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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.

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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On 12/12/2016 17:21, Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.

I don't know, but it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.

Cheers
--
Clive
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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

Clive Arthur wrote:

Chris Green wrote:

I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there?


I have a good old "ding-ding" chime, with illuminated push button and CU
mounted transformer, don't know if there's an easy way to piggy-back
additional sounders off it though.

https://www.friedland.co.uk/en-GB/Chimes/Fixedchimes/Pages/D117.aspx

it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.


How does that explain every battery powered one I ever try to use being
flat?

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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On Monday, 12 December 2016 17:53:20 UTC, Andy Burns wrote:
Clive Arthur wrote:

Chris Green wrote:

I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there?


I have a good old "ding-ding" chime, with illuminated push button and CU
mounted transformer, don't know if there's an easy way to piggy-back
additional sounders off it though.

https://www.friedland.co.uk/en-GB/Chimes/Fixedchimes/Pages/D117.aspx


http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/Doorbell


it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.


How does that explain every battery powered one I ever try to use being
flat?


Doorbells used to use massive batteries decades ago. Those lasted many years, basically shelf life. Now that they use tiny AAs or similar of course they don't last well.


NT
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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On Mon, 12 Dec 2016 18:17:31 -0000, wrote:

On Monday, 12 December 2016 17:53:20 UTC, Andy Burns wrote:
Clive Arthur wrote:

Chris Green wrote:

I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there?


I have a good old "ding-ding" chime, with illuminated push button and CU
mounted transformer, don't know if there's an easy way to piggy-back
additional sounders off it though.

https://www.friedland.co.uk/en-GB/Chimes/Fixedchimes/Pages/D117.aspx


http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/Doorbell


it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.


How does that explain every battery powered one I ever try to use being
flat?


Doorbells used to use massive batteries decades ago. Those lasted many years, basically shelf life. Now that they use tiny AAs or similar of course they don't last well.


My doorbell was here when I moved in in 2000. It uses 4AA batteries. Alkalines last about 7-10 years.

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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On Mon, 12 Dec 2016 18:17:31 -0000, wrote:

On Monday, 12 December 2016 17:53:20 UTC, Andy Burns wrote:
Clive Arthur wrote:

Chris Green wrote:

I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there?


I have a good old "ding-ding" chime, with illuminated push button and CU
mounted transformer, don't know if there's an easy way to piggy-back
additional sounders off it though.

https://www.friedland.co.uk/en-GB/Chimes/Fixedchimes/Pages/D117.aspx


http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/Doorbell


it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.


How does that explain every battery powered one I ever try to use being
flat?


Doorbells used to use massive batteries decades ago. Those lasted many years, basically shelf life. Now that they use tiny AAs or similar of course they don't last well.


My computer is spying on me. I just got this recommendation in Ebay, I guess you could make a doorbell out of it:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIY-Synth-Kit-/112233746279

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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

Andy Burns wrote:
Clive Arthur wrote:


it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.


How does that explain every battery powered one I ever try to use being
flat?


Probably because it's a wireless bell. ;-)

Tim

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On Mon, 12 Dec 2016 19:33:18 -0000, Tim+ wrote:

Andy Burns wrote:
Clive Arthur wrote:


it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.


How does that explain every battery powered one I ever try to use being
flat?


Probably because it's a wireless bell. ;-)


I find 50% of wireless bells take 1-3 seconds to transmit, by which time you've not heard them and assumed they're broken, then knock. I even had one ring after someone answered the door!

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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On 12/12/2016 17:53, Andy Burns wrote:
Clive Arthur wrote:

Chris Green wrote:

I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there?


I have a good old "ding-ding" chime, with illuminated push button and CU
mounted transformer, don't know if there's an easy way to piggy-back
additional sounders off it though.

https://www.friedland.co.uk/en-GB/Chimes/Fixedchimes/Pages/D117.aspx

it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.


How does that explain every battery powered one I ever try to use being
flat?


Don't know... Perhaps people never replace the batteries.

I installed one about 8 years ago. Still going strong on its first battery.


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John.

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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

In article ,
Andy Burns wrote:
Clive Arthur wrote:


Chris Green wrote:

I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there?


