I have a home intercom in a two story condo from 1963.
The intercom has three built in wall units that were
installed at the time of construction. One unit is
outside next to the front door and there is a unit
on each floor. There are eight apartments and they all
have the same type of intercom. Below the first floor
is a parking area and above the second floor is a
flat roof. The power source for the intercom is not
behind any of the units and don’t seem to be in the
parking area or on the roof. I checked some of the
closets but I didn’t go through them inch by inch.
The units seem to have some power coming in so I
assume that the power source is still somewhere and
operational. I would like to locate the power source
without having to buy a three thousand dollar cable
tracker and would appreciate any input as far as
what the usual location might be when installing
a power source for intercoms of this type for similar
layouts?
Thank you.

I have a home intercom in a two story condo from 1963.
The intercom has three built in wall units that were
installed at the time of construction. One unit is
outside next to the front door and there is a unit
on each floor. There are eight apartments and they all
have the same type of intercom. Below the first floor
is a parking area and above the second floor is a
flat roof. The power source for the intercom is not
behind any of the units and don’t seem to be in the
parking area or on the roof. I checked some of the
closets but I didn’t go through them inch by inch.
The units seem to have some power coming in so I
assume that the power source is still somewhere and
operational. I would like to locate the power source
without having to buy a three thousand dollar cable
tracker and would appreciate any input as far as
what the usual location might be when installing
a power source for intercoms of this type for similar
layouts?


*If it is a remote transformer it is supposed to be accessible. Usually
the easiest place for installation is on or near the electrical panel, but
in a condo it could be almost anywhere. I suggest flipping each circuit
breaker off one at a time to see which one shuts down the intercom power.
If it is connected to an outlet or lighting circuit, that may help narrowing
the location down. Did you open up the electrical panel to see if anything
was inside or seem to be attached to the exterior of the panel, but in the
wall? Is there an attic space that you get up into and look around?

On Aug 3, 11:39*pm, wrote:
I have a home intercom in a two story condo from 1963.
The intercom has three built in wall units that were
installed at the time of construction. One unit is
outside next to the front door and there is a unit
on each floor. There are eight apartments and they all
have the same type of intercom. Below the first floor
is a parking area and above the second floor is a
flat roof. The power source for the intercom is not
behind any of the units and don’t seem to be in the
parking area or on the roof. I checked some of the
closets but I didn’t go through them inch by inch.
The units seem to have some power coming in so I
assume that the power source is still somewhere and
operational. I would like to locate the power source
without having to buy a three thousand dollar cable
tracker and would appreciate any input as far as
what the usual location might be when installing
a power source for intercoms of this type for similar
layouts?
Thank you.

first try the obvious ask each unit owner if they have located the
power source...

my home had a missing doorbell, transformer in basement, wirest to
front door, and wires going somewhere but i didnt have a clue where
the bell originally was.

asked a friendly neighbor, tract home, all similiar. found the wires
within 5 minutes and have had a doorbell ever since with near zero
work.....

if you can detect power at the units try tripping breakers till you
find which breaker the units are on...

is your purpose to discnnect them permanetely? replace them? or try to
repair them?

On 08/04/12 08:13 am, John Grabowski wrote:

I have a home intercom in a two story condo from 1963.
The intercom has three built in wall units that were
installed at the time of construction. One unit is
outside next to the front door and there is a unit
on each floor. There are eight apartments and they all
have the same type of intercom. Below the first floor
is a parking area and above the second floor is a
flat roof. The power source for the intercom is not
behind any of the units and don’t seem to be in the
parking area or on the roof. I checked some of the
closets but I didn’t go through them inch by inch.
The units seem to have some power coming in so I
assume that the power source is still somewhere and
operational. I would like to locate the power source
without having to buy a three thousand dollar cable
tracker and would appreciate any input as far as
what the usual location might be when installing
a power source for intercoms of this type for similar
layouts?

*If it is a remote transformer it is supposed to be accessible.

snip

Does that mean that the doorbell transformer that I discovered next to a
now-unused ceramic light socket above a suspended ceiling is in
violation of the Code?

Perce

On Aug 4, 9:49*am, "Percival P. Cassidy" wrote:
On 08/04/12 08:13 am, John Grabowski wrote:





I have a home intercom in a two story condo from 1963.
The intercom has three built in wall units that were
installed at the time of construction. One unit is
outside next to the front door and there is a unit
on each floor. There are eight apartments and they all
have the same type of intercom. Below the first floor
is a parking area and above the second floor is a
flat roof. The power source for the intercom is not
behind any of the units and don t seem to be in the
parking area or on the roof. I checked some of the
closets but I didn t go through them inch by inch.
The units seem to have some power coming in so I
assume that the power source is still somewhere and
operational. I would like to locate the power source
without having to buy a three thousand dollar cable
tracker and would appreciate any input as far as
what the usual location might be when installing
a power source for intercoms of this type for similar
layouts?
*If it is a remote transformer it is supposed to be accessible.

snip

Does that mean that the doorbell transformer that I discovered next to a
now-unused ceramic light socket above a suspended ceiling is in
violation of the Code?

