Doorbell transformer question

[PassnThru]

So - went to my nieces house today to troubleshoot a problem with her new Ring 2 doorbell that my brother installed for her. Problem was that once the doorbell was pressed the chime inside the house would not stop ringing.
First thing I did was pull the chime from the wall - it was recessed into the wall in the hallway in basically a two gang box with a divider in the middle. One side had the AC input - the other side had the line going to the actual doorbell.
Problem is, the output voltage was 12V DC - the Ring requires AC voltage. The fix is fairly easy since I have 120 right there in the box - install a transformer in the current box and put a new chime over the box.
My question is - I know transformers generate heat - is there any issue with putting the transformer in the side of the box with the AC in - essentially a single gang box? Then covering it with the door chime? I know they are sometimes installed in a junction box in the attic but inside a wall I'm not sure of.

 

[Kevin Essiambre]

So - went to my nieces house today to troubleshoot a problem with her new Ring 2 doorbell that my brother installed for her. Problem was that once the doorbell was pressed the chime inside the house would not stop ringing.

First thing I did was pull the chime from the wall - it was recessed into the wall in the hallway in basically a two gang box with a divider in the middle. One side had the AC input - the other side had the line going to the actual doorbell.

Problem is, the output voltage was 12V DC - the Ring requires AC voltage. The fix is fairly easy since I have 120 right there in the box - install a transformer in the current box and put a new chime over the box.

My question is - I know transformers generate heat - is there any issue with putting the transformer in the side of the box with the AC in - essentially a single gang box? Then covering it with the door chime? I know they are sometimes installed in a junction box in the attic but inside a wall I'm not sure of.

Nutone makes one designed just for this. I probably wouldn't worry too much about it. Of course, if it's not listed to be installed the way you did it, it's not code compliant. But that's a separate issue. You're asking about heat.

Sent from my new phone. Autocorrect may have changed stuff.

 

[PassnThru]

Be aware that I haven't done this yet - I just troubleshot the problem today.
I have given my niece this option but I want to make sure I'm clear before I go forward.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Youre gonna have to change the chime as well if it cant run on AC power.

 

[Git]

I know nothing about a ring, but a quick search showed this 'fix' from ring if your going to use an AC transformer

How to Connect Your Ring Video Doorbell 2 Directly to a Low Voltage Transformer

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I know nothing about a ring, but a quick search showed this 'fix' from ring if your going to use an AC transformer

How to Connect Your Ring Video Doorbell 2 Directly to a Low Voltage Transformer

Thats only if there is no existing doorbell.

The OP has a doorbell. It just has the wrong current so the transformer needs replacing

 

[Git]

I realize that. You mentioned he probably needs to change the chime also...

If that is the case, Ring apparently sells a 'wifi chime' that you just plug into a wall socket. This means you need to dump the original mechanical type chime, and it looks like if you're going to do that, you need to wire a resistor up in the low voltage circuit to take place of the mechanical chime.

So to me, with a quick look, it appears he needs a low voltage AC transformer, a resistor, and the Ring Chime and he should be good to go?

 

[PassnThru]

Without a transformer you have to remove the battery to recharge it. Might as well put a compatible chime in also.
So the question is can I put the transformer in a covered box in the wall?

 

[PassnThru]

Nutone makes one designed just for this. I probably wouldn't worry too much about it. Of course, if it's not listed to be installed the way you did it, it's not code compliant. But that's a separate issue. You're asking about heat.

Sent from my new phone. Autocorrect may have changed stuff.

The more I look at that the more I like it. It was, after all, designed to be mounted in a box. I could also mount the new chime with some 'feet' to hold it out a little which would give it a little air.

 

[Kevin Essiambre]

The more I look at that the more I like it. It was, after all, designed to be mounted in a box. I could also mount the new chime with some 'feet' to hold it out a little which would give it a little air.

There are also these but I don't like the look of them, so I have never tried to buy any. I don't even know what brand these are.

Sent from my new phone. Autocorrect may have changed stuff.

 

[PassnThru]

Actually, that's the exact setup that she has right now. The chime and the transformer are built into the one recessed unit. They separate the high voltage and low voltage wires via the divider in the box. So you literally have 120 coming in on one side and the door bell wire going out the other side.
Only problem is, the transformer in the unit puts out 12V DC and the Ring requires AC. So I was thinking about burying a transformer in the one side of the box with the 120.

Edit - thanks for the picture - I never got the details on who made it. Now that I've looked it up, it explains a lot. I spent a lot of time that day trying to figure out why the door bell button didn't show continuity when pressed. Instead, it shows voltage. Looking at the specs the button is proprietary - they note that a normal door bell button won't work. I was really scratching my head over that one.

 

[Kevin Essiambre]

Actually, that's the exact setup that she has right now. The chime and the transformer are built into the one recessed unit. They separate the high voltage and low voltage wires via the divider in the box. So you literally have 120 coming in on one side and the door bell wire going out the other side.

Only problem is, the transformer in the unit puts out 12V DC and the Ring requires AC. So I was thinking about burying a transformer in the one side of the box with the 120.

Then I would see if you could get one of the nutone transformers like the one I posted earlier.

Sent from my new phone. Autocorrect may have changed stuff.

 

[PassnThru]

I've been doing some research now that I know who made the current one and I've found one they make one that is compatible. Only available at Home Depot that I've found so far but at about $40 it is competitive with a transformer and chime separately. It outputs 18V AC - lists Ring compatibility - so basically plug and play.
Again - thanks for that pic - it sent me in a new, better direction

 

[Vicdog]

Get a 30VA at least

 

[PassnThru]

I just ordered the newer version of her current door chime - a Nicor PRCP1. Did the research - they say it is compatible, Ring says it is compatible. Output is 18V AC.
It occurred to me that we never got her a house warming gift although she bought this house (her first) over a year ago. I'm going to make up for that with the chime plus installation. She will have a traditional indoor chime and never have to worry about removing and charging her Ring battery.

Always treat family well.

 

[PassnThru]

So the new door bell came in Friday. Installed it Saturday morning at her house. Quick swap - plug and play basically. Works perfectly - she now has a door chime and the Ring battery does not have to be pulled out and charged. And I no longer have to wonder if you can put a transformer in the wall.

 

[Kevin Essiambre]

Glad you got it all figured out and working!

Sent from my new phone. Autocorrect may have changed stuff.