Ring cameras are now one of the most sought-after home security options on the market today. They are cheap, require easy do-it-yourself installation, and can connect with other smart home technologies making them popular with the average homeowner. Another commonly asked question is whether one requires a physical doorbell to install a Ring cam or if the cam can be installed individually. Perhaps it is time to analyze how the Ring cameras function and what part the doorbell plays.
How do Ring Cameras Work?
Ring cameras are stand-alone security cameras that are connected to the Ring app on the smartphone or PC as well as the home Wi-Fi network. This lets you monitor live streams from the camera at any time and receive notifications whenever the camera records motion.
They have various models of Best security Cameras including video doorbells, spotlight cams, floodlight cams, and indoor/outdoor cams. Video doorbells are installed outside and are placed right beside the traditional wired doorbells. If the doorbell button is pressed or motion is detected by the camera, you get a notification on your phone and can see who is at the door and speak with them regardless of where you are.
The spotlights, floodlights, and indoor/outdoor cams are similar but installed in other places such as porches, garages, backyards, and inside the house but not by the door. They have the same connectivity app as the doorbell cameras and the feature that detects motion but they don't have a doorbell chime.
Is There Any Requirement For Pre Installing Doorbells for Ring Cameras?
Regarding the standalone spotlight cams, floodlight cams, and indoor/outdoor cams of Ring, there is no necessity to have or create a new doorbell. These cameras operate individually to capture the movement and notify the user. They can be positioned anywhere on your property as long as the units are within the wireless network coverage.
Nonetheless, the Ring Video Doorbell product specifically requires an existing wired doorbell for the video doorbell device to work.
Power Configuration Video doorbells are wired devices that draw power from an outlet, and as such, they need a constant source of power to function, unlike battery-powered standalone cameras. Ring video doorbells are made to pair with the existing doorbell wiring which provides the device with a constant power source. If there were no wires connected to your wall/doorframe through which the Ring doorbell draws power, it would get a steady supply of electricity.
Video doorbells are wired devices that must be supplied with constant power to function, unlike battery-operated standalone cameras. Ring video doorbells are specifically powered by your current doorbell wiring so that it stays powered on at all times. Were it not for those wires that are mounted in the wall or door frame to supply power to the Ring doorbell, the device would not get a constant power supply. Chime Access The wires that come with your existing doorbell not only provide power but also link to the indoor bell chime. The indoor chime of the ring video doorbells triggers this connection when the button is pressed to answer the bell. This means that if your phone is not nearby, you will be able to hear the notifications inside.
However, if you do not already have a wired doorbell, there is a battery-powered version of the Ring Video Doorbell. However, the wired models are more accurate and do not need battery replacement from time to time like the wireless ones.
New Doorbell Just for Ring: Basic Steps on How to Put Up a New One
If you do have a wired doorbell in your home but wish to install the wired Ring Video Doorbell, you will have to get a doorbell installed before connecting Ring. This calls for simple wiring skills and tools. But you can also hire an electrician for a full doorbell installation and setting up of Ring devices.
The basic steps to install a new doorbell in preparation for Ring:
- Please switch off the power at the circuit breaker. Check for any available electricity at the location where the equipment is to be installed before handling any wires.
- Buy low-voltage doorbell wiring and attach the 2 conductor wires from your indoor chime location to the outdoor location near the door. Low voltage wires must be number 16 or number 18.
- Wire the door frame and wall with small nail clips and drill holes where necessary. Ensure wires are well fixed on the wall and not exposed.
- Mount an exterior-rated low-voltage transformer close to the doorbell and then connect the doorbell wires to the front screw terminals of the transformer. This reduces your main voltage to 16VAC which is safer to work with as compared to the original voltage.
- Fix the new doorbell button to the proper position on the wall or the door. The wires at the back of the doorbell button should be connected to the terminals of the transformer.
- Switch on the power to ensure that the new doorbell system is functional before installing the Ring device. You ought to get the indoor chime sound when you are pressing the outdoor button.
- When the doorbell itself rings, switch off the power supply and then connect your Ring Video Doorbell wires to the terminals on the transformer. Install the app based on the instructions from Ring, if there are any available in the app.
This finishes the doorbell installation base that links your Ring device. However, it will look and work like a perfectly normal wired doorbell if the wires are correctly incorporated and connected into the Ring, along with the security camera and other smart features Ring provides. Taking the time to run dedicated wiring for Ring enables the video doorbell to function constantly with full functionality.
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