Perce- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

If the suspended ceiling panels are removable, then
anything there is accessible. It doesn't have to be out
in the open, just accessible.

On Saturday, August 4, 2012 5:13:02 AM UTC-7, John G wrote:
I have a home intercom in a two story condo from 1963.

The intercom has three built in wall units that were

installed at the time of construction. One unit is

outside next to the front door and there is a unit

on each floor. There are eight apartments and they all

have the same type of intercom. Below the first floor

is a parking area and above the second floor is a

flat roof. The power source for the intercom is not

behind any of the units and don’t seem to be in the

parking area or on the roof. I checked some of the

closets but I didn’t go through them inch by inch.

The units seem to have some power coming in so I

assume that the power source is still somewhere and

operational. I would like to locate the power source

without having to buy a three thousand dollar cable

tracker and would appreciate any input as far as

what the usual location might be when installing

a power source for intercoms of this type for similar

layouts?





*If it is a remote transformer it is supposed to be accessible. Usually

the easiest place for installation is on or near the electrical panel, but

in a condo it could be almost anywhere. I suggest flipping each circuit

breaker off one at a time to see which one shuts down the intercom power.

If it is connected to an outlet or lighting circuit, that may help narrowing

the location down. Did you open up the electrical panel to see if anything

was inside or seem to be attached to the exterior of the panel, but in the

wall? Is there an attic space that you get up into and look around?

I didn’t try turning off the breakers to narrow down the location because it is a very small condo but it’s better than nothing, I will try that. I didn’t think of opening the service electrical panel because I didn’t think they would put low voltage in with high voltage but now that I think about it who know what they would have done in 1963. I will also try that. There is no attic at all. Thank you for the suggestions.

On Saturday, August 4, 2012 6:36:07 AM UTC-7, bob haller wrote:
On Aug 3, 11:39*pm, wrote:

I have a home intercom in a two story condo from 1963.

The intercom has three built in wall units that were

installed at the time of construction. One unit is

outside next to the front door and there is a unit

on each floor. There are eight apartments and they all

have the same type of intercom. Below the first floor

is a parking area and above the second floor is a

flat roof. The power source for the intercom is not

behind any of the units and don’t seem to be in the

parking area or on the roof. I checked some of the

closets but I didn’t go through them inch by inch.

The units seem to have some power coming in so I

assume that the power source is still somewhere and

operational. I would like to locate the power source

without having to buy a three thousand dollar cable

tracker and would appreciate any input as far as

what the usual location might be when installing

a power source for intercoms of this type for similar

layouts?

Thank you.



first try the obvious ask each unit owner if they have located the

power source...



my home had a missing doorbell, transformer in basement, wirest to

front door, and wires going somewhere but i didnt have a clue where

the bell originally was.



asked a friendly neighbor, tract home, all similiar. found the wires

within 5 minutes and have had a doorbell ever since with near zero

work.....



if you can detect power at the units try tripping breakers till you

find which breaker the units are on...



is your purpose to discnnect them permanetely? replace them? or try to

repair them?

The owners of the apartments are some of the most clueless people I know so I didn’t try that but I will ask them anyway. I like to repair them and I know a place that should have all the parts that I need.

On Saturday, August 4, 2012 8:42:05 AM UTC-7, wrote:
On Aug 4, 9:49*am, "Percival P. Cassidy" wrote:

On 08/04/12 08:13 am, John Grabowski wrote:











I have a home intercom in a two story condo from 1963.

The intercom has three built in wall units that were

installed at the time of construction. One unit is

outside next to the front door and there is a unit

on each floor. There are eight apartments and they all

have the same type of intercom. Below the first floor

is a parking area and above the second floor is a

flat roof. The power source for the intercom is not

behind any of the units and don t seem to be in the

parking area or on the roof. I checked some of the

closets but I didn t go through them inch by inch.

The units seem to have some power coming in so I

assume that the power source is still somewhere and

operational. I would like to locate the power source

without having to buy a three thousand dollar cable

tracker and would appreciate any input as far as

what the usual location might be when installing

a power source for intercoms of this type for similar

layouts?

