worked.

Maybe your issue is similar?

dfnt

1511 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#2742419 11-Jul-2021 14:27

If you have an alarm panel you might be able to piggyback off its transformer

I used our elite alarm panel to power the Honeywell chime and Arlo Video Doorbell without issues

colinbowern

30 posts

Geek

#2745864 17-Jul-2021 17:29

Woohoo! Got the chime working with a 16v 40VA transformer. Wired as follows to the top left and bottom right connections on the chime.