Nest Doorbell (battery) UK Transformer

[Tather]

I recently purchased the Nest Doorbell (battery) and have had new wiring installed for power and the indoor chime. I have run into the common issue of doorbell not charging from the power. I waiting to hear back from the electrician for the transformer specification, but suspect the one installed is too small. Does anyone in the UK have a recommendation for a transformer that is the correct specification and isn’t plugged into a socket? 

[Brad]

Hi there, 

I can imagine it has been an inconvenience, and I would love to look into this further for you. Nest Doorbell (battery) can be powered with wires delivering 8 - 24 V AC, and at least 10 VA transformers, 50/60Hz, worldwide. I hope this information is helpful, and please let me know if you need further assistance. 

Best regards, 
Brad

[Tather]

Hi Brad, I have the specification but from other topics on this forum it is clear that the minimum is not actually realistic. I was hoping for a recommendation from UK users. 

[Brad]

@Tather 

That is the information available at this time, worldwide. It may be a case where you may have a setup different from most users in the UK if your setup isn't quite working. Have you tried to reach out to support directly regarding this inquiry?

Best regards,

Brad

[Tather]

Hi Brad, I have spoken with support previously which was rather disappointing. Whilst I understand the spec sheet, other threads including the one about performance in the cold, frequently mention that the minimum is not enough to actually keep the battery charged in a wired install. Also, to be clear the initial install (completed by a nest pro) did not meet spec but I was looking for a transformer recommendation that did meet spec .

[Brad]

@Tather 

I do not have any further information to share that hasn't been shared so far. If you're looking for a stronger transformer, I suggest you reach out to a UK electrician for more information. The information sheets we have will be your best option for information. 

Best regards,

Brad

[richardgodwin]

Hi Brad,

I'm in the exact same situation, currently with a 8V 1A AC doorbell transformer (thus giving 8VA, so not enough). I found this one online, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vemer-VN311700-Transformer-Discontinuous-Service/dp/B00F4QUAOQ (if using its 24V 10VA setting) would this do the job to trickle-charge the Nest Doorbell (battery)?

I don't want to buy it and pay a UK electrician to install it, to only find out that it's not enough. Hence I was hoping for confirmation from Google/Nest that it would be sufficient.

Thanks

[Tather]

Hi RichardGodwin, I’ve been chatting with my electrician this morning. They are going to install Friedland d117, transformer model AC-1600700BS by Sandan. This is a 11.2VA which should hopefully work. 

Honestly having gone through this and read the cold weather thread, this Nest Doorbell (battery) is just not something I would recommend in the UK. Seems very poorly thought out. 

[richardgodwin]

Regarding the weather, Nest states that the unwired doorbell (with normal use) should last 2.5 months between charges, so I’m hoping that even if it’s charge lags during the coldest months, that it will have enough power in the battery to sustain short bursts of cold weather without dying. Mine will be installed on a south-facing wall so will also benefit from sunshine even on the coldest of days. Thanks

[richardgodwin · Accepted solution]

Thanks! I’ve just spoken to Google and they have confirmed that a 24V 0.8A transformer works best for the UK market, giving 19.2VA. I believe this one https://uk.farnell.com/abb/tm10-24/bell-transformer-2x12v-24v-0-83a/dp/3293954 would work best, so am waiting for my electrician’s second opinion. Thanks!

[richardgodwin]

I hope yours gets successfully sorted, let me know how it goes 🙂

[Brad]

@richardgodwin 

Thank you for sharing your findings with the OP and the community! Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Best regards,

Brad

[EmersonB]

Hello everyone,

@Tather I wanted to follow up and see if you are still in need of any help. Please let me know if you are still having any concerns or questions from here, as I would be happy to take a closer look and assist you further.

I appreciate the help, richardgodwin and Brad.
 
Thanks,
Emerson

[EmersonB]

Hey Tather,

Just one quick final check in here since activity has slowed down. We'll be locking the thread in the next 24 hours, but if you still need help, we would be happy to keep it open. If there's more we can do, just let us know.

Best,
Emerson