*If it is a remote transformer it is supposed to be accessible.



snip



Does that mean that the doorbell transformer that I discovered next to a

now-unused ceramic light socket above a suspended ceiling is in

violation of the Code?



Perce- Hide quoted text -



- Show quoted text -



If the suspended ceiling panels are removable, then

anything there is accessible. It doesn't have to be out

in the open, just accessible.

No suspended ceiling, just sheetrock.

On Sat, 4 Aug 2012 09:19:54 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

The owners of the apartments are some of the most clueless people I know so I didn’t try that but I will ask them anyway. I like to repair them and I know a place that should have all the parts that I need.

Does this building have a common mechanical room for all the units?
Might be something there, if so. Just guessin'.
--

wrote in message
...
I have a home intercom in a two story condo from 1963.
The intercom has three built in wall units that were
installed at the time of construction. One unit is
outside next to the front door and there is a unit
on each floor. There are eight apartments and they all
have the same type of intercom. Below the first floor
is a parking area and above the second floor is a
flat roof. The power source for the intercom is not
behind any of the units and don’t seem to be in the
parking area or on the roof. I checked some of the
closets but I didn’t go through them inch by inch.
The units seem to have some power coming in so I
assume that the power source is still somewhere and
operational. I would like to locate the power source
without having to buy a three thousand dollar cable
tracker and would appreciate any input as far as
what the usual location might be when installing
a power source for intercoms of this type for similar
layouts?

{{{{{

The intercom should have a make/model number somewhere (typically on the
outside) with more info on a name plate inside.

That would be a big help.

That said most of those of the 60's vintage ran on a 24 VAC transformer not
unlike the door bell transformers (and may well be shared by the bell)

I would mention that the electolited filter capacitors are very likely bad
and you may have a heck of a hum in the audio as a result.

On Aug 4, 6:23*pm, "NotMe" wrote:
wrote in message

...
I have a home intercom in a two story condo from 1963.
The intercom has three built in wall units that were
installed at the time of construction. One unit is
outside next to the front door and there is a unit
on each floor. There are eight apartments and they all
have the same type of intercom. Below the first floor
is a parking area and above the second floor is a
flat roof. The power source for the intercom is not
behind any of the units and don t seem to be in the
parking area or on the roof. I checked some of the
closets but I didn t go through them inch by inch.
The units seem to have some power coming in so I
assume that the power source is still somewhere and
operational. I would like to locate the power source
without having to buy a three thousand dollar cable
tracker and would appreciate any input as far as
what the usual location might be when installing
a power source for intercoms of this type for similar
layouts?

{{{{{

The intercom should have a make/model number somewhere (typically on the
outside) with more info on a name plate inside.

That would be a big help.

That said most of those of the 60's vintage ran on a 24 VAC transformer not
unlike the door bell transformers (and may well be shared by the bell)


Interesting angle. And even if the transformer is not shared, I would
think
there is a good chance it could be located by the doorbell one. When
wiring
these things doing the intercom and doorbell at the same time since
they
end in the same place seems logical and they could be in the same
place.

On Sat, 4 Aug 2012 08:13:02 -0400, "John Grabowski"
wrote:

I have a home intercom in a two story condo from 1963.
The intercom has three built in wall units that were
installed at the time of construction. One unit is
outside next to the front door and there is a unit
on each floor. There are eight apartments and they all
have the same type of intercom. Below the first floor
is a parking area and above the second floor is a
flat roof. The power source for the intercom is not
behind any of the units and don’t seem to be in the
parking area or on the roof. I checked some of the
closets but I didn’t go through them inch by inch.
The units seem to have some power coming in so I
assume that the power source is still somewhere and
operational. I would like to locate the power source
without having to buy a three thousand dollar cable
tracker and would appreciate any input as far as
what the usual location might be when installing
a power source for intercoms of this type for similar
layouts?


*If it is a remote transformer it is supposed to be accessible. Usually
the easiest place for installation is on or near the electrical panel, but
in a condo it could be almost anywhere. I suggest flipping each circuit
breaker off one at a time to see which one shuts down the intercom power.
If it is connected to an outlet or lighting circuit, that may help narrowing
the location down. Did you open up the electrical panel to see if anything
was inside or seem to be attached to the exterior of the panel, but in the
wall? Is there an attic space that you get up into and look around?

If you removed one of them, there MUST be some sort of power wire
entering the back of it.

Since you did not say what you intend to do, I can not assist more....

However it you just want them disconnected, simply cut the wires off
each intercom and wirenut them. You dont have to wirenut speaker wires,
just those that have power. If you want to fix them, take each one to a
tv-radio repair shop. I dont doubt that most of them still work, so try
them first. From 1963, these may still be tube type?????

