Why does my lighted doorbell button hum or not ring with an electronic chime?
A lighted button passes a small current through its lamp and the chime all the time, which is what keeps the button glowing. Mechanical chimes with tone bars ignore that trickle..
Updated: October 23, 2026Original publish date: October 23, 2026
Why does my lighted doorbell button hum or not ring with an electronic chime?
A lighted button passes a small current through its lamp and the chime all the time, which is what keeps the button glowing. Mechanical chimes with tone bars ignore that trickle. Electronic chimes often do not: they hum, chirp, or treat it as a half-press and refuse to ring. Lee prints the same warning on its lighted buttons. Fix it by using an unlighted button, such as the BC203 for two units or the DH1605 for one door, or by changing to a mechanical chime.
Related
More in Troubleshooting FAQ
Browse the full FAQ category or continue with related answers from the same FAQ category.
Related FAQ categories
Do lighted doorbell buttons work on a battery-powered chime?No. The lamp needs the constant trickle of current that only a transformer-powered circuit provides, and on a battery chime that trickle would drain the batteries. Use an.Will a Doorbell Extender Work With My Doorbell?Extenders work with standard wired chimes that play a ding-dong sound. They do not work with video doorbells, intercoms or alarm systems.How Far Does an SS Series Wireless Doorbell Reach?SS Series doorbells are rated for up to 600 ft in open air. Walls, metal, masonry and interference reduce that range indoors.What Batteries Do SS Series Buttons and Door Contacts Use?The SS111 push button uses a 12V 23A alkaline battery, the SS132 door contact uses a 3V CR1632, and SS receivers plug in.What Battery Does the WC180-SS Push Button Use?The WC180-SS push button uses one 12V 23A alkaline battery, installed at the factory. The SS155 receiver plugs into a wall outlet.