A resistor is a device that resists the electrical flow. Some resistors have an insulating middle surrounded by conductive wire. They are called wire-wound resistors. Others consist of a spiral of carbon. You are more likely to find wire-wound resistors in doorbells because of their precision and stability. But knowing what resistors do is not enough to tell you whether or not a Ring doorbell requires one.
Is A Resistor Necessary For Ring Doorbell?
You could use a Ring video bell without a resistor if you hardwired the device. But you have to use a resistor if you wanted to connect directly to the doorbell transformer.
Simply put, if you already have a wall-mounted chime and house transformer, ‘Hardwiring’ means that you made a connection to the pre-existing wires. Therefore, you don’t need a resistor. Your setup can rely on the house-bell chime. It will deliver the resistance required.
But if you don’t have a pre-existing doorbell, and you’re determined to connect the Ring video doorbell to the transformer, you should install a resistor. The device is necessary because you don’t have a chime.
The biggest hurdle is to understand what the term ‘Hardwired’ means. It creates confusion because people expect the word to describe a situation where the wires are directly connected to the doorbell.
Unfortunately, in this case, there is more nuance. The most important factor is whether or not you have pre-existing house-bell wires. Are you connecting to those pre-existing wires or the transformer?
Why Does Ring Need A Resistor?
Normally, the current would continue to the chime. Without the chime, the resistor is the next best thing. But what if you configure the device without a resistor? If you connected the Ring directly to the transformer and your setup lacks a chime, pressing the button will create a short. You will damage the Ring and transformer.
If you’re unlucky, you may start a fire. The chime is the primary deciding factor. If you have one, the component can provide the relevant resistance, limiting the flow of current. If you don’t have one, get a resistor.
You can ignore resistors when you hardwire a Ring doorbell.
What Size Resistor Do I Need For My Ring Doorbell?
You need a 50W 25Ohm resistor. Find the power lines, the ones that run between the transformer and the Ring. You can add the resistor to any line you like. Once in place, it will absorb the current normally associated with the Chime.
You now know that the resistor limits the flow of current. Some of you may also understand that resistors have conductive wires made from alloys of varying thickness and length.
But none of that tells you where you should install the resistor. Fortunately, the process is not particularly complicated.
Where Do You Install The Resistor In Ring Doorbell?
You can add the resistor to one of the two wires running between the Ring and the transformer.
If you find it difficult to install a resistor, check the below video. A video explores the best way to install a resistor in great detail. The instructor in the video gives viewers a demonstration of the installation process. Therefore, if you don’t know how to install a resistor, the video will show you everything you need to know.
Do I Need A Resistor For Ring Doorbell 2?
You need a resistor for ring doorbell 2 if you don’t have a mechanical or electronic doorbell kit.
Use AC transformers because the company’s doorbells do not work with DC. Aim for 8 to 24V AC transformers (50/60Hz).
Do I Need A Resistor For Ring Doorbell 3?
Avoid resistors when installing the company’s doorbell. However, this only applies to those that want to hardwire their Ring Doorbell 3.
Simply put, if you have a pre-existing doorbell, you don’t have to install a resistor.
You can add the component as a precaution. But you don’t need it. On the other hand, if you don’t have pre-existing doorbell wiring, your Ring Doorbell 3 requires a resistor.
It is a pre-requisite. Without this component, the doorbell is a fire hazard because it doesn’t have a chime. Without a chime, your setup doesn’t have anything to provide the electrical resistance.
A resistor can act as a replacement for the bell chime. The manufacturer’s instructions about resistors are only confusing to people that don’t know what ‘Hardwired’ means.
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