On Sat, 04 Aug 2012 09:49:10 -0400, "Percival P. Cassidy"
wrote:

On 08/04/12 08:13 am, John Grabowski wrote:

I have a home intercom in a two story condo from 1963.
The intercom has three built in wall units that were
installed at the time of construction. One unit is
outside next to the front door and there is a unit
on each floor. There are eight apartments and they all
have the same type of intercom. Below the first floor
is a parking area and above the second floor is a
flat roof. The power source for the intercom is not
behind any of the units and dont seem to be in the
parking area or on the roof. I checked some of the
closets but I didnt go through them inch by inch.
The units seem to have some power coming in so I
assume that the power source is still somewhere and
operational. I would like to locate the power source
without having to buy a three thousand dollar cable
tracker and would appreciate any input as far as
what the usual location might be when installing
a power source for intercoms of this type for similar
layouts?

*If it is a remote transformer it is supposed to be accessible.

snip

Does that mean that the doorbell transformer that I discovered next to a
now-unused ceramic light socket above a suspended ceiling is in
violation of the Code?

Perce
Stupid, yes, but not counter to code as a suspended ceiling (T-bar"
type) qualifies as "accessible". Unless the area above the ceiling is
used as an air return "plenum", in which case it violates a different
code section.

On Sat, 4 Aug 2012 17:23:26 -0500, "NotMe" wrote:


wrote in message
...
I have a home intercom in a two story condo from 1963.
The intercom has three built in wall units that were
installed at the time of construction. One unit is
outside next to the front door and there is a unit
on each floor. There are eight apartments and they all
have the same type of intercom. Below the first floor
is a parking area and above the second floor is a
flat roof. The power source for the intercom is not
behind any of the units and dont seem to be in the
parking area or on the roof. I checked some of the
closets but I didnt go through them inch by inch.
The units seem to have some power coming in so I
assume that the power source is still somewhere and
operational. I would like to locate the power source
without having to buy a three thousand dollar cable
tracker and would appreciate any input as far as
what the usual location might be when installing
a power source for intercoms of this type for similar
layouts?

{{{{{

The intercom should have a make/model number somewhere (typically on the
outside) with more info on a name plate inside.

That would be a big help.

That said most of those of the 60's vintage ran on a 24 VAC transformer not
unlike the door bell transformers (and may well be shared by the bell)

I would mention that the electolited filter capacitors are very likely bad
and you may have a heck of a hum in the audio as a result.




Up here in Ontario, many Nutone systems were installed that DID share
the doorbell transformer - and many of the intercoms WERE the doorbell
if I remember correctly. My late father installed quite a few in his
job as a residential electrician.

On Tuesday, August 7, 2012 9:17:53 PM UTC-7, (unknown) wrote:
On Sat, 4 Aug 2012 17:23:26 -0500, "NotMe" wrote:





wrote in message

...

I have a home intercom in a two story condo from 1963.

The intercom has three built in wall units that were

installed at the time of construction. One unit is

outside next to the front door and there is a unit

on each floor. There are eight apartments and they all

have the same type of intercom. Below the first floor

is a parking area and above the second floor is a

flat roof. The power source for the intercom is not

behind any of the units and don’t seem to be in the

parking area or on the roof. I checked some of the

closets but I didn’t go through them inch by inch.

The units seem to have some power coming in so I

assume that the power source is still somewhere and

operational. I would like to locate the power source

without having to buy a three thousand dollar cable

tracker and would appreciate any input as far as

what the usual location might be when installing

a power source for intercoms of this type for similar

layouts?



{{{{{



The intercom should have a make/model number somewhere (typically on the

outside) with more info on a name plate inside.



That would be a big help.



That said most of those of the 60's vintage ran on a 24 VAC transformer not

unlike the door bell transformers (and may well be shared by the bell)



I would mention that the electolited filter capacitors are very likely bad

and you may have a heck of a hum in the audio as a result.









Up here in Ontario, many Nutone systems were installed that DID share

the doorbell transformer - and many of the intercoms WERE the doorbell

if I remember correctly. My late father installed quite a few in his

job as a residential electrician.

Maybe it did share the same transformer at one time but it doesn’t anymore because even if I turn-off the power supplying the doorbell I’m still getting a 10.5 VDC from the intercom circuit while the doorbell transformer is reading a little over 12 VAC. This leads me to believe that whether 10.5 VDC is the correct voltage or not it sure isn’t AC and not on the same circuit as the doorbell, but thank you for your input.