Another "What is it" Thread...Electrical Device...

[Bruce 993 SEA]

So this 3 x 4 inch box is mounted by the meter which is between the houses across the driveway vs. on the house which is more normal.

View media item 82272
Could it be an old type of photo sensor so it trips when coming down the driveway to turn on lights?

There is a 110V outlet by the meter but the wires to it are from the inside of the meter box.

Maybe it is a remote meter reader unit...

Any help would be appreciated!

Cheers!

 

[bigb56]

can't you slide the gray cover off and snap a pic of the front? The pic you linked is the back and those are mounting holes. With the limited view you supplied it looks like something to do with irrigation or low voltage lighting.

 

[Bruce 993 SEA]

Thanks bigb56 for the reply...you are totally right that was the back and the mounting holes.

Here is a picture of the inside with the cover off:

View media item 82273
Phone from street?

Normally, I am a little better with this stuff but I am at a loss.

Cheers!

 

[driftpin]

Looks like an old telcom junction plate from Cu-wired days, a junction box from the pole drop to the dwelling.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=388281

 

[Bruce 993 SEA]

Thanks driftpin...interesting that it is by the electrical meter...

 

[bigb56]

phone and cable are always by the electrical since they are required to be bonded together.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

That is a telephone connection for a buried service wire. The carbons are for protection of the circuit. The buried service is bonded to the centre between the carbon connectors that are orange in colour. A ground wire is attached at the bonding point and tied into a bare #6 service within the house or even a ground rod connection. These were also used for aerial drops feeding phone services.

 

[Bruce 993 SEA]

Got it, thanks!

It is grounded so that has to be it.

As our meter is on the property line and across the driveway, it just seemed odd to me.

Adios!

 

[rustrunner]

Call the phone company and tell them to replace that protector. It;s garbage

 

[Richard Cranium]

If you still use a land line, it should be replaced.

 

[driftpin]

Guessing it's 'abandoned in-place,' no-longer in-service.