Two or Three Tubes for your ElectraChime Doorbell Chime
In this post, we'll look at whether a two, or three bell, ElectraChime is best for your application.
The center bell in ElectraChime doorbells is entirely decorative. All ElectraChime doorbells ring "ding-dong" for the front door and "ding" for an optional third bell. When a caller presses your doorbell button, a striker hits the shorter tube to produce the "ding" and when the button is released, the striker recoils to hit the longer tube for the "dong".
Even though the mechanics of two and three tube doorbells are identical, the aesthetics are quite different.
Without question, a three bell chime presents a fuller look. On doorbells with larger cases like the Comet pictured above, this can provide extra balance. The same cover looks more modern, and perhaps a bit less formal with two tubes beneath. So if you subscribe to a minimalist design philosophy, a two bell doorbell assures the form follows function.
In Feng Shui, odd numbers give Yang energy and even numbers Yin. Thus, a two bell chime has more feminine energy while a three bell chime has more masculine energy. Cecilia Walker's blog, everything in threes goes deeper on the subject.
Design principals hold that odd number compositions—and in particular the rule of three—adds motion and interest. This can be explained that your eye and brain can't pair odd numbers of elements. Above, I arranged three vintage Rid-Jid patio chairs to demonstrate.
I'm not certain I've provided any clarity to the subject of two or three bells or just muddied the waters a little bit more. And I'll so my best to resist creating my own doctrine of the "ding and the dong". So I will just leave you with this old saying I just made up:
Your house is your castle, so furnish it as you will.
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Where to Hang a Longbell Door Chime
There are no rules as to where to hang a longbell door chime, just a few best practices.
It's a good idea to mount a long bell doorbell where it will be heard in the rooms where you spend most of the hours when you might expect visitors. A location near your front door is desirable as this allows your callers to hear the door chime as they push the doorbell button. This provides feedback that you have indeed been summoned. Ideally, your chosen location treats your guests to the sight and sound of your still resonating long bell doorbell as they enter your home.
In general, a spot between 72 and 78 inches above the bottom of the finished floor to the top of the case is about right if your ceiling height is eight feet. You may choose to mount your chime at higher or lower to suit your taste.
If you are lucky enough to have a door chime niche, The location for your door chime was made for you by a thoughtful designer.
At left a vintage, never used, Kensington by Rittenhouse Long Bell door chime has a commanding presence in a Chicago area home. Meanwhile, an ElectraChime Empire tubular doorbell graces a niche in Minnesota.
New Doorbells, New Website
We've been so busy making doorbells, we haven't had a chance to update our website, until now. And you are one of the first users.
This is our website's third iteration since we built our first ElectraChime in 2004. Today, we introduce nickel-plated brass bells that perfectly complement today's most popular choices in hardware and appliances. Our latest doorbell, the versatile Coronet, is our first painted chime.
A special shout-out to Sam, Michelle and Dylan at Flight LLC for their talent, imagination and patience.
So please come in and look around. And if you find a typo, please bring it to our attention.