I have a good old "ding-ding" chime, with illuminated push button and CU
mounted transformer, don't know if there's an easy way to piggy-back
additional sounders off it though.


https://www.friedland.co.uk/en-GB/Chimes/Fixedchimes/Pages/D117.aspx


it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.


How does that explain every battery powered one I ever try to use being
flat?


Very true.

I also looked at the latest 'bells' in the TLC catalogue after reading
this thread. And it seems many light up when ringing. So must be designed
for a bedsit? No wonder people can't hear them ring.

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On Tue, 13 Dec 2016 13:46:50 -0000, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

In article ,
Andy Burns wrote:
Clive Arthur wrote:


Chris Green wrote:

I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there?


I have a good old "ding-ding" chime, with illuminated push button and CU
mounted transformer, don't know if there's an easy way to piggy-back
additional sounders off it though.


https://www.friedland.co.uk/en-GB/Chimes/Fixedchimes/Pages/D117.aspx


it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.


How does that explain every battery powered one I ever try to use being
flat?


Very true.

I also looked at the latest 'bells' in the TLC catalogue after reading
this thread. And it seems many light up when ringing. So must be designed
for a bedsit? No wonder people can't hear them ring.


Best thing to do is to look for the room with the TV in it and bang on the window. Even if people hear the doorbell they think it's part of the TV program. If you can hear a hoover, forget it.

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For the sake of decency and civility, and to keep it from getting sunburnt, he had a hat over his private parts.
A woman walks past and says, snickering, "If you were a gentleman you'd lift your hat."
He raised an eyebrow and replied, "If you were better looking it would lift itself."
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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

Clive Arthur wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:21, Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.

I don't know, but it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.

Yes, but they fail without much warning. Not hearing the bell isn't a
very good indicator of a failed battery.

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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On 12/12/2016 18:04, Chris Green wrote:

Yes, but they fail without much warning. Not hearing the bell isn't a
very good indicator of a failed battery.


On my wireless door bell, when the batteries in the bell push are
starting to go flat the chime unit still sounds the main chime but
follows it with a couple of loud warning beeps.

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On Mon, 12 Dec 2016 18:04:18 -0000, Chris Green wrote:

Clive Arthur wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:21, Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.

I don't know, but it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.

Yes, but they fail without much warning. Not hearing the bell isn't a
very good indicator of a failed battery.


Mine goes off-key if the batteries are low.

--
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So I bought her a set of scales.
And then the fight started...
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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On 12/12/2016 18:04, Chris Green wrote:
Clive Arthur wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:21, Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.

I don't know, but it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.

Yes, but they fail without much warning. Not hearing the bell isn't a
very good indicator of a failed battery.

Certainly mine fails without warning, but never because of the bell push
battery which has been there for many years. It's always the bell
sounder unit batteries, as they are draining in receive mode all the time.

Cheers
--
Clive


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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On Mon, 12 Dec 2016 22:51:59 -0000, Clive Arthur wrote:

On 12/12/2016 18:04, Chris Green wrote:
Clive Arthur wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:21, Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.

I don't know, but it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.

Yes, but they fail without much warning. Not hearing the bell isn't a
very good indicator of a failed battery.

Certainly mine fails without warning, but never because of the bell push
battery which has been there for many years. It's always the bell
sounder unit batteries, as they are draining in receive mode all the time.


I thought the sounder was always plugged in?

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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On 12/12/2016 17:38, Clive Arthur wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:21, Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.


Why the fear of battery powered components?
They work well enough and run for almost as long as the shelf life.

I don't know, but it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.


Moreover the modern piezo sounders are highly efficient and loud unlike
the old prehistoric 2A solenoid soft iron ding-dong things from way
back. The other advantage is that you can go wireless and/or have a
choice of tunes for different bell pushes.

Unless you need a continuously lit bell push then mains bell setups are
no longer really worth it (and even then current drain can be kept low
enough that a set of D batteries will last ~5000hr = 200 days).

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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?



"Martin Brown" wrote in message
news
On 12/12/2016 17:38, Clive Arthur wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:21, Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.


Why the fear of battery powered components?


Its not fear, its preference.

They work well enough and run for almost as long as the shelf life.


But mains powered bells work for a lot longer than that.

I don't know, but it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.


