How should I mount / enclose this set up (transformer and relay) on wall?

[Vinko]

Got a transformer and relay wired into this clock. Right now parts are bolted two to the wall to left of the clock. They power shop bells.

I'd like to enclose it with a steel or polycarb enclosures. There's some different options. Maybe something I'm not thinking of? What do you think?

 

[cybrdyke]

No pics?
Transformers like air to keep cool.
CD

 

[rburke65]

They do like air depending on the size. Why do you want to enclose this?

 

[Vinko]

No pics?
Transformers like air to keep cool.
CD

Sorry -- fixed the photos.

I embedded current setup and attached a screen shot from McMaster-Carr of what I'm thinking of using. I've seen a few older transformers in our place that had some sort of "backing plate". Maybe made out of something synthetic. Like a bakelite or plastic or coated cardboard (so it doesn't rest against the steel backing). I'll take a photo of that too. I don't know if it's a "best practice".

 

[Vinko]

Why do you want to enclose this?

If you see photo, it's messy, it's (somewhat) unavoidably in a high-traffic area. It's possible that the stuff would be bumped against or something might fall on it. I just want to protect this assembly and keep it as tidy and free of interference (intentional or otherwise -- and almost certainly in all cases it would be unintentional).

 

[ard]

Id drop it into a box.

Technically, you want to segregate 120VAC from the low voltage wiring- have one side in the interior for 120, the other side for low.

 

[cybrdyke]

How 'bout an electonic box instead of an electrical box. You can find those with louvers or vents cut into them. At least it will be able to breathe...
CD

 

[Bert_]

That little transformer won't get warm enough to cause any issues. I'd probably just go with a screw cover junction box cause they're cheap and I doubt you will need inside very often. Hard to judge from a picture but I'd guess an 8x8x4 would be a nice size.

 

[Vinko]

That little transformer won't get warm enough to cause any issues. I'd probably just go with a screw cover junction box cause they're cheap and I doubt you will need inside very often. Hard to judge from a picture but I'd guess an 8x8x4 would be a nice size.

Thanks. Yes, about 8x8x6 is what I figured. I noticed on some others we've got similarly mounted (though they're no longer actively hooked up to anything), that there's a layer of something between the back of the metal box and the transformer. Desirable to do it this way? Or doesn't matter?

 

[rharman]

I'd consider mounting it with short spacers on the screws so it stands off the box a bit. A louvered cover if you're really worried. Or, ventilate a blank with a few small holes. Won't take much.

 

[dogdog]

Not sure about that transformer. doesn't that SSR needed a heatsink?

 

[Mr. T]

That makes my eye twitch a little just looking at the picture. Maybe throw in an extra five bucks for a terminal strip to help clean things up a bit?

 

[htmdude57]

I'm no expert, but I believe ard is right about separating the 120v from the low voltage wiring. That's why the big box stores sell door bell transformers that have the 120v wires sticking out a nub on one side that can fit into a knock out on your main panel.