Probably a doorbell transformer. Might be able to squeeze another splice in there for an outlet, or move some to another box.
What is the green string looking stuff?
Doesn't even look like a proper electrical junction box was used. Isn't this a fire hazard? If one of those wires shorted out and ignited that material, it would burn that wall down no problem. Typically an electrical junction box would (in the event of a short circuit that produces sparks) contain the fire somewhat so that it doesn't burn inside your wall. Also, appears that there are way too many neutral (I count 5 white wires) on that wire nut.
I wouldn't try to put an outlet on that octagon box without a deep extension. I would find out if the transformer is working too, or if that circuit is on a switch leg.
What is the green string looking stuff?, and are those grey wires in those orange wire nuts with red and blue wires? Check for 18-24v across the transformer terminals to see if it is working. If not, check for 120v on the leads on the inside.
It looks like a standard junction box for a ceiling light, which I assume this is. I'm not sure why it's not covered up though?
That's it. Right above my living room ceiling fan. Now why it isn't covered is a completely different question. My guess shoddy repair work by the former owner. Yet going to use a drop cord for this week. Just need to power a DVR for the cameras for a week. Had something come up last minute and need to get them up before I leave town. I'll do a proper install and run everything downstairs when I get back.
The transformer housing isn't in cased in a junction box. I would definitely recommend you adding an extension onto this existing box to prevent overheating. The problem is, that NEC code requires the extension to be flush with the wall, so you will have to make the existing ceiling box go deeper into the wall.
What's with the party popper streamers and the packing peanut? :biggrin:
he doesn't need to follow code if he does his own repairs on his house.
and for extension needs to be flush with wall, isn't that for new construction?
The transformer housing isn't in cased in a junction box. I would definitely recommend you adding an extension onto this existing box to prevent overheating. The problem is, that NEC code requires the extension to be flush with the wall, so you will have to make the existing ceiling box go deeper into the wall.
You need to follow code whenever you do any work on your house. See 314.19 thru 314.22. It appears that as long as your extension is flush or protrudes from your wall you should be ok.
I can't understand why conduit isn't code across the entire country.
Because it's not needed.
I can't understand why wire nuts are allowed
Because they work.
he doesn't need to follow code if he does his own repairs on his house.