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Electrical Wiring

Another Doorbell Transformer Question

14 years ago

Currently, the thing's mounted to a floor joist in the crawl and I want to move it to the concrete foundation where it won't send it's hummm into the wood framing. Is that code compliant? I could consider some way to insulate the box from the wood too, though again, what would be code compliant? A layer of foam, then a piece of drywall then the box, maybe?

I was wondering too, this transformer, though new, is likely a cheapo - do quality ones vibrate? I've got good ears.

I also like the foundation mount idea for fire safety - there's a black burn mark on a floor joist in my parent's house where their x-former was mounted.

I'll refer any suggestions to get a wireless or just let people knock to my wife.:)

Thanks,

Bill

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Comments (2)

dave777_2009
14 years ago
I'm not a licensed electrician.

The transformer should be mounted onto a metal junction box. Most doorbell transformers have a metal piece coming slightly off of them - for just this purpose.

In this way - the transformer is not touching wood, in any fashion.

If you have a little bit of space above the transformer in the floor joist area - put in a section of Roxul for safety. This stuff is made for two purposes: Fire and Sound. It withstands over 1170 C; and absorbs sound...

If you are HEARING a 16- 24v transformer HUM - I would be replacing the transformer. They get louder with internal shorts. And a non shorted one - the HUM is hardly noticeable when you are 4 inches from it...

As far as moving it to a foundation area; Hey do what you want. If you later wish to do some remodel; you might find that having it on the foundation wall; which would now require an access panel for the transformer (can't be covered up with drywall without a panel) - would be a little of a pain.

Far less work, and I think satisfactory - would be to leave it where it is; make sure that it is attached to a metal access box; (120 wiring in box); and you put in a new transformer. You really shouldn't be hearing that hum. Unless you are Clark Kent, AND the crawl space is somehow magnifying it.... Roxul would absorb any magnification effects. Roxul is available from good lumber yards.

Here is a link that might be useful: Roxul (called RockWool in Europe)
bill_g_web
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the tip on Roxul. Yea, the tranformer is mounted to a metal box which in turn is mounted to the joist, so the vibration is still transferred. I think I'll get a new, quality tranformer and use the Roxul.

Thanks again...
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