The doorbell quit working and I'm guessing the transformer is bad since it is no longer making a humming noise. So I bought a new one from Home depot and the instructions say that it's not to be placed in an attic. Does anyone know a reason why it can't be located there? The original transformer was in the attic for probably 30 years since the house was new. I don't know where else I can put it without knocking a hole in the wall and re-wiring. Any ideas??
Low voltage transfomer question
- Thread starter Fixnfly
- Start date
Alchymist
Well-known member
Attics get hot. Heat is an enemy of transformers. Transformer probably China manufactured, will not have the best quality insulation and construction.
ddawg16
Well-known member
With the new bread of wireless door bells, not sure why anyone would want an AC powered one.
No transformers....
I can put the door bell anywhere I want...
No wires......
No transformers....
I can put the door bell anywhere I want...
No wires......
It is chineese junk but I could not find anything else. Wireless seems like a good idea, I'd rather change batteries than come home to a burnt down house. I got a dog that lets us know if someone is here even before the doorbell rings.
tfi racing
Well-known member
Just a liability catch all.As long as its in open air and not buried in insulation it will likely last as long as the one that was there for years.
If they don't trust their product then I don't see why I should. I'm just gonna return it and either find a quality transformer or just go wireless.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Do you know in fact the old transformer failed? Have you tested it? There could be a broken wire someplace.
Sureshot
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Winter here kills the batteries hand over fist.
pepi
Well-known member
I will tell ya a reason.......... NO friggen batteries to replace. I mean **** with all the cordless whatevers, one needs a roll away just to store all the different batteries.
The old crapy AC door bell will work the day you move in and will be working when the next guy that bought your house moves out. So I tend to believe the AC would be a more desirable and smarter method of powering such a device...
@ Fixnfly another possibility is the door button itself, a transformer is usually stout and long lasting. If you just want to throw a part at it without doing some testing, go for the button first. Testing the trans is the preferred way and you can do that at the chime will require a button assistant.
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I tested the transformer, It's dead. Started out as a loud buzzing noise and then no doorbell. I'm gonna try an electrical supply store near work and see if the have a good quality transformer. Thanks for all the replies!
justsam
Well-known member
Any wireless system you buy will also be Chinese "junk".
You may be able to order a higher quality transformer on line.