[AWK]

Hey - question everyone.....Do they make a recessed plug (like a clock outlet for hiding the plug and cord behind a clock or picture) big enough for an a/c adapter? I'm putting an alarm system in my condo and would like to put a recessed plug behind the keypad panel to fit the a/c adapter. Any ideas? thanks.

 

[gregzoll]

No, not for a transformer to convert AC to DC, if that is what you are talking about.

 

[AWK]

Recessed Plug

I need a recessed receptacle thats deep enough to hold the 1 1/2" deep, 3" long and 2" wide adapter plug (like you plug in the wall from an electric shaver). The ones I have seen are not that deep or wide enough to conceal the adapter and make it flush with the wall. Let me know if that makes sense.

 

[gregzoll]

Still no, there is nothing out there that will accept a transformer. The reason they do not want the transformer behind the panel, is because they get warm, and need to be able to be disconnected from the AC power when needed for maintenance, or replacement. Placing behind the panel kind of makes it difficult to perform said activities. If you are worried about someone pulling the plug, that is what the battery back up is for.

 

[NJMarine]

Most times the transformewr is located near the actual alarm panel.

 

[kbsparky]

Mount it inside the alarm panel. A simple handy box with an outlet in it is usually sufficient.

 

[AWK]

Yeah, I was afraid my idea might not work, mainly because of the heat it can put out. I'll just have to relocate the alarm keypad panel where I can plug it in normally - thanks for all the help people!

 

[brric]

Are you talking about the keypad or the control panel? No alarm system keypad that I am familiar with requires a transformer.

 

[AWK]

The control panel I have contains the keypad (keypads by themselves are usually battery powered)

 

[Speedy Petey]

Arlington Industries

 

[Speedy Petey]

http://www.arlcatalog.com/Fan_Specialty/Recessed Indoor IN BOX for New Retrofit Construction.htm

Probably not deep enough though for a wall wart.

 

[Red Squirrel]

You could make a hole in the wall and install the plug inside it, I don't think this would be against code. The keypad would then cover said hole, or maybe a picture could. In fact I'd just put the keypad and plug in a custom recessed enclosure and have a picture over it. The picture would have hinges and just swing open like a door. Put a fake keypad at the entrance.

 

[Security101]

Your best bet is to extend the wire to a regular receptacle.

You can add to the wire by splicing some 18 awg wire to it. Fishing that new wire is not terribly hard especially if you do some Googling for instructions.

This would allow you to mount it like we do - direct to the wall - and the wires are in the wall. If you can locate it just above a receptacle, fishing it is easy, otherwise you'll need to do some drilling from the attic or basement if available to get your wire to an available receptacle.

Jim

 

[AWK]

Thank you Speedy Petey for the link - I'll measure and see if it will work. Security101, I think that routing it to a regular plug might end up being my best option. The security system is made by Skylink (SC100), so it's not an elaborate or professionally monitored system, but it provides some security for my condo. Thank you for your recommendation.

 

[Speedy Petey]

Your best bet is to extend the wire to a regular receptacle.

You can add to the wire by splicing some 18 awg wire to it. Fishing that new wire is not terribly hard especially if you do some Googling for instructions.

This would allow you to mount it like we do - direct to the wall - and the wires are in the wall. If you can locate it just above a receptacle, fishing it is easy, otherwise you'll need to do some drilling from the attic or basement if available to get your wire to an available receptacle.

Jim

Fishing cord like that is not terribly legal though. :whistling2:

 

[gregzoll]

The control panel I have contains the keypad (keypads by themselves are usually battery powered)

The battery back up comes from the battery that sits in the main panel. If it uses wireless technology, then the keypad would have a wallwart that would plug in nearby to power it, and the batteries would be placed in the base of it.

 

[Security101]

Fishing cord like that is not terribly legal though. :whistling2:

I hope(d) everyone understands I'm talking about splicing the low voltage side - not the 120volt side. Relocate the transformer to the receptacle, not the receptacle to the transformer...

Thanks for making me clarify...

Jim

 

[Speedy Petey]

I hope(d) everyone understands I'm talking about splicing the low voltage side - not the 120volt side.

What does the voltage have to do with it? That type of wire/cable cannot be concealed in the wall.

Thanks for making me clarify...

What do you mean "making" you? :huh:

 

[Security101]

What does the voltage have to do with it? That type of wire/cable cannot be concealed in the wall.

What type of wire? I didn't specify any type of wire, just the awg - sorry you're still misunderstanding...

What do you mean "making" you? :huh:

I appreciate, that you brought to my attention, that my clarity was lacking - and I thanked you... :thumbsup:

Jim

 

[gregzoll]

Security101, the wire has to be rated for in wall use. You can not take just any wire and use it in any situation, it has to be rated for the situation. Cat-3, Cat-5, Cat-6 are rated for in wall use, and also all three have Plenum & non-plenum type cables, but the majority of the time, you will see Plenum rated as the only type sold, since it is the most widely purchased. As for lv cable for security systems, doorbells, etc, it also has to be rated for where you are going to use it, and majority of the time, it will either be #18 or #20 stranded.