Electrics Communications Hardware, Electric Bells, Buzzers and Chimes Wiring

These operate at elv (extra low voltages) between 3 and 12 V. The single bell, buzzer and many models of chimes are powered by dry batteries but the more powerful chimes and intricate bell systems have to operate from mains transformers. Usually a transformer is preferable for any bell or chimes. Where an illuminated bell push is used a mains transformer is essential as the lamp of the push would exhaust a battery in a day or so.

The purpose-made bell transformer is double wound and the secondary winding is connected to earth so that should a fault occur in the transformer, the low voltage apparatus and wiring would not be subjected to mains voltage. The transformer is supplied from a 5 A circuit or from a fused connection unit (with 3 A fuse) served by the ring circuit, using 1.0 mm² 2-core and earth PVC sheathed cable.

This cable is connected to the 240 V mains or primary terminals of the transformer and the elv bell wire is connected to two of the three elv output or secondary terminals of the transformer. The three terminals give a choice of 3, 5, and 8 V with most transformers. Some chimes require a higher voltage and for these, mains transformers are available with terminals giving 4, 8 and 12 V.

Burglar Alarms

These are bought in kit form for connection to a battery. For this purpose batteries are more reliable than the mains supply and remain permanently in operation, provided the batteries are replaced when necessary.

Materials required for Rewiring

Draw up a list of materials needed. For a 3-bedroom house the following materials would be needed.

Lighting circuit

Up to 100 m of 1.0 mm² 2-core and earth PVC sheathed cable.

6 m (approx.) of 1.0 mm² 3-core and earth PVC sheathed cable.

10 m (approx.) green PVC insulated cable (2.5 mm²) for earthing and bonding.*

3 m (approx.) green PVC sleeving.*

One box of plastic cable fixing clips.

Three 4-terminal plastic joint boxes.

Nine loop-in ceiling roses, lampholders and flexible cord. If special pendants are to be bought, one fewer ceiling rose and lamp- holder will be required for each.

Two batten lampholders.

Eight one-way rocker switches.

Two 2-gang rocker switches.

One 2-way rocker switch.

Thirteen switch mounting boxes, plaster depth metal for flush mounting and slim plastic for surface mounting.

Two cord operated ceiling switches.

Three wall lights.

Three mounting boxes for wall lights complete with cable protection grommets. Assorted screws, nails, etc.

Ring circuit

50 m (approx.) of 2.5 mm² 2-core and earth PVC sheathed cable.

One box of cable fixing clips.

Three single switched (or unswitched if preferred) 13 A socket-outlets

Three one-gang surface of flush mounting boxes.

Twenty-five double 13 A socket-outlets (switched or unswitched).

Twenty-five 2-gang surface or flush mounting boxes.

Assorted wood screws, etc.

Immersion heater circuit

One length of 2-core and earth 2.5 mm² PVC sheathed cable, sufficient to run from the consumer unit.

One 20 A double-pole water heater switch or other controls (according to the type of immersion heater and the method of control required).

1 m (approx.) 2.5 mm² 3-core heat resisting flex.

Fixing screws, cable fixing clips and other small items as needed.

Cooker circuit

One length of 6 mm² 2-core and earth PVC sheathed cable; to run from consumer unit to cooker control unit fixed near the cooker about 1.5 m above floor level. An additional length of this cable (preferably with white sheath) to run from control unit to cooker. A quantity of cable fixing clips.

One cooker control unit, with or without 13 A kettle socket and with or without pilot lights (neon indicators).

One surface mounting box or flush box for the control unit.

One cable terminal box or cable outlet box (optional) for connecting the final cable to the cooker.

Chimes or bell circuit

One door chimes or bell (or buzzer). One mains transformer for the chimes. One bell push.

A quantity of bell wire and insulated staples.

Main switchgear

One 8-way consumer unit fitted with two 5 A, three 30 A, one 20 A fuses or mcb and two blanking plates for the spas fuseways.

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