Strange Outlet Location - InspectionNews

Robert Dalga · #1 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 08:43 AM

Inspected 1928 vintage two story home yesterday and noticed this electrical outlet on the staircase leading to the upstairs. Single outlet w/ fuse in box. Has anyone ever seen this before? What's it purpose?

Jerry Peck · #2 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 09:03 AM

What's its purpose?

I have no idea why it was installed there, however, it purpose seems to be to create a trip and fall hazard.

Is it possible (any evidence of) an electric stair lift having been installed in the past? Even then, though, they are wired in from the ends (on the ones I've seen) and not from the middle somewhere.

I would definitely recommend its proper removal, which may not be to difficult at the box is mounted on the tread and not cut into the tread, indicating that the wiring to the box is through a hole in the tread.

Remove the box, remove the wire from the stair, remove the wire from wherever it is tapped off from, drill nice round hole in tread if not already there and plug with a wood plug, then of course the carpet would need to be patched at that hole (unless maybe the carpet was just slit and the wiring poked through the slit, which would then require carpet tape on the back side to secure the carpet slit together like a seam so it does not cause a trip and fall).

Could you tell if the stairway was dark and it needed a light? If so, then a light would also need to be installed to light the stairway.

Speedy Petey · #3 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 01:18 PM

That is an old fused receptacle. As stated, there is an Edison fuse under that square cover.

If it is near the bottom I like the thought that it was for a stair climber, but lacking other evidence that is a long shot.

Jerry Peck · #4 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

If it is near the bottom I like the thought that it was for a stair climber, but lacking other evidence that is a long shot.

Peter,

That is not only a long shot, but it was a backward-over-the-shoulder and not using a mirror shot.

It was the only thing which came to mind which could possibly be in the stairway for any legitimate reason.

Scott Patterson · #5 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 01:36 PM

Looks like some steep stairs.

Jerry Peck · #6 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

Looks like some steep stairs.

Scott,

My thoughts too.

May be why they needed a ski lift installed?

John Kogel · #7 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 08:17 PM

It's for the vacuum cleaner. Ask your wife.

Robert Dalga · #8 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 02:11 PM

LOL's guys! Thanks for the notes. I glad I'm not the only one scratching his head here also. There was another one on the set of stairs to the basement also.

Rick Cantrell · #9 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 02:53 PM

I agree with John
Installed for vacuum cleaner, easy to run the cable and mount.
Don't have to ask my wife.

Randy Aldering · #10 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 07:41 PM

I would go with the vacuum cleaner outlet idea. Fused because it would draw enough current to blow the fuse at the main panel, and that was down in the basement?

John Steinke · #11 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 12:50 AM

I once encountered something similar that was used to provide lighting for the space under the stairs. This one? I have no idea.

The fuse may have been a way to be 'extra safe,' or the power source may be a larger circuit ("tap rules").

We might have an issue with the reveptacle pointing 'up.' Most receptacles I have seen in / on stairs have been on the risers, not the treads.

gary gramling · #12 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 09:30 PM

It is most likely for the vacuum cleaner. The fuse is there to shut it off before tripping at the main panel.
Gary