On Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:21:14 -0800, "Bill"
wrote:

Wired doorbells have a transformer which is always on and always using
electricity. This is yet one more thing in the house which does this like
TV, microwave, remote control things, things with clocks, plug-in phones,
etc.

These things add up...

I replaced/rewired my switch so the transformer is only on when the doorbell
button is pressed! Thus the transformer is off most of the time now.

I installed a regular electrical box at my front door, ran 14 ga. romex from
this box to the doorbell transformer, then got a nice brass blank wall
plate, drilled a hole in this plate, then installed a 120V momentary push
switch in the plate. Then wired this to switch on the transformer when the
button is pressed. Then connected the two wires which were going to the old
button so the doorbell would ring as soon as it receives power from the
transformer.


And probably spent more money on something that is perhaps unsafe than
if you'd just let it be... (IMHO!)

At rest, with no secondary current, a properly designed transformer
will draw virtually no primary current. We're talking perhaps a
quarter watt max, usually less.

Now, at a quarter watt, that's six watt-hours per day, or 186 watt
hours per month. At $0.15 per KWh, you are talking perhaps $0.03 on
the electric bill each month. Now, what's the payback for your
project? Say you spent $30 on the romex and switch and box (probably
spent more) you'll get your money back, oh, about the time hell
freezes over!

Another prime example of people acting without thinking. Just like
every other knee-jerk reaction to a percieved (and non-existant)
problem.