Moreover the modern piezo sounders are highly efficient and loud unlike
the old prehistoric 2A solenoid soft iron ding-dong things from way back.
The other advantage is that you can go wireless and/or have a choice of
tunes for different bell pushes.


Just as true of mains powered ones.

Unless you need a continuously lit bell push then mains bell setups are no
longer really worth it (and even then current drain can be kept low enough
that a set of D batteries will last ~5000hr = 200 days).


Mains powered ones last a hell of a lot longer than that without any owner
action.

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On Tuesday, 13 December 2016 08:44:15 UTC, Rod Speed wrote:
"Martin Brown" wrote in message
news
On 12/12/2016 17:38, Clive Arthur wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:21, Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.


Why the fear of battery powered components?


Its not fear, its preference.

They work well enough and run for almost as long as the shelf life.


But mains powered bells work for a lot longer than that.


Not if there's a power cut. ;-)


Actually one of our student groups has a solar panle which charged up the batts for a doorbell and using a switch on a letter box it could also email when anything came through the letter box. (not that I coudl think of a good reason to do that but..)

I don't have that problem I don't have a doorbell I get people to knock.



I don't know, but it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.


Moreover the modern piezo sounders are highly efficient and loud unlike
the old prehistoric 2A solenoid soft iron ding-dong things from way back.
The other advantage is that you can go wireless and/or have a choice of
tunes for different bell pushes.


Just as true of mains powered ones.


But you'd need a UPS


Unless you need a continuously lit bell push then mains bell setups are no
longer really worth it (and even then current drain can be kept low enough
that a set of D batteries will last ~5000hr = 200 days).


Mains powered ones last a hell of a lot longer than that without any owner
action.


That's true the one I did at my parents stil works after 32+ years.
12V transformer, push switch and a couple of large black bell units.

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whisky-dave wrote
Rod Speed wrote
Martin Brown wrote
Clive Arthur wrote
Chris Green wrote


I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.


Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.


Why the fear of battery powered components?


Its not fear, its preference.


They work well enough and run for almost as long as the shelf life.


But mains powered bells work for a lot longer than that.


Not if there's a power cut. ;-)


Yep, with the best designed ones that have a rechargeable battery in them.

Actually one of our student groups has a solar panle which charged
up the batts for a doorbell and using a switch on a letter box it could
also email when anything came through the letter box.


Yeah, I'll likely do one of those myself.

(not that I coudl think of a good reason to do that but..)


I can. We arent stupid enough to have our letterboxes in the front
door and so its handy to be notified when the posty puts something
in the letterbox instead of having to check it daily etc.

I don't have that problem I don't have a doorbell I get people to knock.


I didnt bother because the ****ing great alsatian leaves any doorbell
for dead and given that he prefers to lie just inside the massive great
patio door that is the front door, so he can watch people walking
past in the park/walkway next door, no need for any doorbell.

I don't know, but it's worth pointing out that the bell push
batteries last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal
use as they're only drained when the button is pushed.


Moreover the modern piezo sounders are highly efficient and loud
unlike the old prehistoric 2A solenoid soft iron ding-dong things
from way back. The other advantage is that you can go wireless
and/or have a choice of tunes for different bell pushes.


Just as true of mains powered ones.


But you'd need a UPS


Nope, just one properly designed with a rechargeable battery inside it.

Makes sense to have one integrated with the alarm system with just
a different sound when its the doorbell button thats been pressed.

Unless you need a continuously lit bell push then mains bell setups
are no longer really worth it (and even then current drain can be kept
low enough that a set of D batteries will last ~5000hr = 200 days).


Mains powered ones last a hell of a lot
longer than that without any owner action.


That's true the one I did at my parents stil works after 32+ years.
12V transformer, push switch and a couple of large black bell units.





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On Tuesday, 13 December 2016 08:20:35 UTC, Martin Brown wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:38, Clive Arthur wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:21, Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.


Why the fear of battery powered components?
They work well enough and run for almost as long as the shelf life.

I don't know, but it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.


Moreover the modern piezo sounders are highly efficient and loud unlike
the old prehistoric 2A solenoid soft iron ding-dong things from way
back. The other advantage is that you can go wireless and/or have a
choice of tunes for different bell pushes.

