Where should doorbell transformers be mounted
- Thread starter Ian Gills
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As long as it's accessible and the line voltage connections are in a j box.
Jadnashua
Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
That's where mine is...works fine. Note, these things come in different power ratings. They had a really wimpy one in there when I bought the place...the bell sounded, but was not very loud. I upgraded it to a higher wattage, and it now is distinctly louder and I can actually hear it upstairs in the bedroom, which was difficult before. Compare the recommended wattage for the transformer on your bell to what you have, and adjust as required. While any transformer uses some energy even when there's no load (i.e., nobody's pressing the button), the difference isn't all that much, and you aren't holding the doorbell button very long, which is when it draws the rated watts.
Billy_Bob
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I think the best location is above an indoor circuit breaker panel. Then easy to find when you go looking for it!
Also if doing new construction, it is "nice" to wrap the low voltage wire a couple of times around your hand and leave that coiled up part in the wall with the end sticking out.
Then each time the transformer is replaced, a bit of spare wire can be pulled out of the wall. Then you can cut off the old ends and strip new.
Same thing at the doorbell button, HVAC thermostats, etc. Leave spare wire in the wall. Someone will thank you 30 years from now!
Also if doing new construction, it is "nice" to wrap the low voltage wire a couple of times around your hand and leave that coiled up part in the wall with the end sticking out.
Then each time the transformer is replaced, a bit of spare wire can be pulled out of the wall. Then you can cut off the old ends and strip new.
Same thing at the doorbell button, HVAC thermostats, etc. Leave spare wire in the wall. Someone will thank you 30 years from now!
Scuba_Dave
Extreme DIY Homeowner
Mine's mounted on the breaker panel
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A little doorbell transformer history in my area.
In the 50's and 60's, they were often mounted under the surface mounted service panels.
In the 70's, the most common place was in that stupid dropped ceiling with the fluorescent lights and plastic panels in the kitchen.
In the 80's thru current they are generally in the garage, near the water heater in a flush mounted box/blank cover w 1/2" KO
In the 50's and 60's, they were often mounted under the surface mounted service panels.
In the 70's, the most common place was in that stupid dropped ceiling with the fluorescent lights and plastic panels in the kitchen.
In the 80's thru current they are generally in the garage, near the water heater in a flush mounted box/blank cover w 1/2" KO
Scuba_Dave
Extreme DIY Homeowner
Yes if my water heater explodes thru the roof I want to make sure my doorbell stays intact
That way the neighbors or Fire Dept can ring the bell to wake me up
That way the neighbors or Fire Dept can ring the bell to wake me up
BurleyMike
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When I gutted the mess of a finished basement I found mine. It was coming off one of the boxes for a ceiling light. Of course it was inaccessible since the ceiling was sheetrocked. They dummies also took power for the oil furnace off that box.
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