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Topic: Doorbell (Read 582 times) previous topic - next topic

Doorbell

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?
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Doorbell

Reply #1
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Doorbell

Reply #2
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.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Doorbell

Reply #3
What amp fuse did you use?
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Doorbell

Reply #4
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
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Doorbell

Reply #5
I think it is a 3 amp fuse
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Doorbell

Reply #6
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?
Brad & Melanie
2003 U320 3820 1st timer
'97 TJ and/or '85 CJ7

Re: Doorbell

Reply #7
The doorbell on my 95 was just as ifixboats describes. You can see the fuse in this photo.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Doorbell

Reply #8
Until you get your doorbell fixed, you could hang this sign outside your door:
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Doorbell

Reply #9
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Doorbell

Reply #10
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.

Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

 

Re: Doorbell

Reply #11
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020