Hi,

I am installing a Paradox Spectra Alarm system in my home. I have all the wiring done except for the transformer. I have a 16vAC 40VA wire in tranformer which I want to attach to a AC plug (which will then plug into a power socket). Can someone help me with what wires go where? 3 wires are wired to a fuse which is attached to a case (green/yellow, blue and red) and two other wires come out from the transformer (black and yellow).

Thanks
Clayton

 

Hmmm, the wiring connections for that transformer should have come with the transformer. This sounds like a pretty standard transformer, but you will have to look carefully at it. Often the wire ID is stamped on the frame. The side for 110ac will be marked "primary" (usually).

Generally, alarm systems use the standard wall plug type transformer, rather than one of these "old school" frame transformers.

If you aren't sure, check your outputs. You want 16.5vac going into the panel. Any other voltage will have disappointing results.

There _is_ a standard transformer wire color code, but a lot of manufacturers don't use it.

 

Thanks for the info.

I think I have fingured it out. I'm in New Zealand, and our wiring code is blue = neutral, brown = live, yellow/green = earth. So I will wire this to the plug, then the other yellow and black cables will go into the Paradox control panel. I will test thse two cables first though to make sure I get 16.5vAC.

Thanks again for your help!

 

Ah! That makes sense. I forgot that in a lot of Commonwealth countries you have to put the power cord on appliances yourself, or have an electrician do it.