Doorbell only works when common reconnected

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drumz

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Just bought a new doorbell/chime and have all new wiring so no breaks or junctions anywhere.
I have red wire from button going to transformer terminal and transformer lead from chime (red) going to other transformer terminal. Then I have the white wires from chime and button twisted together. The doorbell only works when I change ring modes or disconnect and reconnect white common wire where I twisted them.
Can someone explain what's wrong? I've tried all kinds of combinations and can't get it to work.
Thanks in advance for your time :)
 
Obviously you have an electric door bell. I too had a similar problem until I learned it is often necessary to install a diode on the doorbell wire. I found the diode necessary at a local radio shack.
 
I forgot to mention that it came with a diode and I have tried it with and without even changing poles and still no go. Maybe the transformer is bad even though it's new? The button also has an LED which I thought was the main function of the diode but that is not lit either.
 
"I have red wire from button going to transformer terminal and transformer lead from chime (red) going to other transformer terminal. Then I have the white wires from chime and button twisted together."

Something seems funny (wrong) with how this is installed. I just took my cover off my box and planned on taking a picture to help you, but since I have the Ring doorbell installed in that box, the wires are vastly different. Sorry.
 
Last edited:
Hey, no problem! I really appreciate your time and effort. Since Home Depletion didn't have the ex-electrician there today who quit because they don't pay enough,,, there's another guy there that knows spark I'm hoping to run into tonight when I go for some plumbing parts.
 
I believe the red should go to the front door tab. The white goes to the common tab. Since I also just replace my transformer, here is a pic of the wires that lead from the transformer to the sound box, then the doorbell. 20180322_184449.jpg
 

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