What Is a Buzzer?

A buzzer is an electronic circuit component used to generate sound. In other words, it is an audible warning device operating on mechanical, electromechanical, magnetic, or piezoelectric principles. Buzzers typically operate in the 2–4 V supply range. Since there are many buzzer types, their application areas are quite broad. Below you can find the key details about buzzers.

What Does a Buzzer Do?

Due to their functional characteristics, buzzers can be used across various applications. Buzzer models are commonly used for timing, confirmation, response indication, and warning/alarm purposes. In this way, they provide notification and reminder functions in different systems.

What Are the Types of Buzzers?

Buzzers are available in different models depending on application requirements and device structure. Buzzer types are generally classified into four categories:

Magnetic buzzers: These models produce sound via a coil. Sound is generated when current flow activates the coil mechanism.

Electromechanical buzzers: These operate by activating a contact point as current flows through the device. Traditional home doorbells are common examples of electromechanical buzzers.

Mechanical buzzers: These work using a tightly wound spring system rather than electrical current. The spring mechanism converts mechanical energy into sound.

Piezo buzzers: The most widely used buzzer type today. Piezo buzzers respond differently depending on the applied electrical power, enabling multiple tones and sound levels. Their low cost and high performance make them common in many applications.

How Does a Buzzer Work?

Buzzer operation may vary slightly depending on type.

Buzzers with built-in oscillator/driver circuits convert applied voltage at input terminals into an oscillation signal internally, producing sound automatically.

Buzzers without built-in circuits require the user to provide an external AC drive signal.

For piezo models, when high voltage is applied to the piezoelectric ceramic disc, it expands and contracts radially. This causes the internal metal plate to bend in the opposite direction, generating sound waves. Piezoelectric buzzers therefore produce audio output through vibrations transmitted to the internal disc structure.

Where Are Buzzers Used?

Buzzers are used in many industrial and commercial environments and play an important role in audible alerting:

Industrial machines and control panels: For warnings and process step transitions

Security systems (entry/exit doors): For access control indication tones

Alarm systems and logistics/transport vehicles: For rapid response in emergency or hazardous conditions

Trucks and heavy vehicles: For parking, reversing, loading, and operational alerts

Home and office devices: For bell tones and status notifications

How to Connect a Buzzer

Buzzer wiring should be performed according to the user manual. Key considerations include:

Mounting holes should be drilled according to dimensions specified in the product documentation.

For terminal-block (clamp) models, ensure the cable is fully seated and firmly clamped.

For screw-mounted models, insulation should be applied before connection to prevent issues such as short circuits.

For wired buzzer models, avoid pulling the cable excessively. If the cable breaks internally, it is generally not repairable.

How Should a Buzzer Be Used?

Buzzers typically have two pins:

Positive (+)

Negative (−)

Polarity must be observed during installation. Most buzzer pins are marked with “+” or “−”, and these markings should be checked carefully before powering the device.

What to Consider When Buying a Buzzer

For correct selection, consider the following factors:

Ambient noise level of the installation environment (to ensure adequate audibility)

Supply voltage level and compatibility with the system

Physical installation constraints (mounting location, available space, panel design)