Replies

1. 
   BillHartmann | Jul 19, 2008 08:31pm | #1

   I don't *think* so. But really not sure.

   AFAIK the the ownly requirement is that it be acessible.

   .
   .
   A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
1. 
   mwgaines | Jul 19, 2008 08:56pm | #2

   The paperwork that it came with states that it may not be located in the attic. I've since learned that it has something to do with a thermal fuse inside the transformer that has a very low threshhold. I know that the high and low voltage wires can't share the same box, but I'd never heard of it being against code to mount the unit in an attic before.

   I think I'm going to back it up to a shallow box and mount it directly behind the chimes. I can't find any code that would prohibit that since the high voltage wires will remain accessible.New knowledge is priceless. 

   Used knowledge is even more valuable.

1. 
   DanH | Jul 19, 2008 10:30pm | #5

   The transformer contains a thermal fuse that will "burn out" the transformer if it overheats (eg, because the secondary leads are shorted for more than a few seconds). Just guessing, but the fuse probably lets go around 200F. Since attics can get in the 180F neighborhood that doesn't leave much margin.
   It is an ironic habit of human beings to run faster when we have lost our way. --Rollo May

1. 
   peteshlagor | Jul 19, 2008 11:11pm | #6

   Not to mention that Sparkies don't like to get dirty.

2. 
   RFM 2 | Jul 20, 2008 08:11am | #7

   See NEC art. 110.3(B) which requires that listed or labled equipment be installed per manuf. instructions

1. 
   arcflash | Jul 20, 2008 03:35pm | #8

   I was just going to say that, but this fella beat me to it. Why do you want it in the attic anyways? Is the doorbell going into the attic as well?

1. 
   mwgaines | Jul 20, 2008 08:13pm | #9

   "Why do you want it in the attic anyways? Is the doorbell going into the attic as well?"

   No. That's where I found it when I started remodeling. It's old and not functioning, so I'm replacing it. The cabling is aleady in place for a simple exchange, but I wanted to make sure that everything is up to code. I discovered that this isn't.New knowledge is priceless. 

   Used knowledge is even more valuable.

2. 
   arcflash | Jul 20, 2008 09:02pm | #10

   Just relocate the box and use the existing wires. I'd put it below in the wall below where it is now.

3. 
   mwgaines | Jul 20, 2008 09:21pm | #11

   That's what I ended up doing. I just wondered why the attic location was a code issue. Sometimes I have to know "why". It's a hard habit to break.New knowledge is priceless. 

   Used knowledge is even more valuable.

4. 
   KenHill3 | Jul 20, 2008 09:37pm | #12

   For some reason the most common location I have seen for the DB transformer is the coat closet closest to the front door, and surface mounted on a round box blank metal cover plate.

   Edited 7/20/2008 2:40 pm by kenhill3

2. 
   sledgehammer | Jul 19, 2008 09:16pm | #3

   FWIW I'm no low voltage engineer. To step the voltage down it produces heat. The only way to stop overload is through heat protection. Attic is probably too hot.

   I had a transformer catch fire because the overload protection didn't work, and a dead short on 12v won't trip a 20 amp breaker.

1. 
   peteshlagor | Jul 19, 2008 09:30pm | #4

   Which means when it is in the box behind the chimes, no dissipation of the heat is possible...

   Most that I've seen are on or in the box feeding the furnace.