I've been working with Arlo to try and sort out why it works the way it does, but so far there is no conclusion.įirst let me say, I'm not a "doorbell expert" (if there is such a thing), but I have done my share of low voltage wiring. I have a 24volt, 24 watt transformer, and two old mechanical chimes wired in the normal way. What isn't clear is that my own setup appears to be working normally without the power module - but the two chimes fail to ring when the module is installed. That can cause the chime(s) to misbehave (always ring, hum, or maybe other bad behavior), and it might also result in the doorbell being underpowered. If the power module isn't installed, that power has to flow through your chime(s). To complete the story - the video doorbell always needs to draw power from the transformer whether the power module is installed or not. I've been working with Arlo to try and sort out why it works the way it does, but so far there is no my understanding also. this is also how Ring and Nest work, it’s not unique to likely depends on the type of doorbell system you have and how it’s wired.
this is also how Ring and Nest work, it’s not unique to Arlo.īy the way. The AVD can run off the battery (with no power source) for a short time, but will quickly deplete it’s battery power and ceased to function.īottom line, if you have constant 16-24 ac voltage at your button, the doorbell should work (chime may not), if not you’ll either need the power kit, or your doorbell isn’t compatible.īy the way. The power kit allows you send 16-24vac to the button constantly, but only sends it to the chime when the button is pressed.
The Arlo Video Doorbell has an internal battery that needs to be trickle charged and kept “topped off“ by the 16-24vac transformer. In this configuration there is normally no voltage at the button or chime, until the button is pressed to complete the circuit. When the button is pressed, a wire between the doorbell and chime is connected, completing the circuit, triggering the chime and ringing the bell. One side of the transformer is connected to the chime, and the other side to the doorbell button.
It likely depends on the type of doorbell system you have and how it’s wired.Ī traditional doorbell is an open loop, low voltage (16vac - 24vac) system.