Nutone doorbells and chimes are reliable and versatile, with features like motion detection, “Do Not Disturb”, and feedback from the doorbell guiding users through the installation process among other things. For issues with the doorbell, it is advisable to perform some troubleshooting steps to see if the problem resolves before you consider ordering a new part or replacing the unit. The following is a troubleshooting guide to help users resolve common Nutone doorbell problems, and step-by-step instructions on how to perform various operations.
How to Troubleshoot a Nutone Doorbell
Nutone makes a variety of wired and wireless door chimes. For issues with the wireless units, replacing the batteries with new ones often resolves the problem. Before attempting to fix your wired unit, make sure it is no longer under warranty. If the doorbell is no longer under warranty, here are some troubleshooting steps to help fix the problem.
- Using a screwdriver, remove the screws from the cover of the call station outside the front door. Pull the station away enough from the wall to access the wire connections at the back.
- Using an electrical tester, touch the wire leads to each contact screw to check for a reading. If the meter does not show a reading, there is a problem with electrical circuit to the call station. If there is voltage, re-attach the station to the wall and go to the chime inside the house.
- Loosen and remove the screws to remove the cover from the chime. Touch the tips of the tester onto the wire contacts. If there is a reading, as another person to press the button on the call station. If the chime doesn’t work, there is a problem with the wires going to the station. You may need to call an electrician to check on the wires. If you get a reading, proceed to troubleshoot the unit’s electrical supply.
- Locate the junction box where the wires from the chime connect to the transformer on the side of the box. Test each wire connection on the transformer for voltage. If there is voltage, pull new wires to the chime. If not, proceed to the next step.
- Remove the screws on the junction box cover to remove the cover and expose the wire connections. Check the wire contacts on the transformer. If you get a reading, replace the cover on the junction box. If there is no reading, have an electrician check for issues with the electrical circuit.
Why is My Nutone Doorbell Not Working?
If you press the doorbell button and nothing happens, start by checking for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. If the problem isn’t the fuse and/or breaker, then there could be a problem with the button itself, chimes, transformer, or the wiring.
To troubleshoot:
- Remove the doorbell cover to expose the wire connections.
- Check for any loose wires and reconnect them. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, disconnect the wires and touch them together, holding them by their insulation. If you hear a sound, then the button is defective.
- If the button is fine, check the chime box. Make sure there are not loose parts or wiring inside as well.
- Ensure the diode is connecting the middle and “Front” terminals on the chime.
- Check the doorbell transformer. Use a multi-meter to test the terminals screws for voltage. If there is none, then you need to replace the transformer.
- If the transformer is fine, and the doorbell still doesn’t work, check all the visible doorbell wiring in the house.
How Do I Know if My Nutone Doorbell Transformer is Bad?
Doorbell transformers can go bad for a number of reasons. A staple may be pinching the wires, or wires could have rubbed together tearing the insulation. Mice can also cause this sometimes. Such a short could have burned out the transformer. Another possible reason is a short in the chime, when then caused the contacts of the doorbell switch to fuse together.
To test a doorbell transformer, touch one probe of the multi-meter to each head on the transformer, where thin wires lead toward the doorbell buttons. If you get a reading of 16 volts, this indicates the transformer is working properly. Less than 16 volts indicates the transformer is bad and needs replacing.
Nutone Doorbell LED Indicator Statuses & Their Meanings
Solid blue LED indicator
This means the transformer voltage is too high. To clear the error, locate and replace the transformer with a 10-20 VAC transformer.
Flashing blue (slow)
This indicates a cold start at low temperature. Wait for the doorbell to begin powering up (LED will turn solid red).
Flashing blue (fast)
This indicates the voltage of the transformer is low. This occurs after power on, or push the button.
Solid red
This indicates the doorbell is powering up. Wait for a few minutes until the LED color changes.
Flashing green/red
This indicates the doorbell is in Discovery mode.
Flashing red (slow)
This LED indicator status means the doorbell is not connected to the Wi-Fi network. Follow the steps to connect the doorbell to Wi-Fi in the Nutone Knock app.
Flashing red (fast)
This indicates the doorbell is updating its firmware. Normally, firmware updates should only take a few minutes.
Flashing green (fast)
This indicates the doorbell is connecting to the cloud server. Wait for the doorbell to connect and the green light to become solid.
Solid green
This indicates the doorbell is connected to the cloud server and is ready to use.
Flashing green (slow)
This indicates session in progress.
How to Connect Nutone Doorbell to WiFi
To connect Nutone Wi-Fi chime (LA227WH) to Wi-Fi, follow the steps below:
- Plug the Nutone Wi-Fi chime into a standard outlet.
- The LED should begin flashing red and green.
- In the Nutone Knock app, select “Add a Wi-Fi Chime” from the doorbell settings menu.
