How to Hook Up Door Strikers on a Doorbell System

This guide walks you through how to hook up door strikers on a doorbell system safely and effectively. You’ll learn wiring basics, installation steps, and troubleshooting tips to ensure your doorbell and strike work in harmony.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the basics: Door strikers are electromagnetic locks that work with your doorbell system to allow remote door access—knowing how they function is key to proper installation.
• Check compatibility: Not all doorbell systems support door strikers; verify your chime, transformer, and strike model are compatible before starting.
• Turn off power first: Always shut off power at the circuit breaker before working on electrical components to prevent shocks or damage.
• Use proper wiring techniques: Low-voltage wiring must be routed correctly and secured to avoid interference or short circuits.
• Test before finalizing: Always test the system after wiring but before closing up walls or trim to catch issues early.
• Troubleshoot common problems: If the strike doesn’t engage or the doorbell doesn’t ring, check connections, voltage, and alignment.
• Consider professional help: If you’re unsure about electrical work, consult a licensed electrician for safety and code compliance.

How to Hook Up Door Strikers on a Doorbell System

So, you’ve got a doorbell, and now you want to add a door striker—also known as an electric strike—so you can unlock the door remotely when someone rings the bell. Smart move! Whether you’re upgrading your home security or just making life a little more convenient, integrating a door striker with your doorbell system is totally doable with the right tools and know-how.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to hook up door strikers on a doorbell system step by step. We’ll cover everything from understanding what a door striker is, checking compatibility, gathering tools, wiring it all together, testing the setup, and troubleshooting common issues. By the end, you’ll have a fully functional doorbell and strike combo that lets you see who’s at the door and let them in—without ever leaving your couch.

Let’s get started!

What Is a Door Striker?

Before we dive into installation, let’s clarify what a door striker actually is. A door striker—or electric strike—is a device installed in the door frame that replaces the standard metal strike plate. When powered, it releases the latch, allowing the door to open even if it’s locked.

Think of it like this: your regular door has a latch that clicks into a metal plate on the frame. The electric strike temporarily moves that plate (or releases the latch mechanism) when it receives an electrical signal—like when someone presses your doorbell and you press a button to unlock the door.

Door strikers are commonly used in:

• Apartment buildings with intercoms
• Smart home setups with video doorbells
• Offices or homes with access control systems
• DIY security upgrades

They come in different types—fail-safe (unlocks when power is cut) and fail-secure (remains locked without power)—so choose one that fits your security needs. For most residential setups, a fail-safe model is ideal because it allows entry during power outages.

Why Hook Up a Door Striker to Your Doorbell?

You might be wondering: “Why not just use a smart lock?” Great question! While smart locks are awesome, they don’t always integrate well with existing doorbell systems. A door striker, on the other hand, works seamlessly with traditional or video doorbells and gives you remote unlocking capability without replacing your entire lock.

Here are a few benefits of connecting a door striker to your doorbell:

• Remote access: Let guests, delivery people, or family members in from anywhere in the house.
• Enhanced security: Keep your door locked at all times but still allow controlled entry.
• Works with video doorbells: Pair it with a Ring, Nest, or other smart doorbell to see and speak to visitors before unlocking.
• No need to replace your lock: Save money and avoid the hassle of changing your existing deadbolt or handle.
• Ideal for rentals: Landlords can give tenants temporary access without handing out keys.

Now that you know the “why,” let’s move on to the “how.”

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the tools and materials. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and safer.

Essential Tools

• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
• Wire strippers
• Voltage tester (non-contact)
• Drill and drill bits (for mounting)
• Measuring tape
• Pencil or marker
• Safety glasses and gloves

Materials

• Electric door striker (compatible with your door type—wood, metal, etc.)
• Low-voltage wire (typically 18-22 AWG, 2-conductor)
• Doorbell transformer (if upgrading or replacing)
• Wire nuts or terminal blocks
• Electrical tape
• Mounting screws (usually included with the strike)
• Optional: Wire conduit or raceway (for clean, protected wiring)

Optional but Helpful

• Multimeter (for testing voltage)
• Cable clips or staples (to secure wires)
• Fish tape (for running wires through walls)
• Smart relay module (if integrating with a smart doorbell)

Pro tip: Buy a few extra feet of wire and a spare wire nut—better safe than sorry!

Step 1: Check Compatibility

Not every doorbell system can handle a door striker. Before you buy or install anything, make sure your components are compatible.

Check Your Doorbell System

Most standard doorbells run on 8–24 volts AC. Door strikers typically require 12V or 24V DC. This means you’ll need a power source that matches your strike’s voltage and current requirements.

Ask yourself:

• What voltage does my doorbell transformer output?
• What voltage and amperage does my door striker need?
• Can my current transformer handle the extra load?

For example, if your doorbell uses a 16V transformer and your strike needs 12V DC, you may need a separate 12V DC power supply or a relay to isolate the circuits.

Check Your Door and Frame

Not all doors and frames are suitable for electric strikes. Measure the thickness of your door and the depth of your frame. Most strikes require at least 1.5 inches of frame depth.

Also, consider the door type:

• Wood doors: Easy to modify; most strikes work well.
• Metal doors: May require special strikes and drilling techniques.
• Hollow-core doors: Not recommended—too weak to support a strike.

Check Your Lock Type

Electric strikes work with standard latch bolts (the kind that click into the strike plate). They do not work with deadbolts unless you have a dual-point system.

If your door has a deadbolt, you’ll need to keep it manually locked or consider a smart lock for that function. The electric strike will handle the latch only.

Step 2: Turn Off the Power

Safety first! Before touching any wires, turn off the power to your doorbell system.

