What is it? Buss Fuse in socket.

[geojag]

I have been looking at houses recently, and in a couple houses I have seen a single socket with a screw in Buss Fuse and what appears to be a capacitor. In both cases the houses were reportedly built in the 1970s and have a regular breaker box as well. A picture is attached. Any help is appreciated!

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[ABSTIFFGS]

That to me looks like a doorbell transformer. Could they have used the light bulb base as a "fuse holder" to protect the transformer?

 

[Bert_]

I would assume it's additional protection for the doorbell or HVAC transformer that is visible on the side of the box.

A porcelain lamp holder isn't really the right thing for this but I wouldn't get worried about it either since it's a 3 amp fuse...

 

[The Cobbler]

that's a time delay fuse . and I wonder if it's fusing the transformer ?

 

[Bert_]

that's a time delay fuse . and I wonder if it's fusing the transformer ?

I think the "W" actually stands for fast acting. T or TL are time delay.

 

[The Cobbler]

I think the "W" actually stands for fast acting. T or TL are time delay.

I stand corrected,search on the web, also they are available in several amperage less than 15

 

[Bert_]

It's not uncommon to use small fuses like this to provide additional protection to small loads since 15a is pretty much the smallest common breaker.

Most doorbell transformers have an internal fuse but this one may not, thus the plug fuse.

 

[geojag]

Thanks for the answers. I had initially thought it was doorbell related, but the location and the fuse threw me. I guess the just put it in closets to make them accessible but out if sight.

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[alfredeneuman]

I guess the just put it in closets to make them accessible but out if sight.

It's a Code violation then
NEC 240.24
(D) Not in Vicinity of Easily Ignitible Material. Overcurrent devices shall not be located in the vicinity of easily ignitible material, such as in clothes closets.

 

[Bert_]

It's a Code violation then
NEC 240.24
(D) Not in Vicinity of Easily Ignitible Material. Overcurrent devices shall not be located in the vicinity of easily ignitible material, such as in clothes closets.

Nobody said it was a clothes closet...

 

[Norcal]

Nobody said it was a clothes closet...

I don't think it really matters what type of closet, what does matter is closets are used for storage & likely contain material that is easily ignitable.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Nobody said it was a clothes closet...

If the wall has wood framing, it's also a violation of this one.

(A) Not over 112-1⁄2 kVA. Dry-type transformers installed indoors and rated 112-1⁄2 kVA or less shall have a separation of at least 300 mm (12 in.) from combustible material unless separated from the combustible material by fireresistant, heat-insulated barrier.

 

[Bert_]

If the wall has wood framing, it's also a violation of this one.

(A) Not over 112-1⁄2 kVA. Dry-type transformers installed indoors and rated 112-1⁄2 kVA or less shall have a separation of at least 300 mm (12 in.) from combustible material unless separated from the combustible material by fireresistant, heat-insulated barrier.

You got a code section for that? I wouldn't mind reading the whole article.

 

[alfredeneuman]

2011 NEC - 450.21 Dry-Type Transformers Installed Indoors.

 

[Bert_]

2011 NEC - 450.21 Dry-Type Transformers Installed Indoors.

Article 450 does not apply to class 2 or 3 transformers. They are listed as exempt in 450.1 exception 4.

 

[alfredeneuman]

So it does!
Thanks