Wired Video Doorbell Damaging PrimeChime+2?

[TFPloski]

The video doorbell stopped working. There was no power at the doorbell and no power at the PrimeChime+2. I replaced the PrimeChime+2 and switched on the breaker that supplied power to the PrimeChime+2. The door bell started chiming for about 10 minutes and then stopped. The PrimeChime+2 stopped generating DC output voltage. Anyone else experience this? What was the solution?

[StephenB]

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@TFPloski wrote:

The PrimeChime+2 stopped generating DC output voltage

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Looking at the datasheet, it generates 20 VAC, not DC.  Is that mistaken?

Did you install the AVD1001 power module?  Nicor says not to do that (apparently it has built in circuitry for that function).

[TFPloski]

You are correct, the Nicor generates 20VAC. I installed the AVD1001 power module on the Nicor and things worked without issue until last month. If I was not supposed to install the power module, I missed that. Can you direct me where that is documented?

Tom

[TFPloski]

Also, there is no 20VAC output on both the front door & rear door connections on the Nicor.

[StephenB]

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@TFPloski wrote:

If I was not supposed to install the power module, I missed that. Can you direct me where that is documented?

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It's in the Nicor installation instructions here: https://nicorlighting.com/product/prcp2-primechime-plus-2/

4) A “power” or “diode” kit should not be installed when using the NICOR PRCP2. It is designed to provide the proper voltage for compatible video doorbells.

There's some other info in the video doorbell compatibility section of their install guide that you might also want double-check.

[StephenB]

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@TFPloski wrote:

Also, there is no 20VAC output on both the front door & rear door connections on the Nicor.

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Ouch.  I'm assuming you checked the circuit breaker?

Might be worth cycling the AC power, and see if it comes back to life.

[TFPloski]

I verified there is 120VAC present at the inputs to the PrimeChime+2. At this point I am assuming that the installation of the power module may be the source of the problem. What is odd is that the initial installation with the power module was completed in April 2021 and it functioned with no problems until last month.

[StephenB]

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@TFPloski wrote:

At this point I am assuming that the installation of the power module may be the source of the problem. What is odd is that the initial installation with the power module was completed in April 2021 and it functioned with no problems until last month.

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Unfortuate.  FWIW, I think Nicor should have had a more forceful (and prominent) warning if the power kit can cause the chime to fail.

[TFPloski]

I found the instructions I used to install the Nicor and the video doorbell last year. The instructions to not install a power kit were specific to Ring products. 

For Ring products:
1) Adjust the “Ring tone length” in the App to 2 seconds to avoid multiple chime cycles (see Ring instructions for details). 2) The Ring Power Kit (diode) should not be installed when using the NICOR PRCP2

[StephenB]

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@TFPloski wrote:

I found the instructions I used to install the Nicor and the video doorbell last year. The instructions to not install a power kit were specific to Ring products. 

For Ring products:
1) Adjust the “Ring tone length” in the App to 2 seconds to avoid multiple chime cycles (see Ring instructions for details). 2) The Ring Power Kit (diode) should not be installed when using the NICOR PRCP2

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Looks like Nicor qualified other video doorbells later on.