Troubleshooting Craftmade Wired Doorbells & Push Buttons
Get a plain-language answer to troubleshooting craftmade wired doorbells & push buttons, with setup notes, compatibility details, and links to related.
Updated: October 9, 2026Original publish date: November 19, 2021
Short answer: This page explains troubleshooting craftmade wired doorbells & push buttons in practical terms, with links to the products, setup guides, and troubleshooting steps that usually matter next.
- There needs to be at least 18 gauge wiring in the existing home for the new chime to work. (The smaller the number gauge of wire, the bigger the wire.)
- Next, the customer must consider the length from the doorbell to the actual chime unit and the transformer.
Transformer Information – Use 18 gauge wires on all Chime Installations
- T1610
- One 2-note Chime with all wires less than 50’
- T1615
- One 2-note Chime with any wire longer than 50’
- Two 2-note Chimes with all wires less than 50’
- T1630
- One 2-note Chime with all wires longer than 50’
- Two 2-note chimes with any wire longer than 50’
- Three 2-note chimes
- One 8-note chime with any wire longer than 50’
Troubleshooting Guide for Craftmade Wired Door Chimes & Doorbell Buttons
Problem: Chime will not work
Potential Remedies
- Check to make sure that the circuit is complete to the chime and that there is power from the breaker.
- Make sure the light on the button or buttons is/are lit.
- Make sure there is at least 18 gauge wire being used everywhere (from the buttons to the chime and from the transformer to the chime. The wiring can be larger than 18 gauge, but not smaller.
- Make sure that the transformer is 16volt. All Craftmade chimes must be 16 volts.
- Make sure that the correct wattage is used for the particular chime that is used.
- Craftmade transformers come in 3 different wattages. (see above) You can always use the larger wattage transformers as they will not hurt anything. Never use less wattage. The larger the wattage is better if you’re not sure.
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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.How Far Will the WC180-SS Flashing Doorbell Reach?The WC180-SS is rated for up to 600 ft in open air. Walls, metal and masonry reduce the range indoors.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.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.
