Hiding the door bell transformer...

[mpire]

Ok, so its a regular door bell transformer I suppose.

Can I enclose this into a surface mount box, or better yet, can I recess this into a box inside the wall so I don't have to look at it?

I don't see any reason why I can't put another box just to the side of the box and recess the transformer into the wall.

Is there any fire hazard or anything like that you would be concerned about?

 

[redman43]

I believe that code prevents this from being enclosed.

 

[nate379]

Correct, has to be in open air.

 

[midnightcruise]

But you can mount it right next to the breaker box and run low voltage (DC) wires to the switch and bell.

 

[Norcal]

But you can mount it right next to the breaker box and run low voltage (DC) wires to the switch and bell.

The output of the transformer is AC not DC....

 

[Falcon67]

The bell trans on our new house is hung off the attic light socket, which is hot all the time with a pull string. Works and the run to the door/dinger is short. Not a bad idea.

 

[csp]

Mine is in one of the kids closets behind and above the sliding door.

 

[midnightcruise]

The output of the transformer is AC not DC....

My transformer is DC (digital doorbell... but it used to be AC). Either way you can still use bell phone wire for the output to the bell mechanism. I know that is code here in OH.

 

[mrb]

as others have said, it has to be out in the open, but there is nothing keeping you from relocating it.

 

[mpire]

So I can stick it in the attic if I want to is what you are saying.

 

[GreyOwl]

Mine is mounted inside the breaker box from when the house was built. Is this not correct?

Charles

 

[mrb]

Mine is mounted inside the breaker box from when the house was built. Is this not correct?

Charles

the doorbell transformer is entirely inside the panel? that is not ok.

 

[jhelrey]

By the breaker box also...

 

[carap]

Mine is in the attic.

 

[GreyOwl]

the doorbell transformer is entirely inside the panel? that is not ok.

Yes, it was screwed to the side of the box behind the breaker cover plate. Maybe I need to move it to the outside then. What is the reason for mounting outside, heat?
Charles

 

[ddawg16]

I got rid of mine and went wireless......we installed it 3 years ago and it is still on the original batteries.

 

[hidollartoys]

DOOR BELL???? We dont need no stinkin' door bell.

 

[Kevro]

Yes, it was screwed to the side of the box behind the breaker cover plate. Maybe I need to move it to the outside then. What is the reason for mounting outside, heat?
Charles

Possibly heat, but I'm guessing also that mixing the low-voltage wires from the transformer with 120/240V stuff is prohibited in the same enclosure. Just a guess, IANAE.

I got rid of mine and went wireless......we installed it 3 years ago and it is still on the original batteries.

We had a wireless doorbell at work, and it would pick up interference and ring for no reason. Replacing batteries didn't help. Giant PITA.

 

[cowboyjosh]

Mine is mounted inside the breaker box from when the house was built. Is this not correct?

Charles

Actually it MIGHT be alright; I see allot of houses built from the mid 70's thru mid 90's that have the doorbell transformer inside the panel; I wouldn't worry about it being open air if there it's working alright, I guess if its not broke, why care?

Now days, at least in Colorado we mount the doorbell transformer on the furnace disconnect switch j box in the basement.

 

[Kevin54]

Mine is in the attic and my dads is in the basement. But they cannot be hidden behind a wall.

 

[RM209]

Previous posters were correct; can't mount the transformer inside a wall as it generates heat (as well as conceals wiring). Last winter when I renovated my laundry room I moved my doorbell transformer to the attic. Used a small galvanized handy box to connect the wiring, then screwed the transformer to the cover; used a cord from a long ago discarded PC as the power cord. Just make sure you ground the box. It's a clean, safe way to mount and wire the device.

RM209

 

[mrb]

Previous posters were correct; can't mount the transformer inside a wall as it generates heat (as well as conceals wiring). Last winter when I renovated my laundry room I moved my doorbell transformer to the attic. Used a small galvanized handy box to connect the wiring, then screwed the transformer to the cover; used a cord from a long ago discarded PC as the power cord. Just make sure you ground the box. It's a clean, safe way to mount and wire the device.

RM209

why did you do that instead of hard wiring it?

 

[RM209]

why did you do that instead of hard wiring it?

The most convenient place in the attic was next to a power receptacle that had already been installed, and it seemed easier than opening up the receptacle and hard wiring into that box.

RM209

 

[xed]

It can be in wall, for example, mounted to a stud, just that the drywall around the box (on one side) must be cutout so it is not hidden.

The keyword is "easily visible".

 

[mpire]

Can I put a grate over it so it gets air, but I don't have to look at it?

 

[mpire]

Ok, so I forgot that I had a toner. I work in the telecoms business so I have a crazy amount of tools it seems.

I found the wires going to the door bell transformer and will be wiring it up in the attic to get it out of the way. I need to install a new box for all the wiring I have added in the attic. I can't fit it into one box anymore.

So anyways, I filled the hole and textured it and will just put a blank plate there. I can always add an outlet if I need to plug something in there in the future.

I am also adding an additional sconce to the outside of the garage, but will be removing the current lights and replacing them with LED lights to try and lower the load. They have 3 60watt bulbs in them each now, so it should really reduce the power draw. Also thinking about wiring in a motion sensor. That shouldn't be too much of a challenge I don't think. What would you do?

Vs

 

[mpire]

The plan is to move the current lights to the rear of the house to light up the patio.