- Follow the on-screen directions to pair your Wi-Fi chime to your Nutone Knock smart video doorbell.
- Use the buttons on the Nutone Wi-Fi chime to adjust volume and select chime tone.
If your Nutone Knock app will not connect to your Wi-Fi, here is how to troubleshoot:
- Standing where you plan to install the doorbell, use your mobile device to check the signal strength. There should be at least 2-3 bars.
- Make sure your Nutone’s LED ring is flashing red and green. If it is not flashing red and green, re-enter discovery mode by pressing and holding the doorbell call button for 10 seconds.
- Follow the Wi-Fi connection steps in your Nutone Knock app. You will need your Wi-Fi password. If your Wi-Fi is not password protected, leave the password field empty.
- If the doorbell is still not connecting to the Wi-Fi, try moving the router a few feet to ensure line of sight without too many obstacles between them.
- Try using a Wi-Fi extender to ensure proper signal strength.
Nutone Doorbell Motion Sensor Not Detecting Motion
If your Nutone doorbell motion sensor is not detecting motion, first make sure you have activated the motion sensor. If it is it activated, the issue may be due to the motion sensitivity settings. Try adjusting the motion sensitivity to a different level to see if the issue resolves.
- In the Nutone Knock app, tap the 3 lines in the upper right corner of the screen to access the menu.
- Select “System Settings” and select the desired doorbell device.
- In the Motion Detection section, adjust the motion detection sensitivity.
- Follow the previous step with the heat sensor to achieve the desired setting.
Why Can’t I hear People over the Nutone Doorbell?
If you cannot hear visitors during a live call, it could be because of several reasons. To troubleshoot and fix the problem, follow these steps:
- There are two ways to listen to visitor during a live call: Through the earpiece on your mobile device (“handset” on the Nutone Knock app live view screen) or through the mobile device speaker (“speaker” on the Nutone Knock app live view screen). Make sure you have the desired function selected.
- In the Nutone Knock app, tap the 3 lines in the upper right corner of the screen to access the menu.
- Select “System Settings” and select the desired doorbell device.
- Select mobile device speaker volume and slide the slide to the right until the optimal volume level is achieved.
Where to Find Event Logs on the Nutone Doorbell
Video clips and snapshots of motion and call events are only stored in the cloud with a subscription to the cloud service. With a cloud subscription, your Nutone doorbell will automatically record and send to the cloud a screenshot of any motion and call event. It will also record up to 30 seconds of video. These clips will be stored in the cloud for future view based on the level of subscription you have purchased. You can download clips and snapshots from the cloud to your mobile device’s internal storage whenever you like.
Without a cloud subscription your Nutone device will still work. You will still receive motion and call alerts and still be able to communicate with visitors. Whenever the doorbell button is pressed, a snapshot of the visitor will automatically be stored in the internal storage of your mobile device. You can manually record any event live. These recordings will also be stored in the internal storage of your mobile device.
Nutone Doorbell Power Cycles Off and On
If your doorbell power cycles off and on, check the following:
- Check that the doorbell wires are securely connected.
- Ensure the existing doorbell wiring is not damaged or corroded.
- Try reversing the wires.
- Try bypassing the mechanical door chime.
Nutone Doorbell Does Not Power On
There could be several reasons why your Nutone video doorbell does not power up. To resolve the issue, try the following troubleshooting tips:
- Confirm the power to the transformer is on by checking the fuse.
- Confirm the diode is installed correctly. A diode must be added to the front door pushbutton so that power will be supplied continuously to the chime.
- Confirm the wire connections are secured and the doorbell camera wires are connected to the correct existing doorbell wires.
Nutone Doorbell App Doesn’t Save Photos or Videos on My Smartphone
If your doorbell app doesn’t save photos or videos on your smartphone, ensure you have sufficient memory on your device. Also ensure permissions are enabled on the app to access the device memory.
Why I’m Receiving So Many False Motion Detection on Alerts (and How to Fix It)
If you are getting so many false motion alerts, it could be because of high traffic areas. Leaves and debris can also trigger motion alerts.
You need to block out high traffic areas to reduce false motion alerts. Heat sensor prevents nuisance motion triggering from leaves and debris. Following the steps to fix the issue:
- In the Nutone Knock app, tap the 3 lines in the upper right corner of the screen to access the menu.
- Select “System Settings” and select the desired doorbell device.
- In the Motion Detection section, select Video Motion Detection Region and block out (by turning tiles white) any high traffic areas such as a busy street or sidewalk.
- Select your desired motion detection sensitivity. You may need to select a lower sensitivity level to achieve the optimal setting.
- Follow the previous step with the heat sensor to achieve the desired setting.
- Continue to turn sensitivity levels down if you are still receiving false alerts.
