A Homeowner's Guide to Troubleshooting August Doorbell Wiring
Installing an August Doorbell can be a great upgrade to your smart home, but wiring issues can stop your installation in its tracks. Problems like the doorbell not powering on, your internal chime buzzing, or the chime not ringing at all are common hurdles.
This guide is designed to help you diagnose and solve these wiring problems, ensuring a successful installation and a fully functional smart doorbell.
Safety First: Before you begin, always turn off the power to your doorbell circuit at your home's circuit breaker.
## Problem 1: The Doorbell Has No Power
You've mounted the doorbell and turned the power back on, but the indicator light is off and it won't enter setup mode.
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Cause 1: Insufficient Transformer Voltage: This is the most common issue. Smart doorbells require more power than traditional doorbell buttons. The August Doorbell requires a transformer rated for 16-24 volts AC. Most older homes have underpowered 10V or 16V transformers that are not sufficient.
- Solution: Check the voltage rating printed on your transformer (it's a small box usually located in your attic, basement, or near your electrical panel). If it's less than 16V AC, you will need to replace it with a more powerful one. This is a job you can do yourself if you are comfortable with basic electrical work, but hiring an electrician is recommended if you are not.
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Cause 2: Loose Connections: The small wires are finicky.
- Solution: Double-check that the wires are securely fastened under the terminal screws on the back of the August Doorbell mount. Ensure there is a solid metal-to-metal contact. Do the same at your chime box, checking the 'Front' and 'Trans' (transformer) terminals.
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Cause 3: Tripped Breaker:
- Solution: Make sure you have turned the circuit breaker back on fully. Sometimes a breaker can look like it's on when it has been tripped.
## Problem 2: The Internal Chime Buzzes or Hums Constantly
A continuous buzzing sound from your internal chime box after installation points to an electrical issue.
- Cause: Incorrect Wiring / Power Flow: The doorbell is allowing a small amount of current to constantly flow to the chime, which partially engages its electromagnet, causing the buzz.
- Solution 1: Check Chime Adapter: If your August Doorbell model came with a small puck or adapter to be installed at the chime, ensure it is installed correctly according to the manual. This device is designed to regulate the power flow.
- Solution 2: Verify Chime Wiring: Ensure the two wires at your chime box are connected to the correct terminals, typically labelled 'Front' and 'Trans'. Reversing them can sometimes cause issues.
## Problem 3: The Doorbell Works, But the Chime Doesn't Ring
You get a notification on your phone, but the traditional chime in your hallway remains silent.
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Cause 1: Chime is Disabled in the App:
- Solution: Open the August app, go to your doorbell's settings, and find the chime settings. Make sure you have selected 'Mechanical Chime' and that the option to ring the internal chime is enabled.
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Cause 2: Incompatible Chime:
- Solution: The August Doorbell is designed to work with standard mechanical chimes (the kind that use a physical striker to hit a metal bar). It is generally not compatible with digital chimes that play a melody, or fully wireless chimes.
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Cause 3: Faulty Wiring:
- Solution: Re-examine the wiring at the chime box. A loose wire on the 'Front' or 'Trans' terminal will prevent the circuit from completing when the doorbell button is pressed.