Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Peter on November 25, 2021, 01:37:12 pm

Title: Doorbell
Post by: Peter on November 25, 2021, 01:37:12 pm
I am replacing my outside doorbell as the face of the existing one has come off.  Is there a fuse I can take out to ensure no power to the unit so I don't zap myself?
Title: Re: Doorbell
Post by: wolfe10 on November 25, 2021, 01:47:02 pm
OE, there was no fuse specifically for the door bell.  That is why most have REMOVED and insulated the hot wire to the door bell mechanism.  It can (and has) started fires in coaches, as water in the door bell button can close the circuit and there is one "ding" and the plunger solenoid just stay ON.  It was never designed to do that without overheating.

Not aware of a fuse at the button or "ringer" end.
Title: Re: Doorbell
Post by: oldguy on November 25, 2021, 02:08:15 pm
As someone mentioned before that they put a fuse in for safety I did the same thing.
It would be smart to cut the wire put in the new doorbell and then instal a fuse.
Title: Re: Doorbell
Post by: Peter on November 25, 2021, 03:04:07 pm
What amp fuse did you use?
Title: Re: Doorbell
Post by: Pamela & Mike on November 25, 2021, 03:13:54 pm
If I remember correctly the fuse for the door bell is in the 12VDC fuses that are on the foot of the bed. Seems like it is either the bottom fuse or the one above it. Pull your A 2702 print and double check as I am laid up in the recliner and can't get to mine for that year model. That fuse is like a 15 amp which is too much for the door bell alone but they are using that circuit for some lights also.

Mike
Title: Re: Doorbell
Post by: oldguy on November 25, 2021, 03:35:44 pm
I think it is a 3 amp fuse
Title: Re: Doorbell
Post by: ifixboats on January 18, 2022, 08:41:50 pm
Our doorbell button in the handle beside the door merely grounds a wire when pushed. This wire is connected to a transmitter located in the cabinet above the front passenger seat. The transmitter has an inline 1.5amp fuse.  It transmits a signal to the chime powered by 2 or 3 D cell batteries. Seems pretty safe. Is this not original?
Title: Re: Doorbell
Post by: jor on January 19, 2022, 11:18:04 am
The doorbell on my 95 was just as ifixboats describes. You can see the fuse in this photo.
jor
Title: Re: Doorbell
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on January 19, 2022, 11:44:18 am
Until you get your doorbell fixed, you could hang this sign outside your door:
Title: Re: Doorbell
Post by: wolfe10 on January 19, 2022, 11:51:18 am
To everyone:

Pull the cover off the doorbell in the upper cabinet.

Verify that there is a fuse. 

Have seen a number of coaches with no fuse.  If the outside button shorts (think rain), it can start a fire, as the plunger is activated 24/7.  A tiny fuse is the right answer and easy to do.
Title: Re: Doorbell
Post by: FourTravelers on January 19, 2022, 12:01:47 pm
Be sure install the fuse in the wire going down to the button and not the wire from the button to the chime. This would protect both wires from a shorted out condition in the wall and not just the coil of the chime.

Title: Re: Doorbell
Post by: wolfe10 on January 19, 2022, 12:03:14 pm
Be sure install the fuse in the wire going down to the button and not the wire from the button to the chime.

Or just put the fuse in the positive line coming into the door bell.