Is ok to place the doorbell transformer in the electrical box?

Question

My doorbell transformer is located inside the electrical box of my home. No issues just found out that the home inspector calls this a major concern and requries fixing.

Answer 1

As long as the transformer is located in an out of the way area, in say, a 150 - 200 amp service, I don't see any problems with it. The transformers for doorbells are quite small and shouldn't cause any great disruption in an average electrical box. I think your inspector would do better to check the foundations and drainage very closely, as well as the flashing around any vent stacks, and the attic is another very much overlooked area.

Answer 2

Doorbell Transformer Wiring

Answer 3

Yes it could be a dangerous situation. A better arrangement would be to mount the transformer on the outside of the panel box through a knockout. Better yet, mount it on a separate octagon box on the wall near the panel. Most doorbell transformers have an option to mount through a knockout on a box so that the 110 volt wires are inside the box, which is then covered with a blank plate. The doorbell wires then connect to the transformer outside of the box so there is no danger of high voltage getting into the low voltage circuit.

Answer 4

There are special boxes that allow you to do that. As a rule mixing voltages requires some form of separation (240 and 120 are the same with an extra wire).

This is especially true in door bell cases because the 12volt side is not fused and the wires are a lot smaller. If one shorts to the other you are going to have a big problem.

Answer 5

The transformer should be installed outside of and attatched to an electrical junction box, or your electrical panel. The primary voltage shall remain inside the electrical box, and the secondary wiring (door bell wire) is then connected to the secondary (low voltage) side of the trans.

Answer 6

The transformer is to be located OUTSIDE of the electrical panel. In most cases the transformer is surface mounted near the box and this is what you should do. A short extension of the wires should take care of it, but use a licensed electrician to be sure it is done properly.

Answer 7

Your furnace has a tranformer already and could also be giant enough to vigor the motor with out installing a brand new one. If not install it subsequent to the present one at the back of the panel of the furnace. Or which you can buy the correct dimension field with knock outs for the whole lot to suit. Older homes have them screwed to ground joist and different approaches. Be riskless and turn the furnace vigor off before working or pulling the panel.

Answer 8

the only thing that matters is what your inspector thinks, I would move it