Doorbell Transformer Location

[Bmore.recs]

I have a customer that wanted to replace a doorbell but could not find the transformer location. He finally found an access hatch in the finished basement ceiling that housed the transformer. The transformer appeared to be installed correctly with the 120v circuit inside the box and the transformer attached to the outside of the box. While the transformer and circuit wiring were accessible, I am questioning if that is a good location for a doorbell transformer. This is the first time I have seen this in my career and I attempted to find something in the NEC but could not locate a specific article. They are typically outside the panel from what I have seen, so this is a new one for me. I'm thinking it was finished after the fact, but I would have relocated it prior to installing the ceiling. Thoughts?

 

[hbiss]

As long as it's accessible (which it is) it's fine.

-Hal

 

[Bmore.recs]

As long as it's accessible (which it is)

Thanks. That makes sense. I just dislike how they did it. Not to mention they left several splices "Free Aired" in the ceiling.

 

[qcroanoke]

I've seen them in way worse places than that.

 

[infinity]

Old houses had them in the basement ceiling usually in a box containing a pull-chain light. Then later on someone comes in and finishes the basement burying the thing.

 

[LarryFine]

As long as it's accessible (which it is) it's fine.

Agreed.

 

[letgomywago]

New ones I'm hiding it in the coat closet on a blank plate with KO.

The panel mount silliness is beyond me who thought that was a good idea.

 

[qcroanoke]

Does anyone actually wire for doorbells now?
How about phones?

 

[Bmore.recs]

Does anyone actually wire for doorbells now?
How about phones?

I'm with you. I said the same thing.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

Does anyone actually wire for doorbells now?
How about phones?

I do My customers like to attach doorbell cameras to them.
We usually mount the transformer on or beside the outside electrical panel.

 

[infinity]

I do My customers like to attach doorbell cameras to them.
We usually mount the transformer on or beside the outside electrical panel.

Yup, even though powered doorbells are not the norm powered doorbell cameras are so there is still a demand for doorbell transformers.

 

[LarryFine]

These are things that should be discussed with the customer.

 

[Speedskater]

Old failing doorbell transformers are sometimes an overlooked source of powerline noise.

 

[Eddie702]

At the condo I live in the basement was finished before I moved in. The transformer is nowhere to be found. I don't know why they didn't mount it next to the panel in the utility room. Buried some place.

 

[LarryFine]

At the condo I live in the basement was finished before I moved in. The transformer is nowhere to be found. I don't know why they didn't mount it next to the panel in the utility room. Buried some place.

Look above the door inside the foyer closet, in an attic, and similar places, accessible but hidden.

 

[Eddie702]

Look above the door inside the foyer closet, in an attic, and similar places, accessible but hidden.

Yeah, I have looked everywhere. Think it's buried in the basement ceiling. Maybe I can find it with a circuit tracer. They must have buried a box in the ceiling

 

[LarryFine]

You can also try an AM radio tuned to a quiet spot low on the band and sniff for hum with it.

 

[Little Bill]

No telling how many times I've been called to hook up a Ring doorbell only to find there was no wiring for a doorbell. Have to add a transformer and get wire to the door best I could. So I think it's a good idea to run wire for a doorbell and at least make provisions for a transformer. That way the customer could either have a standard doorbell if desired, or have the means to connect a Ring, or similar, doorbell camera.

 

[qcroanoke]

No telling how many times I've been called to hook up a Ring doorbell only to find there was no wiring for a doorbell. Have to add a transformer and get wire to the door best I could. So I think it's a good idea to run wire for a doorbell and at least make provisions for a transformer. That way the customer could either have a standard doorbell if desired, or have the means to connect a Ring, or similar, doorbell camera.

I was not aware that a ring doorbell/camera wasn't wireless.

 

[infinity]

I was not aware that a ring doorbell/camera wasn't wireless.

The data is wireless but it requires power. A battery can also be used.