Unless you need a continuously lit bell push then mains bell setups are
no longer really worth it (and even then current drain can be kept low
enough that a set of D batteries will last ~5000hr = 200 days).


Piezos are very power efficient but they just don't have the required volume. Old mechanicals do.


NT
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On Tuesday, 13 December 2016 11:05:08 UTC, wrote:
Piezos are very power efficient but they just don't have the
required volume. Old mechanicals do.


Piezos and other electronic sounders have just about replaced conventional bells in fire alarm systems due to low current requirement enabling more sounders to be used, for uniform volume coverage.

Owain


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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On Tuesday, 13 December 2016 11:29:25 UTC, wrote:
On Tuesday, 13 December 2016 11:05:08 UTC, tabby wrote:


Piezos are very power efficient but they just don't have the
required volume. Old mechanicals do.


Piezos and other electronic sounders have just about replaced conventional bells in fire alarm systems due to low current requirement enabling more sounders to be used, for uniform volume coverage.

Owain


like everything it's because they're cheaper. They're used differently in doorbells and can't produce similar volume levels.


NT
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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

In article ,
wrote:
On Tuesday, 13 December 2016 11:05:08 UTC, wrote:
Piezos are very power efficient but they just don't have the
required volume. Old mechanicals do.


Piezos and other electronic sounders have just about replaced
conventional bells in fire alarm systems due to low current requirement
enabling more sounders to be used, for uniform volume coverage.


Piezo sounders tend to be tuned to a particular highish frequency for best
efficiency. Perhaps ideal for an alarm, but not sure I'd like that nasty
noise as a door bell.

Other thing is of course they're much cheaper to make than a decent bell.

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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On Tue, 13 Dec 2016 11:29:23 -0000, wrote:

On Tuesday, 13 December 2016 11:05:08 UTC, wrote:
Piezos are very power efficient but they just don't have the
required volume. Old mechanicals do.


Piezos and other electronic sounders have just about replaced conventional bells in fire alarm systems due to low current requirement enabling more sounders to be used, for uniform volume coverage.


My doorbell uses a small paper cone 2" speaker. It's as loud as a mechanical chime and lasts the lifetime of the 4 AA Duracells.

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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On 13/12/2016 11:05, wrote:
On Tuesday, 13 December 2016 08:20:35 UTC, Martin Brown wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:38, Clive Arthur wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:21, Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.


Why the fear of battery powered components?
They work well enough and run for almost as long as the shelf life.

I don't know, but it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.


Moreover the modern piezo sounders are highly efficient and loud unlike
the old prehistoric 2A solenoid soft iron ding-dong things from way
back. The other advantage is that you can go wireless and/or have a
choice of tunes for different bell pushes.

Unless you need a continuously lit bell push then mains bell setups are
no longer really worth it (and even then current drain can be kept low
enough that a set of D batteries will last ~5000hr = 200 days).


Piezos are very power efficient but they just don't have the required volume. Old mechanicals do.


They are plenty loud enough even for the chronically deaf. This one
which I chose for my parents flashes brightly as well for good measure.
It is still on its original set of batteries after three years.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Byron-BY301...dp/B005JBN3V8/

I got it for them because they couldn't hear the old ding dong one!

Only weakness is IP44 rated door switch which is OK in a sheltered spot
but would be useless where I live with penetrating rain and snow.

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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On Tuesday, 13 December 2016 15:49:00 UTC, Martin Brown wrote:
On 13/12/2016 11:05, tabbypurr wrote:
On Tuesday, 13 December 2016 08:20:35 UTC, Martin Brown wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:38, Clive Arthur wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:21, Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.

Why the fear of battery powered components?
They work well enough and run for almost as long as the shelf life.

I don't know, but it's worth pointing out that the bell push batteries
last pretty much the battery shelf life in normal use as they're only
drained when the button is pushed.

Moreover the modern piezo sounders are highly efficient and loud unlike
the old prehistoric 2A solenoid soft iron ding-dong things from way
back. The other advantage is that you can go wireless and/or have a
choice of tunes for different bell pushes.

Unless you need a continuously lit bell push then mains bell setups are
no longer really worth it (and even then current drain can be kept low
enough that a set of D batteries will last ~5000hr = 200 days).


