A wired doorbell button is a wall mounted switch that rings by completing an electric circuit when pressed. It connects to a transformer, reducing household voltage. The button uses low voltage wiring to connect with a chime. The chime activates by sending power through the circuit when someone presses it. The setup is ideal and reliable for residential and commercial buildings. A wired doorbell button is durable, simple to install and provides consistent alerts. It works as a part of a complete wired button. 

What Are the Key Components of a Wired Doorbell System?

Here are the eight key components of a wired doorbell system :

1. Doorbell Button: The doorbell activates when pressed, mounted at entry points. It acts like a switch and works after completing the electrical circuit. The button comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and finishes, suitable for different entryways. 
2. Transformer: The transformer can reduce household voltage from 120V AC to 16V. This functionality makes it durable, safe to use and protects the system. You can connect it in the middle of the main source power and the doorbell circuit. 
3. Chime Unit: The chime unit produces the sound to alert when the circuit completes. Digital chimes use electricity to play tones but the mechanical creates sound by striking hammer to metal bars. 
4. Wiring: Low voltage copper wiring connects everything in a closed loop including the button, transformer and chime. It consumes power through the circuit when the button is pressed. 
5. Mounting Plate or Bracket: The mountain plate gives support to the chime unit and button. It makes installation and removal easy with safe fixing. 
6. Back Diode (Optional): A block diode protects illuminated doorbell buttons from constant humming. You can install it at the button terminals on the wiring. 
7. Junction Box (Optional): Use junction box to place and protect wiring connections. Code-compliant or outdoor installation mostly needs a junction box. 
8. Surge Protector (Optional): A surgical protector covers the doorbell system from voltage spikes. It minimizes damage risks caused by lightning or power surges. 

What Materials Are Wired Doorbell Buttons Made Of?

Wired doorbell buttons are mostly made of following eight  materials: 

1. Plastic: It is lightweight and affordable. Most of the basic models used indoors or covered are made of plastic. It provides durability under sun exposure, hardly fades and resists rust. 
2. Brass: Brass gives a strong corrosion resistance and a classy look. It adds a character by developing patina over time. This material offers durability, best for long term use. 
3. Aluminum: Aluminum is lightweight and gives protection against rust. It is ideal for modern layout and very easy to install. Aluminum made doorbell buttons compatible for both indoor and outdoor use. 
4. Stainless Steel: Stainless steel offers durability and protects the doorbell button from harsh weather. This material is best for outdoor use, giving protection against rust and moisture. 
5. Zinc Alloy: Zinc alloy gives moderate durability at minimum cost. It is cheaper than solid metal but gives a metallic look. 
6. Glass Accents: Glass accents complement surrounding decoration with an elegant touch. It mainly focuses on aesthetics rather than strength.  
7. Ceramic Inlays: Wired doorbell buttons made of ceramic inlays gives a vintage or artistic look. You can find it among custom or special designs. 
8. Wood Trim: Wood trim gives a warm and rustic look. It resists weather damage, ideal for covered or indoor installation. 

What Are the Types of Wired Doorbell Buttons?

These are the four most common types of wired doorbell buttons: 

1. Standard Mechanical Button: A standard mechanical button is a basic press-to-ring design. It activates the chime by using a simple switch to complete the circuit. It is common in homes due to reliability and low-cost.
2. Illuminated Button: An illuminated button comes with installed light, being easy to notice in dim light. The light is often LED or small incandescent. It helps guests notice the button even in the dark at night. 
3. Decorative Button – The key feature of a decorative button is its looks. It comes in different designs, metalwork, themed shapes, or custom finishes. You can install it at entryways for enhanced appearance. 
4. Weatherproof Button: A weatherproof button has no gap, blocking moisture, dust, and temperature changes. It is made from durable materials, suited for uncovered outdoor areas.

How to Choose the Right Wired Doorbell Button

Here is how you can choose the right wired doorbell button: 

1. Voltage Compatibility: Make sure the transformer output (usually 16V) matches the button. It may weaken chimes or fail the system if voltage is incorrect. 
2. Wiring Type: Ensure the button must fit to your two-wire or three-wire setup. Ensure proper electrical connection by choosing the correct type. 
3. Chime Compatibility: Ensure the button is compatible with your installed mechanical or digital chime. Chime stops working if there is any mismatch. 
4. Design & Finish: The button style and finish should complement the entryway. Choose the correct design and finish that gives a consistent look to the door and surrounding. 
5. Material Quality: Material that resists UV and rust is durable and works for long. Wired doorbell buttons made of high quality material are durable to use under sunlight or humidity. 
6. Weather Resistance: Make sure buttons for outdoor can handle rain, heat and cold. Weather-resistant models prevent damage from moisture, ideal for outdoor use. 
7. Illumination Feature: LED-lit buttons are easy to notice at night. This is useful for dark entryways.
8. Mounting Style: Choose surface-mounted or flush-mounted based on the doorframe. Mounting style has a direct impact on looks and fit.
9. Brand or Model Match: The brand or model and the buttons should match. It makes the system fully compatible.

How to Install a Wired Doorbell Button

Follow these nine steps to install a wired doorbell button: 

1. Turn Off Power: Switch off the breaker that provides the doorbell circuit. It eliminates the risk of electrical shock while working. 
2. Mark Drill Holes: Choose the place to hold buttons and mark screw points for accurate measurements.
3. Prepare Wiring: Get a clean metal by striping the ends of wires. You can easily connect wires to the terminals with this method. 
4. Mount the Button: Use screws to attach the button to the wall or frame. Get a clean fit by keeping it at level.
5. Connect Wires: Attach each wire to the terminal screws on the back of the button. Tighten connections to avoid loose contact.
6. Secure Wiring: Push some extra wire into the wall cavity or junction box. It ensures clean and tidy installation.
7. Restore Power: Turn the breaker back on to power the system.
8. Test the Doorbell: Ensure the chime is working by pressing the button.
9. Seal for Weatherproofing: Apply silicone around the base to ensure buttons should not be exposed to rain and moisture.

How to Maintain Wired Doorbell Buttons

Use a soft brush or cloth to clean dirt or corrosion from the terminals. Ensure the circuit is stable by tightening any loose connections. This method ensures chime rings properly and does not lose signals. Regular cleaning is necessary for the buttons to work for long. 

Inspect for frayed wiring if the chime suddenly steps working. Timely replace bulbs or LEDS in illuminated models if it dims or burns out. Prevent damage or block moisture by checking and maintaining weatherproof seals on outdoor units.