When you got your Arlo Video Doorbell, you probably saw it came with its doorbell transformer. You should only use this new transformer when setting up your Arlo doorbell, not the old one from your previous doorbell.
This matters because Arlo doorbells have specific transformer requirements; they only work with transformers between 16-24V AC. Most other doorbells, however, use 12V AC transformers.
If your Arlo Doorbell didn’t come with a transformer, or if you need a replacement, no worries. Below are the best alternative Arlo Video Doorbell transformers to choose from.
What is the Best Transformer for Arlo Video Doorbell?
1. C Wire Power Adapter
The C Wire Power Adapter is one of the best alternative transformers for your Arlo Video Doorbell. Featuring a 16.4 ft long cable and an aesthetic design, this transformer provides you with an aesthetic and versatile option.
Overall Rating: 8.4/10
Who is this transformer ideal for?
This transformer is a great choice for people with outlets near the door.
Our first choice for alternative Arlo Doorbell Transformers, the C Wire Power Adaptor offers several benefits we love.
First is how easy it is to install this adapter; just connect the naked end of the cables to the doorbell, and then plug in the adapter to the outlet.
There is also the adaptor’s long cord, which allows for various installation options. Finally, the fact that this transformer comes with a bag of 50 pieces of white cable clips is also a plus.
Key Features
- Material: Plastic
- Compatibility: Compatible with standard 110 V/120 V outlet
- Cable Length: 16.4 ft
- Weight: 11.3 ounces
- Certification: UL certified
- Voltage Output: 20 V
Advantages
- Installation Ease: This is one of the easiest transformers you’ll ever find for your Arlo Doorbell. Installing this transformer only requires you to connect the transformer’s 2-pin wires to the doorbell and then plug the adaptor into a nearby outlet.
- Non-Polarity Wires: This transformer comes with non-polarity wires, which makes installing it even easier. The non-polarity wires mean you don’t need to worry about the positive or negative terminal when connecting your pins.
- 16.4 ft Long Cable: This adaptor’s extra long cable means that it can reach outlets farther away than what the average transformer with a shorter cable would reach. It also means that you have a bit more freedom with how you choose to install your doorbell.
Disadvantages
- This transformer requires an outlet close to the door. While the 16.4 ft long cable is an advantage, it wouldn’t be useful when there is no outlet around to connect to.
- Even though Arlo Video Doorbells support transformers between 16V and 24V, the ideal transformer is a 24V transformer. As such, this 20V adaptor, while powering your Arlo Doorbell, might take longer to charge your doorbell fully.
- One adaptor per doorbell.
2. Maxdot Doorbell Transformer
Another great alternative transformer for your Arlo Video Doorbell, the Maxdot Doorbell Transformer, is a reliable 24V universal transformer that can be used for multiple purposes. Designed to replace underpowered transformers, this 24V powerhouse meets all the requirements for powering your Arlo Doorknob
Overall Rating: 8/10
Who is this transformer ideal for?
This is an ideal transformer for people who need to power more than one doorbell/device with one transformer and people with 120 V outlets.
We especially love this option because of its high voltage. With 24V, this transformer meets Arlo’s highest transformer requirement and should be able to power your doorbell just like Arlo’s original transformer.
We’d have rated this transformer higher on the list if it didn’t require technical expertise to install.
Key Features
- Material: Iron
- Compatibility: Compatible with 120 V outlet
- Cable Length: 16.4 ft
- Weight: 27.2 ounces
- Certification: UL certified
- Voltage Output: 24 V
Advantages
- 24 V Output: Arlo Doorbells are compatible with transformers with outputs of between 16 and 24 V, the ideal output for these devices is 24 V. As such, this transformer meets Arlo’s maximum requirement.
- Compatible with multiple devices: This transformer can be used with multiple doorbells.
- More than one transformer in the box: Not only can this transformer be used with more than one doorbell, but you also get two transformers in the box. That means with just one purchase, you automatically get enough transformers for four doorbells.
- Doesn’t require an outlet near the door.
Disadvantages
- This transformer is significantly harder to install. Unlike the C Wire Power Adaptor, you’d need to have some experience with wiring before you can install this transformer. If you don’t have much experience, then please leave installing this transformer to experts.
- This transformer works with only 120V outlets.
- While the transformer is rated 24V, sometimes it produces an output above 27V, even with some load. The ideal max voltage for Arlo Doorbells is 24V.
3. Xwartre Doorbell Transformer
Similar to the C Wire Power Adapter, the Xwartre Doorbell Transformer is also an adaptor-style transformer that would be plugged into an outlet near the door. The adaptor features a 24V transformer, a simple aesthetic design, and an extra-long 8 m cable.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Who is this transformer ideal for?
Ideal for individuals with a 120 V outlet near the door.
The best option when you need a 24 V transformer but prefer the easy-to-install adaptor type of transformer. This transformer provides the perfect middle-ground between the easy-to-install C Wire Power Adaptor and the high-voltage Maxdot transformer.
Key Features
- Compatibility: Compatible with 120 V outlet
- Cable Length: 26 ft (8 m)
- Weight: 11.6 ounces
- Certification: UL certified
- Voltage Output: 24 V
Advantages
- Installation Ease: This transformer is as easy as the C Wire Adaptor. All you need to do is connect the adaptor’s pins to the doorbell and plug the adaptor into your 120 V outlet.
- Non-Polarity Wires: This transformer also comes with non-polarity wires, which makes installing it even easier.
- 26 ft Long Cable: This adaptor’s cable is longer than the C Wire Adaptor, allowing you to plug into outlets farther away.
Disadvantages
- Although this transformer features a much longer cable, there still needs to be an outlet relatively close to the doorbell. Without an outlet, this transformer isn’t a good choice.
- This transformer works with only 120V outlets.
FAQ: Transformer for Arlo Video Doorbell
What Voltage Is Too Low for Arlo Doorbell?
Your Arlo Video Doorbell requires a voltage between 16 V and 24 V. Any voltage less than 16 V is too low for your Arlo doorbell.
Can I Use a Higher VA Transformer for the Arlo Doorbell?
The VA rating of your transformer is the maximum VA you are allowed to use with your doorbell. This means you should never use a transformer with a higher VA than your doorbell’s requirements. Arlo doorbells require 10VA. You should never use something higher.
How Many AMPs Does Arlo Doorbell Use?
Arlo Doorbell typically uses at least 1 AMP output.
Summary
Using the right transformer for your Arlo Video Doorbell is essential for a successful installation. Without the right transformer, you could even damage your doorbell.
If your Arlo doorbell doesn’t come with a transformer of its own, any of the three alternative Arlo doorbell transformers above would make a great replacement.
In our opinion, the C Wire Doorbell Adaptor is the best alternative to choose.
This is the case for two major reasons:
- The ease with which this transformer can be installed.
- The fact that the transformer is compatible with both 110 V and 120 V outlets.
While both the other options on the list above offer a higher voltage than the C Wire Adaptor, the fact that this transformer is compatible with both 120 V and 110 V outlets when both are compatible with just 120 V outlets makes this the best choice in our opinion.
If you own a 120 V outlet near your door, then the Xwartre Doorbell Transformer is a better alternative since it provides practically the same benefits as the C Wire, has a longer cable, and reaches a higher voltage.
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About Author
Hey! I'm Dennis M. Peterson, a tech nerd, a master of code, adept at handling gadgets, and up-to-date with the latest tech trends. I deeply understand of how tech works and what to troubleshoot when issues arise. I hope you've found what you were searching for!
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