Piezos are very power efficient but they just don't have the required volume. Old mechanicals do.


They are plenty loud enough even for the chronically deaf. This one
which I chose for my parents flashes brightly as well for good measure.
It is still on its original set of batteries after three years.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Byron-BY301...dp/B005JBN3V8/

I got it for them because they couldn't hear the old ding dong one!

Only weakness is IP44 rated door switch which is OK in a sheltered spot
but would be useless where I live with penetrating rain and snow.


In a lot of houses, people often fail to hear piezos. They'd be far from reliable here. Yours may be different.


NT
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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?


"Chris Green" wrote in message
...
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.

--
Chris Green
·

passive door push
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...l_2/index.html

bell and transformer
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VE792.html

They are wired, but you said you didn't mind too much. The big benefit
with wired mains doorbells is they just work for years and years and
years.....

Charles F

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Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.


I don't think you'll find what you're looking for because, IMO, that is
probably the worst idea I've ever heard for running something as simple as
a doorbell. ;-)

Tim

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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On 12/12/2016 17:48, Tim+ wrote:
Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.


I don't think you'll find what you're looking for because, IMO, that is
probably the worst idea I've ever heard for running something as simple as
a doorbell. ;-)

Tim

I got a mains doorbell because I got fed up with the wireless bell
pushes packing up I had about four go intermitant or simply packed up
completely.
The mains one (including the wired bell push) has been faultless.



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On 12/12/2016 17:55, Bod wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:48, Tim+ wrote:
Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.


I don't think you'll find what you're looking for because, IMO, that is
probably the worst idea I've ever heard for running something as
simple as
a doorbell. ;-)

Tim

I got a mains doorbell because I got fed up with the wireless bell
pushes packing up I had about four go intermitant or simply packed up
completely.
The mains one (including the wired bell push) has been faultless.

Added to that, on random occasions the wireless doorbell push would ring
when nobody was there. I assume that it was getting a stray signal
from somewhere.
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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On Mon, 12 Dec 2016 18:01:40 -0000, Bod wrote:

On 12/12/2016 17:55, Bod wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:48, Tim+ wrote:
Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.


I don't think you'll find what you're looking for because, IMO, that is
probably the worst idea I've ever heard for running something as
simple as
a doorbell. ;-)

Tim

I got a mains doorbell because I got fed up with the wireless bell
pushes packing up I had about four go intermitant or simply packed up
completely.
The mains one (including the wired bell push) has been faultless.

Added to that, on random occasions the wireless doorbell push would ring
when nobody was there. I assume that it was getting a stray signal
from somewhere.


I've been told car keyfobs can set them off. Plus you've got neighbours' doorbells.

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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

In article ,
Bod wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:55, Bod wrote:
On 12/12/2016 17:48, Tim+ wrote:
Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.


I don't think you'll find what you're looking for because, IMO, that is
probably the worst idea I've ever heard for running something as
simple as
a doorbell. ;-)

Tim

I got a mains doorbell because I got fed up with the wireless bell
pushes packing up I had about four go intermitant or simply packed up
completely.
The mains one (including the wired bell push) has been faultless.

Added to that, on random occasions the wireless doorbell push would ring
when nobody was there. I assume that it was getting a stray signal
from somewhere.


Other thing that some may not care about is an ordinary bell push can be
found in a variety of designs including say flush polished brass or
chrome. Rather than those horrible plastic surface mount things I see
everywhere. I find it strange to see a front door with expensive door
furniture but a cheap and nasty plastic wireless push just plonked on the
architrave.

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On Tuesday, 13 December 2016 00:44:05 UTC, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

found in a variety of designs including say flush polished brass or
chrome. Rather than those horrible plastic surface mount things I see
everywhere. I find it strange to see a front door with expensive door
furniture but a cheap and nasty plastic wireless push just plonked on the
architrave.


The trouble is that some of those have really poor quality switches.
I bought one with a nice oval stainless steel surround to match the
door handle. It worked fine for me, but some visitors complained that
the bell never rang and ended up thumping the door.

It turned out that the switch contacts were a pair of gold plated
screws going through the back plate to the main terminals in
conjunction with a larger screw at the end of the button. The screw
heads all touched when the switch was pushed straight in. However, if
the pressure was slightly sideways then the three screw heads never met.

