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froggy7 · Feb 27, 2007, 09:55 PM

I've just recently bought a house, and when I was debating about whether to remove some wood paneling, I noticed that one of the outlets in the wall has a very unusual plug configuration. It looks like an electrical outlet, but instead of being the standard 3-pin outlet, it has three round holes almost in a line. It's a very shallow U shape, but the holes themselves are round. Does anyone know what these are used for? The only other clue that I have is that I am fairly sure that this is where the previous owner had their entertainment center, so it might be audio-visual connectors of some sort.

Any help appreciated.

tkrussell · Feb 28, 2007, 03:39 AM

Here is a chart of most of the popular power outlet configurations, none are as you explained.

I do remember seeing one like that years ago, I think it was for a roof antenna.

Open it up and see what kind of wire is inside.

colbtech · Feb 28, 2007, 03:41 AM

Shaped liked which one? ELECTRICAL GUIDE

Get an electrician to check the point. Or if you are competent and understand the risk. Get a voltmeter, set it to volts AC and measure the socket.

froggy7 · Feb 28, 2007, 06:09 AM

Originally Posted by colbtech

Shaped liked which one? ELECTRICAL GUIDE

Get an electrician to check the point. Or if you are competent and understand the risk. Get a voltmeter, set it to volts AC and measure the socket.

It looks sort of like N or P. Closer to P, because I'm sure that they weren't in a row, but I'm not sure that they had as much of an arc to them as P has. And it curves the other way, so it makes a smile instead of a frown, but I figure that could be just how the socket was put in. And it's a double socket, if that helps any.

colbtech · Feb 28, 2007, 06:34 AM

Well, unless you are in Switzerland I would go with your idea of the AV socket. Although it is possible that the socket is electrical I would still get an electrician in to check it out.

A couple of questions: Which country/county/state are you in? Is this the only socket of this type in the house?

labman · Feb 28, 2007, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by tkrussell

I do remember seeing one like that years ago, I think it was for a roof antenna.

Open it up and see what kind of wire is inside.

Bet it is twin lead. Try to find a picture of Radio shack P/N 15-1178 and 15-1198. My old house had them.

froggy7 · Feb 28, 2007, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by labman

Bet it is twin lead. Try to find a picture of Radio shack P/N 15-1178 and 15-1198. My old house had them.

That looks like a likely match. This is a house built back in the 70s, in Texas. I'll get it checked out when I pull the paneling off, but most likely, if it is for an old antenna, I'll just close the hole up.

Thanks for all the help, everyone!