Doorbell wiring mixed with 120 VAC?!?

[mahohmei]

While painting my new [built in 1980] house, I removed the doorbell chime and found that the chime's mounting screw was attached to a 2-gang new-work PVC box that had a mix of 120 VAC and low voltage. The 120 VAC NM entered the box, wirenutted to the transformer which was resting inside the box, and the low-voltage wires went through the wiring access hole on the chime. The wiring from the doorbell button entered the box through one of the knockouts.

This sounds like an NEC violation. If it is, any suggestions on fixing it? What I've thought of it:

- Knock out the new-work box with a hammer, big screwdriver, and hacksaw.
- Install an old-work box with a 1/2" conduit knockout (most likely will be metal).
- Secure transformer to outside of box the "proper" way.
- Drill a tiny hole in the drywall for the doorbell wiring.
- Put a 2-gang blank plate over the box.

Any other suggestions? Or is it OK to mix 120 VAC and 12 (24?) VAC in the same box...?

Thanks

matt

 

[charlie b]

I am closing this thread, in accordance with the Forum?s rules. This Forum is for professional electricians, inspectors, engineers, and other members of the electrical industry. We are not permitted to provide ?how-to? assistance to a person who is not employed in this industry.