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Craftmade C3-PW & CA3-RC Doorbell Chime – Complete Installation & Troubleshooting Guide

Table of Contents

🔧 How to Wire the C3-PW and CA3-RC

⚠️ CRITICAL: This Chime Wires Differently Than Standard Doorbells

The C3-PW has a unique terminal configuration that confuses many installers. Read this section carefully before wiring.

📊 How Standard Doorbells Wire vs. the C3-PW

Traditional Doorbell (Simple):

Transformer → Chime → Button → Back to Transformer
(Button is wired “in series” in the circuit)

Craftmade C3-PW (All Direct Connections):

Transformer BOTH wires → AC terminals on chime
Button wires → FRONT/SIDE/REAR and COM terminals on chime
(Everything connects directly AT the chime)

🔌 Understanding the Terminal Block Layout

The C3-PW Has Two Identical Terminal Blocks:

BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2
[AC] [AC] [COM] [AC] [AC] [COM]
↓ ↓
(All 4 AC terminals are connected together inside)
(Both COM terminals are connected together inside)

[FRONT] [SIDE] [REAR]
(Individual button terminals)

🔑 KEY CONCEPT: Internal Connections

All AC terminals are the same:

  • The 4 AC terminals (2 in Block 1, 2 in Block 2) are connected together internally
  • Think of them as 4 connection points for the same wire
  • You can use ANY of them interchangeably

Both COM terminals are the same:

  • The 2 COM terminals (1 in Block 1, 1 in Block 2) are connected together internally
  • You can use either one or both
  • They’re just multiple connection points for convenience

❓ Why Two Blocks?

Having duplicate terminal blocks provides:

  • ✅ Flexibility – Use whichever side is convenient
  • ✅ Less crowding – Spread connections across both blocks
  • ✅ Cleaner installation – Organize wires logically
  • ✅ Multiple buttons – Room for several common wires

📋 Terminal Functions Explained

TerminalHow ManyPurposeWhat Connects Here
AC4 total (all connected)Power inputTransformer wires (need 2)
COM2 total (both connected)Button common/returnCommon wire from all buttons
FRONT1Front door signalWire TO front button
SIDE1Side door signalWire TO side button
REAR1Rear door signalWire TO rear button

🆕 Installation – New System

📦 What You’ll Need:

  • 16VAC doorbell transformer (30VA recommended)
  • 18-20 AWG bell wire
  • Push buttons
  • Wire strippers and screwdrivers

Step 1: Safety First

⚡ TURN OFF POWER at the circuit breaker

Step 2: Install the Transformer

  1. Mount near electrical panel or junction box
  2. Connect primary (120VAC) side:
    • Black to hot
    • White to neutral
    • Green/bare to ground
  3. Secondary provides 16VAC output (2 wires)

Step 3: Mount the C3-PW Chime

  1. Choose location (hallway, 5-6 feet high)
  2. Mark and drill mounting holes (3/16″)
  3. Insert wall anchors
  4. Feed wires through access hole
  5. Loosely attach (don’t fully tighten yet)

Step 4: Understand Your Wiring Runs

You need to run:
  1. 📍 From Transformer to Chime: 2-wire cable
  2. 📍 From Chime to Each Button: 2-wire cable per button

Step 5: Make Connections at the Chime

🔌 For Transformer (16VAC Power):

EASIEST METHOD:
  • Transformer Wire 1 → First AC terminal in Block 1
  • Transformer Wire 2 → Second AC terminal in Block 1

ALTERNATIVE (works exactly the same):

  • Use any 2 of the 4 AC terminals
  • Could be both in Block 2
  • Could be one in Block 1, one in Block 2
  • All AC terminals are the same circuit

🔘 For Push Buttons:

Single Button System:

At the chime:
– Front button wire → FRONT terminal
– Common wire → Either COM terminal (Block 1 or 2)

At the button:
– Connect the two wires to the two button terminals

Two Button System:

At the chime:
– Front button wire → FRONT terminal
– Side button wire → SIDE terminal
– Common wire → Either COM terminal (Block 1 or 2)
(Can connect both button commons to same COM terminal)

At each button:
– One wire from FRONT or SIDE
– One wire from common

📌 Complete Two-Button Wiring Example:

TYPICAL SETUP USING BLOCK 1:

Block 1: [AC] ← Transformer hot
[AC] ← Transformer common
[COM] ← Common to both buttons

Block 2: [AC] (unused)
[AC] (unused)
[COM] (unused, but available)

Button Terminals:
[FRONT] ← To front button
[SIDE] ← To side button
[REAR] (unused)

Step 6: Configure Settings

  1. Turn power on at breaker
  2. Set tone switch:
    • “8” = 8-note Westminster (front door)
    • “4” = 4-note chime (front door)
  3. Adjust volume knob
  4. Test all buttons

🔄 Installation – Replacing Existing Chime

Step 1: Document Current Setup

  1. 📸 TURN OFF POWER
  2. 📸 PHOTOGRAPH existing connections
  3. 🏷️ LABEL each wire with tape

Step 2: Identify Your Existing Wires

You’ll typically find:

  • 2 wires from transformer (may be together)
  • 1 wire per button
  • 1 or more common/return wires
To identify transformer wires:
  • Turn power on temporarily
  • Test with multimeter
  • 16-24VAC = transformer pair
  • No voltage = button wires

Step 3: Remove Old Chime

  • Disconnect all wires
  • Remove from wall
  • Save mounting screws if compatible