I replaced it with a decent switch from Farnell fitted into the
original housing.

John



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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

Tim+ wrote:
Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.


I don't think you'll find what you're looking for because, IMO, that is
probably the worst idea I've ever heard for running something as simple as
a doorbell. ;-)


Just to be clear, the wireless bell push powered off the mains idea. ;-)

Plenty of cheap wired bells available and bell transformers if you want a
push that lights up.

As has been mentioned, battery bells will last for years on a single set of
batteries.

Tim




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On Mon, 12 Dec 2016 18:07:26 -0000, Tim+ wrote:

Tim+ wrote:
Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.


I don't think you'll find what you're looking for because, IMO, that is
probably the worst idea I've ever heard for running something as simple as
a doorbell. ;-)


Just to be clear, the wireless bell push powered off the mains idea. ;-)

Plenty of cheap wired bells available and bell transformers if you want a
push that lights up.

As has been mentioned, battery bells will last for years on a single set of
batteries.


Where I used to live the bellpush broke, so I left the two wires dangling. You could connect them to ring the bell. Trouble was, you got the kickback voltage of the solenoid used to chime the xylophone notes :-)

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On Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:01:08 -0000, "James Wilkinson Sword"
wrote:

On Mon, 12 Dec 2016 18:07:26 -0000, Tim+ wrote:

Tim+ wrote:
Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.


I don't think you'll find what you're looking for because, IMO, that is
probably the worst idea I've ever heard for running something as simple as
a doorbell. ;-)


Just to be clear, the wireless bell push powered off the mains idea. ;-)

Plenty of cheap wired bells available and bell transformers if you want a
push that lights up.

As has been mentioned, battery bells will last for years on a single set of
batteries.


Where I used to live the bellpush broke, so I left the two wires dangling. You could connect them to ring the bell. Trouble was, you got the kickback voltage of the solenoid used to chime the xylophone notes :-)


A friend of mine disconnected the bellpush when his wife had a baby.
Didn't appreciate it at all when I used my initiative to touch the two
ends together!
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Default Are there any 'all mains' doorbells at reasonable prices?

On Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:34:59 -0000, Scott wrote:

On Mon, 12 Dec 2016 20:01:08 -0000, "James Wilkinson Sword"
wrote:

On Mon, 12 Dec 2016 18:07:26 -0000, Tim+ wrote:

Tim+ wrote:
Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.


I don't think you'll find what you're looking for because, IMO, that is
probably the worst idea I've ever heard for running something as simple as
a doorbell. ;-)


Just to be clear, the wireless bell push powered off the mains idea. ;-)

Plenty of cheap wired bells available and bell transformers if you want a
push that lights up.

As has been mentioned, battery bells will last for years on a single set of
batteries.


Where I used to live the bellpush broke, so I left the two wires dangling. You could connect them to ring the bell. Trouble was, you got the kickback voltage of the solenoid used to chime the xylophone notes :-)


A friend of mine disconnected the bellpush when his wife had a baby.
Didn't appreciate it at all when I used my initiative to touch the two
ends together!


I pressed an old rusty bellpush once, and the damn thing wouldn't stop ringing. I was still trying to pull the button back out when she answered the door.

Next time I went there, I had a can of WD40 in my hand.

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On Monday, 12 December 2016 17:33:06 UTC, Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.

--
Chris Green
·


You can buy a door bell transformer that fits in one of the ways in your consumer unit instead of a MCB.

Eg:-
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MK5711.html
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On Mon, 12 Dec 2016 18:24:23 -0000, harry wrote:

On Monday, 12 December 2016 17:33:06 UTC, Chris Green wrote:
I'm after a doorbell (preferably one which has two or more sounders)
which doesn't use batteries at all. I.e. both the button(s) and the
sounders are mains powered. I don't even mind all that much if wire
is required between the button(s) and the sounders but wireless would
be easier.

Are there any out there? I can find quite a few with mains powered
sounders but they still have battery powered buttons.

--
Chris Green
·


You can buy a door bell transformer that fits in one of the ways in your consumer unit instead of a MCB.

Eg:-
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MK5711.html


If you happen to have that style of CU.

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