Does anyone know what type of outlet this is? I'm thinking it has to do with an old antenna but not sure. Found on a family member's house and they weren't sure.
6
-
Looks like an old land-line phone jack to me.– Paul LoganCommented Dec 6, 2017 at 6:55
-
What type of cable is coming out of the bottom. also, does it go anywhere that might indicate its use?– SteseCommented Dec 6, 2017 at 7:11
-
What location is this (what part of the world)? Is this inside or outside the house? And @PaulLogan, I never seen a phone jack like that - where are you?– JPhi1618Commented Dec 6, 2017 at 14:54
-
Land lines were usually 4 pin antennas were 2 pin. The cable rg57? The cable type could suggest the use also.– Ed BealCommented Dec 6, 2017 at 14:55
-
@JPhi168 This is in Connecticut, United States– George BarnickCommented Dec 6, 2017 at 15:44
|
Show 1 more comment
2 Answers
That is an optical coupler from a utility meter to allow a meter reader to electronically read the meter with a handheld data collection device. They are usually on the meter itself, but in this case the meter must be inconvenient to access so a remote coupler was used.
It looks exactly like the interface for an ANSI 12.18 optical port (32 mm diameter), used for serial (RS232 or USB) interface between 'smart' watt-hour meter and the reader/monitor/programming device. Typical probe attaches to the port with internal magnet or two. One hole would be an LED (opto-transmitter) and other hole is photo-transistor (receiver).
