Replaced wired doorbell gen 1 with wired gen 2 now mechanical chime doesn't woek

[Mizzourobman]

I recently purchased a new Nest wired doorbell, generation 2 to replace my generation 1 that was working fine, but had some cosmetic issues and gen 2 was on sale.

I should say the chime works the first time the new doorbell is connected and the doorbell button is pressed. Everytime after that it doesn't work'.

I've verified the chime still works by connecting the two wires outside where the doorbell is mounted (yes I disconnected the Google doorbell before testing).

I noticed in the documentation it mentions the indoor chime/mechanical chime should be set to zero, but the home app on my phone only has on/off and 1-10. There is no 0/zero option.

I opened a chat and spent nearly 2 hours only on Oct 17 to be told it was being sent to experts. Now it's the 20 and I have no received any email, text or phone call. I'm tempted to box it it and send it back, it they aren't going to provide support for their products.

The only difference between the connections of the gen 1 vs gen 2 is the gen 1 had 4 wires on the chime box connector while the gen 1 only has 2 wires.

The chime states it's rated at 16v and I havenet made any changes to the wiring. I thought this should be an easy upgrade, but I've lost functionality. 

[Lance_L]

Hi Mizzourobman,

Oh no! I'm sorry to hear that. That isn’t the experience we want you to have. Could you share the case ID from your interaction with the support team so I can check what happened?

Best,

Lance

[Mizzourobman]

1-2564000035209

[Lance_L · Accepted solution]

Hello Mizzourobman,

Thanks for keeping me in the loop and for providing the case ID. Let’s check it out.

Make sure to use the chime connector that came with the new Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen). The 1st gen Chime Connector is not compatible with the 2nd gen doorbell. If you're not sure which is currently installed, check the wire connectors to tell the difference.

• Nest Doorbell 2nd gen (wired) only has two wires.
• Nest Doorbell (wired) has 4 wires.

If you still have the 1st gen chime connector, follow this guide to remove just your chime connector. Make sure you turn off the power to your chime box before making any changes.

Here’s a wiring diagram for a single Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) with one chime.

For the chime settings in the Home app:

1. Open the Google Home app.
2. Tap your device's tile.
3. Tap Settings > Doorbell > Check that Ring indoor chime is set to On.
4. If it asks, “Do you have an electronic chime? "Set the toggle to No or Off.
5. Press the doorbell button to test.

Let me know how it goes.

Regards,

Lance

[Mizzourobman]

I haven't verified the transformer to chime, but I definitely have the gen 2 chime connector connected as I already took my gen 1 to Goodwill.

[Mizzourobman]

Turning off the the electronic chime didn't make any difference.

I've tried swapping the wires at both ends and it l would chime one time, but not after any other button presses.

[Lance_L]

Hey Mizzourobman,

Hmmm, let’s check if your current doorbell system can deliver enough power for it to work.

The Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen) has higher power requirements than most doorbells. For some installations, you'll need to replace the transformer for your doorbell. You need a transformer that is rated for 16–24 V AC and 10–40 VA to provide enough power to your doorbell.

There are a few ways to check the voltage.

• Find your doorbell transformer's voltage. Electrical transformers are typically labeled with a voltage rating. It's usually molded or etched into the transformer's body.
• Use a multimeter to measure the voltage (most accurate).
  1. Warning: To avoid the risk of shock, injury, or death, always use caution when working with electricity. Remember, if you're uncomfortable working with electrical wiring, you can have a local pro installer do it for you.
  2. The most accurate way to check if your doorbell system is compatible is to measure the voltage on its wires.
  3. Use the following steps to check your doorbell's wire voltage:
  4. Important: Use a multimeter that has metal probes. "No contact" voltage testers (often shaped like pens) may not be sensitive enough to give you a correct reading.
  5. Remove your current doorbell from the wall.
  6. Disconnect the wires from the doorbell. The voltage can't be accurately measured while the wires are still connected to the doorbell.
  7. Follow your multimeter's instructions and measure the voltage on the wires.
  8. If the multimeter's reading is within the voltage requirement, the system wiring should work with the Nest doorbell.

Keep me posted.

Best regards,

Lance

[Mizzourobman]

The transformer is labeled for 16V. My multimeter read 16V and 20V. I thought the specs had 16V minimum and confused why it will ring indoor chime one time only.

I suppose my best bet is to replace my transformer and door chime to 24V?

[Lance_L]

Hi Mizzourobman,

Yes, I’d suggest choosing a higher-capacity transformer. There might be an issue with high impedance due to the doorbell wiring. In this case, it is recommended to upgrade the transformer with the following ratings:

• Voltage: 24 V AC
• Power: 30 VA
• Frequency: 50 to 60 Hz

A local pro installer or trained electrician can measure your doorbell wire voltage or upgrade your system if it's not compatible. They can also install the Nest doorbell for you.

Reach out if you have any questions.

Best,

Lance

[Mizzourobman]

Ia there a recommended transformer as my Google search is not finding 24V 30VA. I'm finding 24V 40VA.

[Lance_L]

Hello Mizzourobman, 

Good question! While there isn’t a recommended transformer, a 24 V, 40 VA transformer will be okay since these are the maximum ratings that will be compatible with the Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen).

Let me know if you have other questions.
 

Regards,

Lance

[Mizzourobman]

I replaced the 16V with a 24V and that works. The new transformer is a little warm. Thanks for the help. Now if a Google would update their docs that 16V is not likely a good minimum voltage.

[Lance_L]

Hey Mizzourobman,

That’s awesome! I'm glad to hear that this has been resolved. Thanks for sharing your resolution with the Community. I understand the inconvenience you have faced. Our team is working hard to deliver the best experience possible. We'd appreciate it if you could share feedback about Google Nest. Let us know if you have other questions or concerns, and we'll be happy to help.

Cheers,

Lance