Locate the Circuit Breaker

Doorbell transformers are usually connected to a low-voltage circuit, but they still draw power from your home’s electrical panel. Find the breaker labeled “doorbell,” “chime,” or “low voltage.” If you can’t find it, turn off the main breaker to be safe.

Test the Wires

Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the power is off. Touch the tester to the doorbell wires at the chime or transformer. If it beeps or lights up, power is still on—double-check your breaker.

Never skip this step. Even low-voltage systems can cause shocks or damage components if mishandled.

Step 3: Remove the Old Strike Plate

Now it’s time to prep the door frame for the new electric strike.

Unscrew the Existing Plate

Use a screwdriver to remove the two screws holding the old strike plate in place. Set the plate and screws aside—you won’t need them anymore.

Inspect the Frame

Check the condition of the door frame. Is it solid? Any rot or damage? If the frame is weak, reinforce it before installing the electric strike. A loose or damaged frame will prevent the strike from working properly.

Measure and Mark

Hold the new electric strike plate over the existing hole. Use a pencil to mark where you’ll need to drill or chisel for the strike mechanism. Most electric strikes are slightly larger than standard plates, so you may need to enlarge the opening.

Step 4: Install the Electric Strike

This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a secure and functional installation.

Drill and Chisel the Frame

Using a drill and chisel, carefully remove material from the door frame to fit the strike mechanism. Go slow—remove a little at a time and test-fit frequently. You want a snug fit, not a loose one.

Tip: Use a template if your strike came with one. It makes marking and cutting much easier.

Mount the Strike Plate

Once the opening is ready, insert the strike mechanism into the frame. Secure it with the provided screws. Make sure it’s flush with the surface and doesn’t wobble.

Test the Latch

Close the door and see if the latch slides smoothly into the strike. If it binds or doesn’t engage, adjust the strike position slightly. You may need to file down edges or reposition the screws.

Step 5: Run the Wiring

Now it’s time to connect the strike to your power source and doorbell system.

Plan the Wire Route

Decide how you’ll run the wire from the strike to your doorbell transformer or power supply. Common routes include:

• Through the door frame (if hollow)
• Along the baseboard and up the wall
• Through the attic or basement
• Inside conduit for a clean look

Avoid running wires where they can be pinched, crushed, or exposed to moisture.

Strip and Connect the Wires

Strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from the ends of your low-voltage wire. Connect one wire to the strike’s positive terminal and the other to the negative. Use wire nuts or terminal blocks to secure the connections. Wrap with electrical tape for extra protection.

Run the Wire to the Power Source

Carefully feed the wire through walls, baseboards, or conduit to reach your doorbell transformer or dedicated power supply. Use cable clips to secure the wire every few feet.

If you’re running wire through walls, a fish tape can help pull it through studs and insulation.

Step 6: Connect to the Doorbell System

This step varies depending on your setup. Here are two common scenarios.

Option 1: Direct Connection to Transformer

If your doorbell transformer has enough capacity, you can power the strike directly from it.

• Connect the strike wires to the transformer’s output terminals.
• Use a relay if needed to isolate the strike circuit from the doorbell chime.
• Ensure the voltage matches (e.g., 12V DC strike with 12V DC supply).

Option 2: Use a Smart Relay with a Video Doorbell

If you have a smart doorbell like Ring or Nest, you’ll need a relay module to trigger the strike when you press the unlock button in the app.

• Connect the relay to the doorbell’s existing wires.
• Wire the strike to the relay’s output.
• Configure the relay in the doorbell app to activate when you press “unlock.”

This setup allows you to see who’s at the door and unlock it remotely—perfect for deliveries or guests.

Step 7: Test the System

Before you button everything up, test the system thoroughly.

Turn the Power Back On

Go to the breaker panel and restore power.

Test the Doorbell

Press the doorbell button. The chime should ring as usual.

Test the Strike

Activate the strike (via app, button, or relay). Listen for a click—that means the mechanism is engaging. Try opening the door. It should unlock and open smoothly.

Check for Issues

• Does the strike engage every time?
• Does the doorbell still work?
• Are there any loose wires or sparks?
• Is the strike aligned properly with the latch?

If everything works, great! If not, move to the troubleshooting section.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with careful installation, issues can arise. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.

Strike Doesn’t Engage

• Check power: Use a multimeter to test voltage at the strike terminals.
• Check wiring: Ensure connections are tight and not reversed.
• Check alignment: The strike may be misaligned with the latch.
• Check load: Your transformer may be overloaded—upgrade if needed.

Doorbell Doesn’t Ring

• The strike may be drawing too much power, causing the chime to fail.
• Use a relay to isolate the circuits.
• Check for loose or crossed wires.

Strike Makes Noise but Doesn’t Unlock

• The mechanism may be jammed—clean and lubricate it.
• The voltage may be too low—upgrade your power supply.
• The strike may be installed upside down—check the manual.

Intermittent Operation

• Loose connections are the usual culprit.
• Check all wire nuts and terminals.
• Secure wires with clips to prevent movement.

Safety Tips and Best Practices

• Always turn off power before working on electrical systems.
• Use insulated tools and wear safety gear.
• Label wires before disconnecting them.
• Follow local electrical codes—some areas require permits for low-voltage work.
• When in doubt, hire a professional.

Conclusion

Hooking up a door striker to your doorbell system is a smart upgrade that adds convenience and security to your home. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and this step-by-step guide, you can do it yourself—no electrician required.

Remember: how to hook up door strikers on a doorbell system isn’t just about wiring—it’s about compatibility, safety, and testing. Take your time, double-check your connections, and always prioritize safety.

Once installed, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can see who’s at the door and let them in—safely and securely—from anywhere in your home.

Now go enjoy your new smart entry system!