The ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera (wired) has no battery to charge: it runs on doorbell wiring, and ecobee's compatibility information says the transformer must supply 16 to 24 VAC with a minimum of 10 VA, ideally 16 VAC at 10 VA or 24 VAC at 20 VA. It is also possible to power the doorbell camera with a plug-in transformer without connecting to an in-home chime, in which case it will not activate the in-home chime when pressed.
The checks in more detail
The wiring diagrams article shows how to connect wires with and without a chime and with the Chime Adapter. If the doorbell has no lights, check the breaker, the transformer, the connections at the doorbell and at the chime and any splices. An old 10 VA chime transformer that powers the chime and the camera can be overloaded, causing resets and offline periods, so a stronger transformer may be needed. Power-related resets can look like wifi drops.
The lights and sounds article helps identify power states. If the doorbell reboots when it rings, the transformer likely cannot handle the load. A new transformer costs about $20 to $35 and an electrician adds about $150 to $250. If wiring is old or you are unsure, hire a professional. Photograph the wires before changing anything so you can return to the original layout. Cold weather can expose a marginal transformer, so a doorbell that fails in winter may need a stronger one.
Keep a note of the transformer model and rating on the panel. A doorbell that works but resets when the chime rings is the classic sign of an old transformer, and a stronger one usually ends the problem at once. ecobee lists wiring diagrams with and without an in-home chime, so if the chime stopped ringing after installation, compare your wiring with the diagram for your exact setup before replacing anything.
Differential
Likely causes of “ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera has power or battery problems”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A weak transformer
What separates it The doorbell resets or goes offline because the transformer is weak
How to confirm Use a transformer that supplies 16 to 24 volts AC and at least 10 VA of power
- 2
A tripped breaker
What separates it The doorbell has no power because a breaker has tripped
How to confirm Restore the breaker, then check that the doorbell lights come on
- 3
Loose wires
What separates it The power comes and goes because a wire at the doorbell or the transformer is loose
How to confirm Reseat the wires at each end and check that they are connected correctly
- 4
An overloaded transformer
What separates it The doorbell reboots whenever it rings because the transformer is overloaded
How to confirm Upgrade the transformer to one that supplies enough power for the doorbell and the chime
- 5
No in-home chime setup
What separates it There is no chime sound because the in home chime has not been set up for the doorbell
How to confirm Use the Chime Adapter or the right wiring, so that the chime sounds when the button is pressed
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The voltage and VA rating printed on the transformer
- Any pattern to when the doorbell reboots
- A photo of the wiring at the doorbell and the transformer
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedCheck the breaker
ReversibleCheck the breaker for the doorbell's circuit, and restore power if it has been tripped.
Check the transformer rating
ReversibleCheck the transformer's rating, which must be 16 to 24 volts AC for the doorbell to run properly.
Check wire connections
ReversibleCheck the wire connections at the doorbell and at the chime, so that each one is tight and correct.
Check for overloads
ReversibleCheck for overloads if the doorbell reboots when ringing, since that points to a weak transformer.
Use a plug-in transformer
ReversibleUse a plug in transformer if you have no in home chime, since the doorbell can run on one.
Read the lights
ReversibleRead the lights, using ecobee's article, since the patterns show the different power states of the doorbell.
Contact ecobee
ReversibleContact ecobee if the doorbell stays dark, and tell them the transformer rating and the lights.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Power
- Wired only.
- Chime
- In-home chime needs proper wiring or a Chime Adapter.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If it will not power on with correct voltage, contact ecobee support
- !If the transformer is weak, replace it with one that meets the doorbell's requirements
- !If you are unsure about the wiring, hire a qualified electrician to do the work
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Wiring.
Light and voice patterns.
Features, integrations and chime.
Troubleshooting topic.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Does it have a battery?+
No, it has no battery, and it runs on power from the doorbell wiring or a plug in transformer.
What VA does it need?+
It needs a transformer that supplies at least 10 VA, so a weaker one may not cope.
Can I use a plug-in transformer?+
Yes, without an in home chime, you can use a plug in transformer to power it instead.
Why does it reboot when it rings?+
The transformer cannot supply enough power for the extra load when the chime sounds, so it resets.
What does a transformer cost?+
A transformer costs about $20 to $35, though prices vary by where you buy it.
Should I hire an electrician?+
Yes, if you are unsure about the wiring, hire an electrician, since mains wiring can be dangerous.