Problem With Door Chime Alert

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flashlight

Senior Member
Location
NY, NY
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Electrician, semi-retired
We installed a door chime at the rear of a commercial space, to alert the employees when a customer enters.

The switching circuit is controlled by a NO magnetic contact on the front door, which energizes the circuit when the door is opened.

The problem is, when the door is held open, such as when they are loading
things in, the chime rings once, but the solenoid remains energized until the door is closed. While the door is open, the hum of the solenoid is audible, and I am concerned that the solenoid will burn out. The manager has complained about the sound of the solenoid.

What kind of chime or relay can I use to alleviate this problem ? They don't want something that sounds constantly while the door is open--just a single alert when the door is opened. I would appreciate any thoughts on this.
 
I have had good luck with the cheapo kind around $30. Can not think of the brand(s). The ones that have about 6 selections on the chime. Holds a small 6 volt battery. The only trouble or call back is when the battery needs replacing!:smile:
 
Or you could just install a bypass switch for when the door is propped open, just take either a R.I.B. relay (Relay in a box) or an ASRB relay, run a leg to the Solenoid thru a N/C contact, so that when the bypass switch is activated the relay will change states and switch the N/C contact to open, therefore dropping power to the Solenoid.
 
It is AC. Thanks, I will check out that site. I did a quick look at Radio Shack and didn't see anything that looked appropriate, though I am not exactly sure what I am looking for. Something like a 16VAC, NO, momentary relay ?

The "momentary" part is what I can't find. I want something to take the constant voltage from the transformer while the door is open, and engage just once to energize the chime.

Not sure if I am on the right track.
 
081001-2048 EST

Basically you want a timer or time delay relay. Check on Potter and Brumfield. If the relay is a time delay type, the actual relay coil will be ebergized after the time delay and remain energized as long as input power is applied. It is reset on loss of input. To get a short on pulse at the leading edge of the input run the input to the time delay input and to a normally closed contact on the relay. At the end of the timed interval the normally closed contact opens and remains open until the relay is de-energized.

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Flash, what about mounting the switch on an arm so the door magnet passes it when swung open, but is too far away when fully opened or closed?

You might have to use an NC switch. When we call a magnetic switch NO or NC, is that with or without the magnet within activation distance?

Or maybe you can find one of those old-fashion swinging door switches you used to see in stores that make momentary contact when the door opens.
 
LarryFine said:
Or maybe you can find one of those old-fashion swinging door switches you used to see in stores that make momentary contact when the door opens.
Click to expand...
They sell them every day. It's an Edwards Signal product. It's still in the catalog. Matter of fact, my one supply house has one on their entry door.

EDIT... "Door Trip":
236.jpg

http://www.edwards-signals.com/index.cfm?Level=48&PG=3&PID=166

If I'm reading my price sheets right, they're about 25 bucks each. I'd have never guessed that.
 
Last edited:
mdshunk said:
They sell them every day. It's an Edwards Signal product. It's still in the catalog. Matter of fact, my one supply house has one on their entry door.

EDIT... "Door Trip":
236.jpg

http://www.edwards-signals.com/index.cfm?Level=48&PG=3&PID=166

If I'm reading my price sheets right, they're about 25 bucks each. I'd have never guessed that.
Click to expand...

Doesn't that ring once when door opens and once when it closes again? That would drive me nuts (if it was a busy store).
 
Thanks, everybody. ( MAK, I did run extra conductors to the rear of the space, that's one thing I always do if I'm making a tough run.)
 
2 final thoughts:

1) I should have said it was an N/C contact, at least the way they label them around here is the position they are in without the magnet engaged. (I always have to think twice about this one when ordering)

2) Aside from the humming, was I correct in being concerned that the solenoid would burn itself out ?

Thanks again.
 
CHWflorida said:
Doesn't that ring once when door opens and once when it closes again? That would drive me nuts (if it was a busy store).
Click to expand...
No, because there is a separate hinge for each direction. It only makes contact in one direction.
 
Hey, thanks, the DL1 looks like it will do the job exactly. We did a temporary fix by remounting the contacts so they only meet briefly as the door swings open. (as per Larry's suggestion in post #11) This would actually be fine except bell also rings as door swings closed !
 
mdshunk said:
They sell them every day. It's an Edwards Signal product. It's still in the catalog. Matter of fact, my one supply house has one on their entry door.

EDIT... "Door Trip":
236.jpg

http://www.edwards-signals.com/index.cfm?Level=48&PG=3&PID=166

If I'm reading my price sheets right, they're about 25 bucks each. I'd have never guessed that.
Click to expand...
how do you know they sell them everyday? They must be in high demand! :)
 
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