Step 4: Connect to C3-PW

⚠️ The Critical Difference:
Your old chime might have had:
  • “TRANS” or “16V” terminal for transformer
  • “COM” for transformer common
  • “FRONT”, “REAR” for buttons

The C3-PW is different:

  • BOTH transformer wires go to AC terminals
  • Button commons go to COM terminals
  • No “TRANS” terminal exists

📊 Connection Translation Table:

Wire From Old ChimeConnect to C3-PW TerminalWhich Block?
Transformer hot (“TRANS”, “16V”)Any AC terminalEither block
Transformer commonAny other AC terminalEither block
Front button signalFRONT terminalN/A
Side/Rear button signalSIDE or REAR terminalN/A
Button common/returnEither COM terminalEither block

✅ Typical Replacement Wiring:

SIMPLEST APPROACH – Use Block 1 for everything:

Block 1: [AC] ← Old transformer hot wire
[AC] ← Old transformer common wire
[COM] ← Old button common wire(s)

Block 2: (Leave unused unless needed for wire management)

Buttons: [FRONT] ← Old front button wire
[SIDE] ← Old side button wire (if present)

🔧 Troubleshooting

❌ Nothing Works

Test 1: Check Power at Chime
  • Multimeter across any two AC terminals
  • Should read 16-24VAC
  • No voltage = transformer or breaker issue
Test 2: Check Chime Function
  • With power on, briefly touch wire between FRONT and COM
  • Chime rings = wiring/button problem
  • No ring = chime problem

😕 Confusing Terminal Issues

“I can’t find the TRANS terminal”

  • The C3-PW doesn’t have one
  • Use any AC terminal instead

“Which AC terminals for transformer?”

  • Any 2 of the 4 AC terminals
  • They’re all connected together
  • Most people use both in Block 1 for neatness

“Where do button commons go?”

  • Either or both COM terminals
  • They’re connected together internally
  • Not to AC terminals

🔘 One Button Doesn’t Work

  1. Swap FRONT and SIDE wire connections
  2. If problem moves = wiring/button issue
  3. If problem stays = chime terminal issue

🔊 Weak or Distorted Sound

  • Check voltage at AC terminals (need >14VAC)
  • Upgrade transformer to 30VA
  • Check for corroded connections

🔔 Continuous Ringing

  • Button is stuck (very common)
  • Short in button wiring
  • Disconnect buttons one at a time to isolate

🔨 Plungers Not Striking

  • Never oil – causes sticking
  • Adjust tube position closer to plungers
  • Clean with dry cloth only

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake #1: Looking for “TRANS” Terminal
Wrong: “Where’s the transformer terminal?”
Right: Both transformer wires go to AC terminals (any 2 of the 4)
❌ Mistake #2: Transformer to Same Terminal
Wrong: Both transformer wires to one AC terminal
Right: Each transformer wire to different AC terminal
❌ Mistake #3: Button Common to AC
Wrong: Connecting button common to AC terminal
Right: Button common goes to COM terminal
❌ Mistake #4: Using Only One Block
Wrong: “Block 2 must be for something else”
Right: Both blocks are identical – use either or both
❌ Mistake #5: Series Wiring
Wrong: Wiring transformer through button (like old chime)
Right: All connections made directly at chime terminals

📋 Quick Reference

Terminal Summary:

  • 🔌 4 AC terminals = All same circuit, use any 2 for transformer
  • 🔌 2 COM terminals = All same circuit, use either for button commons
  • 🔘 FRONT/SIDE/REAR = Individual button connections

Which Block to Use?

  • ✅ Doesn’t matter electrically – all AC connected together, all COM connected together
  • ✅ For neatness – most people use Block 1 for everything
  • ✅ For multiple buttons – spread across both blocks if needed

🎵 Chime Settings:

  • Front door: 4 or 8 notes (switch selectable)
  • Side/Rear: Always 1 note
  • Volume: Adjustable via potentiometer

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to use the same terminal block for everything?
A: No. All AC terminals connect together internally, as do both COM terminals. Use whatever arrangement is convenient.

Q: Can I put transformer wires in Block 1 and button common in Block 2?
A: Yes, absolutely. The blocks are just multiple connection points for the same circuits.

Q: Why are there 4 AC terminals if I only need 2?
A: Flexibility and convenience. Some installations have multiple transformers or additional accessories that need power.

Q: My old chime had one transformer wire going to the button first. Why is this different?
A: The C3-PW uses a more modern design where all connections are made at the chime, making troubleshooting easier.

Q: What if I have 4 buttons?
A: Use FRONT, SIDE, and REAR for three buttons. The fourth would need to share a terminal or be connected to an accessory chime.

📝 Technical Specifications

Model:C3-PW / CA3RC
Power Required:16VAC via transformer
Transformer Minimum:10VA (30VA recommended)
Terminal Configuration:4x AC terminals (internally connected)
2x COM terminals (internally connected)
1x FRONT, 1x SIDE, 1x REAR
Front Door Tones:4 or 8 notes (selectable)
Side/Rear Tones:1 note (fixed)
Wire Gauge:18-20 AWG
Maximum Wire Run:100 feet with 18 AWG

📞 Support Information

Before Calling Support:

  1. ✓ Verify 16VAC across AC terminals
  2. ✓ Test by shorting FRONT to COM
  3. ✓ Check all connections are tight
  4. ✓ Have model and purchase date ready

Technical Support:
Teiber Lighting Products
📞 1-800-486-4892
🌐 www.teiber.com

Warranty: One year limited warranty from purchase date

⚡ Installation must comply with local and national electrical codes. When in doubt, consult a licensed electrician.