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.
Updated: October 15, 2026Original publish date: October 15, 2026
A doorbell extender works if you have a standard wired doorbell chime, the kind that plays a "ding-dong" for the front door and often a "dong" for the back door.
Voltage
- ERA-EXTX (in the ERA-EXKIT): works with 5V-28V AC/DC wired doorbells.
- LRA-EXTX (in the LRA-EX1000 and LRA-EX1000S): works with 9-18V AC wired chimes.
Front and back doors
Both transmitters handle two doors wired to the same chime. You can set one melody for the front door and another for the back, so you know which door it is. If your chime is wired for the front door only, that works too.
What extenders do not work with
- Video doorbells, including Ring.
- Intercom systems.
- Doorbells that are part of an alarm system.
If you have one of these, an extender is not the answer. A wireless doorbell kit with its own button and receivers is the usual alternative.
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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.What Battery Does a Doorbell Extender Transmitter Use?ERA and LRA extender transmitters each use one CR123A lithium battery, included, which lasts years. Plug-in receivers need no battery.
