Re: Door Bell Install Via Homerun Closet

["Robert L Bass" <Sales@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Petem" wrote:
>
>>> lets say he twist 4 wire for one conductor and the same
>>> for another conductor, thats all right.. but with time at
>>> some jonction 3 out of 4 wire come loose and only 1 is
>>> left for the whole job...
>>
>> That is utter nonsense.  Once terminated at the device
>> none of the conductors will slip out of a bundle like that.
>
> If done by a pro, there is minimal chance that something
> will happen, but we have NO idea how this home owner
> is when working with wirring.

Whether done by a paid installer or a DIY homeowner, wires twisted together
under a screw terminal just don't unravel.
>
> If a job is done out of the code, there is a BIG possibility
> that insurance company wont pay...

Wrong again.  Take a look at a few homeowner's insurance policies.  I have.

> They will try to pull out of any contract if you give them
> the chance... You know about this pretty sure, just pay
> your health care insurance late and your dead..

Apples to oranges, my friend.

>>> if there is a minimum gauge writen somewhere in the
>>> electrical book of his state or province, he should follow
>>> it, thats it...
>>
>> In the US it's almost invariably 16-gauge.
>
> So you have the anwer... but 16 gauge or dont use that
> wiring.. or use what was supposed to plug there..

The funny thing about this is that in hundreds of "professional" security
systems that I took over during the 24 years I ran an alarm company, it was
and is common practice to double up 22-gauge, 4-conductor wire for sirens and
transformers, both of which usually call for 18-gauge wire.  None of those
installations ever had a fire caused by the practice.

>>> usingm multi wire to provide a large enough gauge
>>> is not something ok in any of the books  i've read..
>>
>> It's fairly common practice among low voltage installers
>> though it's not the "preferred" technique.
>
> It is common practice, but still a no no if you have to
> comply to code..

The funny thing is that it is commn practice among professional installers --
the people you say he must hire to get the job done right.

> on burglar alarm system, it could be ok, on a powered
> device without fusing , i dont think its ok..

We're talking about a low current doorbell / phone interface.  The most
popular brand is called "Doorbell Fon" and that unit draws very minimal
current.  The installation instructions don't even specify what gauge wire to
use.  The only current spec mentioned is for the system's output -- 25mA,
which would run nicely on a single 22-gauge wire.  Somehow I doubt he'll burn
his house down with this.  :^)

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

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