Can I use a plug in transformer with the nest hello doorbell?
Can I use a plug in transformer with the nest hello doorbell if I don't have existing doorbell wiring?
Yes, you can use a plug in transformer to power the nest hello video doorbell but there are a couple of things that you should know before you you install the transformer so that your installation will stand the test of time and work like you want it to.
1. You will need to get a plug in transformer.
* if you live in the U.K. you will need to use a different transformer, you will need to cut off the connector and strip the ends of the cord for this to work. (UK Plug in Transformer)
2. If you want the doorbell to "ring" like a doorbell you will need to either wire in a new doorbell chime or get a google home mini that will wirelessly connect to the doorbell and ring like a doorbell when someone presses the button.
3. If you plug the transformer in outside you will need to protect it from the elements with a an outdoor outlet box cover.
4. If the wires are run outside exposed the best practice would be to protect them from mischief and the elements with hard conduit, but you could also use metal wire mold for the most secure installation or a plastic wire mold that will still hide and protect the wires to some degree but will not be a resistant to person determined to cut your wires.
The nest hello is a video doorbell that allows you to record video 24/7 at your front door but also works as a doorbell, so when someone presses the doorbell button you can see who is at the front door and communicate with them.
We've included screen shots of the nest hello doorbell interface below but if you want more of our resources for the nest hello you can find them in our blog.
If you have an existing wired doorbell the nest hello doorbell can be installed with minimal modifications. If your transformer is between 16-24V for your existing doorbell you can use your existing wiring and doorbell transformer without modification. If you already have existing wiring and you need to replace your transformer we provided an guide and article on hard wired transformers that work for the nest doorbell.
But if you don't have any existing doorbell wiring and you want to install a new nest hello doorbell you can go two routes.
1. You can hire a nest pro or electrician to run new doorbell wiring.
2. You can use an existing interior or exterior outlet with a plug in transformer and power your new doorbell.
What plug in transformer will work with the nest hello doorbell?
With the plug in transformer you can either plug it in inside and drill a small hole where you are going to locate your doorbell or you can plug it into an outlet outside near the doorbell and run the wires to the doorbell.
If you plan on locating the doorbell transformer inside you should make sure that you plug it in somewhere that it won't get unplugged because if that happens you won't be recording anything and your doorbell is just a nice ornament on your house. If you have kids, a dog or visitors that are likely to knock the doorbell loose you should use an outlet cover box. We recommend the twin door outlet box because it has the depth and room to fit the transformer. But only use this box for interior installations, if you are plugging in the transformer outside we recommend this outdoor rated box. If you need to drill through a deep wall to run the wires outside you will need a drill bit that is usually at least 8-10" long, but the longer you can get one the better. A typical wall is at least 5" deep and if your home is older or has 6" deep studs you will need a longer drill bit.
That's why we recommend using these spade drill bits with a drill bit extension you will be able to drill all the way though any traditionally framed house wall.
If you have a house with a masonry exterior you will need a drill that capable of hammer drilling and a masonry drill bit. Having worked in commercial construction for over a decade the most trusted power tool brand that I saw tradesmen and women using was Milwaukee, it is also the brand that I have used in my personal tool kit for over 6 years with no complaints. For a hammer drill you really need a tool that is up to the task made with quality components. If you don't want to buy a hammer drill you can typically rent them at your local hardware store for $20 a day.
You don't need a large hole to get to small doorbell wires through the wall so we recommend using the smallest diameter drill bit possible when drilling through masonry as it is harder to drill through brick with a larger bit. You should also try and locate your doorbell so that the hole you are drilling starts in the grout rather than brick, starting your drill hole in grout will make it much easier to drill because grout is typically softer than brick. The Masonry drill bit we recommend is 16" and long enough to get though any masonry wall including those with double brick walls or brick & CMU walls.
With the hole made through the wall you can then run the wiring through the wall. It is best to tape the small wiring to the drill bit with electrical tape and pull the wires back though the hole you just made. If this does not work you can use a straightened coat hanger guide the wires through the hole.
Items Needed For Outdoor Plug In Transformer Installation:
Tools
Drill (for installation of doorbell)
Screwdriver
Wire Cutter/Stripper or Utility Knife for stripping Transformer Wire
Supplies
Nest Doorbell
Google Home Mini (Optional)
Doorbell Wire (Optional, depends on length of wire run)
Additional Items Needed if Frilling though Wood or Siding on House:
Additional Items needed if drilling though a masonry wall:
We have included pictures of everything you need with links to Amazon below:
Other Nest Hello Installation Tips
If you need to adjust the viewing angle of you nest doorbell:
The nest hello smart doorbell comes with a 15 degree angle piece that allows to you adjust the viewing angle. If 15 degrees of adjustment is not enough to get the viewing angle you are looking for there is a 3rd party adjustment wedge that allows for an additional 35 degrees of adjustment. The nest hello angle plate helps for doorbells positioned in corners or on walls perpendicular to your door to get the right viewing angle.
If you want to change the color of your nest hello:
The nest hello smart doorbell currently only comes in one color, with a black front and a white outer shell. However there are customized silicone skins that can fit on your nest hello doorbell to match the doorbell to a color that better fits the decor of your house.