Butler Bell wiring
- Thread starter lxbn
- Start date
I think lxbn means one of these:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-Butle...ryZ37912QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-Butle...ryZ37912QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Correct Sandy Beech - similar. If mine wasn't already screwed to the wall, I might have taken a photo of the back of it. There is a transformer with it which has been placed by the side of the unit.
During the re-modelling of the kitchen the electrician had to move the unit. In doing so he ran new wires to the new location and fixed the unit. Whereas it worked fine before the move, now it works after a fashion ie the indicators are wired to the wrong locations and the bell rings very feebly, except for the front doorbell which is normal, but not connected to any of the indicators so the appropriate flag does not wiggle. As soon as he left the entire unit stopped working. He had to plaster around the recessed wiring (from the transformer to the unit) and must have loosened a connection. I'm loathe to call him back as he didn't seem too confident about how the thing should work.
I have no idea whatsoever how these things work but I'm willing to give it a go - once I've switched off the mains supply to the unit. I don't know if all these types of units had similar wirings as they all seem about the same age (1930s 40s?)but any explanation of the principles would be welcome.
During the re-modelling of the kitchen the electrician had to move the unit. In doing so he ran new wires to the new location and fixed the unit. Whereas it worked fine before the move, now it works after a fashion ie the indicators are wired to the wrong locations and the bell rings very feebly, except for the front doorbell which is normal, but not connected to any of the indicators so the appropriate flag does not wiggle. As soon as he left the entire unit stopped working. He had to plaster around the recessed wiring (from the transformer to the unit) and must have loosened a connection. I'm loathe to call him back as he didn't seem too confident about how the thing should work.
I have no idea whatsoever how these things work but I'm willing to give it a go - once I've switched off the mains supply to the unit. I don't know if all these types of units had similar wirings as they all seem about the same age (1930s 40s?)but any explanation of the principles would be welcome.
I have an old 60's call system from a police station cells. It is made of wood with small flags that drop to show which cell called, and a reset button to push the flags back up. Very well made!
That bell looks brilliant.
They sure knew how to make things in the auld days
They sure knew how to make things in the auld days
Only just looked at that link to ebay.
The one I have looks identicall, but has a bell on top too.
I may take a pic.....and even flog it on ebay!
The one I have looks identicall, but has a bell on top too.
I may take a pic.....and even flog it on ebay!
Yes, it is on AC now.
Normally 6V DC IIRC.
It may work if you fit a bridge rectifier to the supply.
OP, is it supplied from a proper transformer such as a doorbell transformer, or an electronic lighting type transformer?
It may work if you fit a bridge rectifier to the supply.
OP, is it supplied from a proper transformer such as a doorbell transformer, or an electronic lighting type transformer?
A little bit of history...
This one had a 6v battery fitted in an adjacent wooden box (destroyed).
Wiring was fabric covered VIR in steel conduit.
Call buttons where cast iron with a very curved shape - no sharp edges. All destroyed.
This one had a 6v battery fitted in an adjacent wooden box (destroyed).
Wiring was fabric covered VIR in steel conduit.
Call buttons where cast iron with a very curved shape - no sharp edges. All destroyed.
They sure are lovely, I've got one kicking around somewhere, 6-way job with single bell, circa 1900, had a play with it about 12 years ago and yes, they are DC, this one ran fine on 9V.
Not sure how they are wired though, didn't have the courage to experiment too much as these things are very old!
Not sure how they are wired though, didn't have the courage to experiment too much as these things are very old!
It's just a common negative, and three positive inputs, one per flag.
You just need to follow where the wiring goes - you can see it all clearly inside.
You just need to follow where the wiring goes - you can see it all clearly inside.
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