What the heck is this thing?

[snapmom]

I have no clue what this box is. In my garage ceiling where my garage door opener plugs in. has about a 14 gauge wire coming out of it.
Can I remove it..

 

[cgrutt]

Assuming its plugged in on other side of outlet my guess would be a transformer / low voltage power supply of some sort. Do you have any low voltage lights etc outside garage? Maybe for old telecom equipment or alarm? Dog fence (underground wire/ collar system)?

 

[jmdirk]

Kind of looks like it's connected to whatever is sitting on top of the light of your opener.

Looks pretty sketchy.

 

[snapmom]

No low voltage stuff, I do have an alarm, but the control box for it is inside the house. maybe I will unplug it and see what happens. The single wire coming out is odd

 

[PCustoms]

It's a transformer

 

[cgrutt]

What is the device on top of the light? Maybe old converter to make opener compatible with newer style remote controls? Auto door closer?

 

[mervyn]

Garage door opener thingy

 

[PCustoms]

Garage door opener thingy

Looks like the wires snake immediately into the ceiling. I'd guess doorbell or thermostat, and not garage door.

It's also overheating.

I would unplug it and start watching for what doesn't work.

 

[mervyn]

Looks like the wires snake immediately into the ceiling. I'd guess doorbell or thermostat, and not garage door.

It's also overheating.

I would unplug it and start watching for what doesn't work.

Ok. I thought she was talking about that little box. Upon closer inspection I would get up in the attic and see where those wires go.
The box does look discolored

 

[mrb1]

Couldn't see what was going on up top...if not doorbell, alarm, or lights like mentioned....old Carbon Monoxide alarm? Crack the cover loose. Or at least unplug and see if there is a manufacturers label underneath.

 

[PCustoms]

Ok. I thought she was talking about that little box. Upon closer inspection I would get up in the attic and see where those wires go.
The box does look discolored

 

[nh_yota]

Probably power for your alarm.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, it is a “wall wart” power supply. I have several that feed sprinkler timers, alarm systems and the relay that allows a low voltage thermostat that controls the 240 volt power for my shop heater.

 

[kbuhagiar]

No question it is a 'wall wart', question is what does/what did it provide power to?
Maybe get a closer look at any inscriptions that may be on the cover, as that my possibly provide a clue.

 

[gleman]

I had a 12v transformer right there.

You hook up a car battery if you leave in the summer like I do.

Do you have a pair of wires with spade connecters/clamps nearby?

 

[PCustoms]

SMH...


Unplug it and go see if the doorbell works...

 

[snapmom]

I followed the wire as far as i could, it goes in the direction of the alarm, and doorbell, so its probably a transformer for one of them Am just going to leave it alone, as it is screwed into the receptacle, and I am old and don't want to get on a 8 ft ladder to unscrew it. Thanks for your help.

 

[micromind]

I've seen these used to power stuff like burglar alarms, phone amplifiers, intercoms and other low voltage stuff.

They usually look like they're overheating but it's just cheap plastic discoloring due to normal heat and age.

 

[rlitman]

...They usually look like they're overheating but it's just cheap plastic discoloring due to normal heat and age.

The plastic has fire retardant chemicals (usually bromine based, because they're cheap) in it that will eventually stain it if it isn't black to begin with, particularly in places that are warm (around the transformer core). It's not necessarily overheating, but it is a "phantom" power waster if you don't need it.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

Looks like an old 1980’s (Ademco?) alarm transformer……… I highly suggest that you unplug it before you have a fire.