Thread: Need help identifying this thing

Hi All,

Saw this at a townhouse inspection this morning and not sure what it is. 2 holes with screens. I only posted this here because it is covered with a receptacle cover plate.

Looks like one of those brass floor outlets with slotted screw on/off covers. I don't see screens, but it,looks like a screen pattern of sorts.

Here's a close-up of one. There's no slot. The screen is set behind another plate of some sort.

Man, this was one of those inspections where the buyer brought about 8 family members and friends and all were asking questions. I got thrown off of my game and really should have pulled the cover plate and investigated more while I was there.

Never hurts to say "I don't know, but I'll see if I can find out."... I have said it many times over the past 20 years I have been at this gig. My SWAG after seeing the close up is that it is part of an alarm system. Might be a movement or sound sensor.

Two tiny speakers.
I would report that there are 2 tiny speakers.
Hey, we can't know everything.

My guess is an old motion sensor. I have seen them before with red lenses. I think my father also had an old Heathkit motion sensor alarm with screens over the sensors.

Not sure but many years ago there was a ultrasonic detector similar to that.

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Originally Posted by Mark Reinmiller

My guess is an old motion sensor. I have seen them before with red lenses. I think my father also had an old Heathkit motion sensor alarm with screens over the sensors.

I did not see your post when I pressed reply.
Red lens would have been active infrared detectors(photo beams).
Screens would have been ultrasound.

Originally Posted by Steve Payson

Here's a close-up of one. There's no slot. The screen is set behind another plate of some sort.

Man, this was one of those inspections where the buyer brought about 8 family members and friends and all were asking questions. I got thrown off of my game and really should have pulled the cover plate and investigated more while I was there.

My question to you - Did YOU learn anything from this inspection ?

Originally Posted by jack davenport

My question to you - Did YOU learn anything from this inspection ?

Jack when too many members come to a inspection I have a briefing and give them a pad and pencil to write any question and ask to hold them to the end. Normally, they live me to the inspection and most of the time they have nothing to ask. Hopefully this may help.
best wishes
fidel

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

Never hurts to say "I don't know, but I'll see if I can find out."... I have said it many times over the past 20 years I have been at this gig. My SWAG after seeing the close up is that it is part of an alarm system. Might be a movement or sound sensor.

Yep, told them I didn't know but would do some research. I'm never afraid to admit when I don't know something

Originally Posted by jack davenport

My question to you - Did YOU learn anything from this inspection ?

Lesson learned - Stick with your routine and don't try to accommodate the masses

Originally Posted by fidel gonzales

Jack when too many members come to a inspection I have a briefing and give them a pad and pencil to write any question and ask to hold them to the end. Normally, they live me to the inspection and most of the time they have nothing to ask. Hopefully this may help.
best wishes
fidel

A very good Idea, thanks Fidel

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Spoke with some other inspectors and they suggested that is was an older style ultrasonic emitter used to repel rodents. I reported that this was my suspicion, but suggested that they ask the Association for further information.

Thanks for all your help