How to Setup Nutone Doorbell
Follow the steps below to setup a Nutone doorbell:
Download the smartphone app
On your smartphone, download and install the Nutone Knock app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Create and account
With the smartphone connected to the local network router via Wi-Fi, select “Create an Account”. Enter a name, valid email address, and password for the account, then select “Create an Account”. You will get a verification e-mail with the activation code. Enter the activation code in the app and login.
Connecting to doorbell camera
The doorbell camera should be in discovery mode and the button indicator should flash red and green. If the indicator does not flash, try pressing the call button for 10-15 seconds to enter discovery mode.
Follow the steps on the app to complete the setup.
How to Install Nutone Doorbell (LA600WH)
Nutone wired chime
To install a new wired chime, follow these steps:
- Mount the transformer to a junction box or circuit breaker box.
- Connect house power leads to the transformer leads: black to black, white to white, ground to green.
- Route a 2-conductor 18-22 gauge wire from the transformer screw terminals and from the pushbutton terminals to the chime location.
- Label all wires at the chime location in the following manner: F- Front Pushbutton Wire, T- Transformer, R- Rear Pushbutton Wire (if installed).
- You can install the chime vertically or horizontally. Locate the arrows on the front of the chime base. Make sure one of the arrows is pointing up.
- Bring wires through the circular wire hole in the chime base.
- Mount the chime base to a wall using the screws provided. Always use two screws for wall mounting.
- Connect wires to the screwless wiring connector. Connect wire “F” to connector terminal “F”, wire “T” to connector terminal “T”, and wire “R” to connector terminal “R” if installed.
- Install wired pushbutton.
Nutone wireless chime
To install Nutone wireless chime, follow these steps:
- Insert three alkaline “D” batteries in the battery compartment. Make sure the batteries are properly oriented.
- Obtain wireless pushbutton(s) (sold separately) and install battery per wireless pushbutton(s) instructions.
- Press pushbutton(s) to confirm the chime mechanism and pushbuttons(s) work properly. If the chime doesn’t sound:
- Confirm the code settings in the chime mechanism and wireless pushbutton(s) are the same. Jumpers installed on the numbered contacts on the chime mechanism must match the switches or jumpers in the wireless pushbutton(s).
- Verify that the batteries in chime mechanism and pushbutton(s) are properly installed.
- Check the condition of batteries in the chime mechanism and pushbutton(s). Replace the batteries if required.
- After confirming the chime operates. Proceed to select a tune, set tune duration and adjust the volume as desired.
- If you are installing more than one button, you need to properly assign doors.
- Install the wireless pushbutton(s) at the desired door(s).
- Place the chime mechanism in the desired location. Confirm operation by pressing pushbutton(s). If the chime does not sound:
- The chime or pushbutton(s) are mounted on or near stucco or metal studs. This can reduce the transmitter range. Use wood shims to raise the chime or pushbutton(s) 1/4” to 1/2” from surface.
- Move the chime away from concrete floor or wall. Concrete floors and walls may also reduce transmitter range.
- Install chime mechanism closer to wireless pushbutton(s).
- Remove batteries from the mechanism.
- Mount the chime base to wall using the provided screws.
- Install batteries after mounting the chime base to the wall.
- Place cover over the chime base and press down to install. You will hear a click to confirm that it is securely attached.
- Proceed to select a chime tune, set tune duration and adjust volume as desired.
How to Select Nutone Chime Tune (Nutone LA600WH)
The four button switch and LED indicator on the Nutone LA600WH chime are used to select the desired tunes for the chime.
- Make sure that the chime is powered (batteries or wiring).
- Press “FS” button one or more times to cycle through the tunes for the front door pushbutton. Do not press “FS” button after the desired tune plays.
- If you have installed a rear door pushbutton, press “RS” button one or more times to cycle through the tunes for the rear door pushbutton. Do not press “RS” button after the desired tune plays.
How to Set Tune Duration on Nutone Chime (Nutone LA600WH)
Once you have selected the tune, you can adjust the time the tune plays to one of four durations. To do that, follow these instructions:
- Press the “CUT” button one or more times to select the desired play time (5, 10, 20 seconds or the full song).
- The desired play time is indicated by the LED indicator. LED indicator flashes according to the length of tune played (once, twice, thrice for 20 seconds). The LED illuminates continuously for 20 seconds for full song played.
How to Adjust Volume on Nutone Chime (Nutone LA600WH)
To adjust the volume, while the tune is playing, press “VOL” button one or more times to cycle through three volume levels.
Check this too: Skybell Doorbell How to & Troubleshooting Guide
How to Update Nutone Video Doorbell Firmware
To update Nutone Knock firmware, follow these instructions:
- In the Nutone Knock app, tap the 3 lines in the upper right corner of the screen to access the menu.
- Select “About Devices”.
- Select “Doorbell Cameras”
- Tap the name of your doorbell camera and tap “Update Firmware”
- The update may take several minutes to complete.