Low Voltage: 2 or 4 wires to the doorbell in a new front wall and door? – GreenBuildingAdvisor

In our rebuild of a 1948 cottage, we’re rebuilding all the exterior walls, including the front wall. To “future proof” the front entry, I’ve seen suggestions of 2 or 4 wires, with or without Cat5.

The backdoor isn’t going to have any doorbell or interactive (voice/video) unit.

We plan to sell the cottage and are trying to include various features to make some upgrades or changes simply. E.g., all the wiring and switch box for a garbage disposal, which we are not installing. (Personally, I loathe them.)

I know that a number of the “smart” doorbells still require only 2 wires.

Wire is cheap for this small house. However, we’re also installing a hard-wired reed switch in the front door frame for the home security system; and if I use only 2 wires for the doorbell, I can use the other 2 of a 4-wire cable for the reed switch.