Oppo, TF is this?

"Takuro Spirit" (takurospirit)
06/27/2018 at 11:15 • Filed to: Houselopnik, wiringlopnik

On my front deck is this... switch, with a wire that goes... under the deck. It doesn’t seem to do anything, but what WOULD it be for?

Google was of no help, its showing me DOOR KNOBS.

DISCUSSION (45)

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 11:22

It’s a light switch.... weather protected.

Wacko > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 11:23

light switch

adamftw > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
06/27/2018 at 11:25

Probably an override for a motion sensor activated light, if OP can’t tell it’s doing anything.

vicali > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 11:25

Kinja'd!!!

TheRevanchist > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 11:25

How old is the house? Switches that are rated for jets may be for something like a well, or maybe a pool.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 11:26

It’s a weather proof switch. Could be for speakers, hot tub jets, lights, electric fence, electric chair......

The possibilities are endless really.

Takuro Spirit > TheRevanchist
06/27/2018 at 11:29

Its on the front deck, no pool. Built in ‘70 but the deck is newer.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 11:29

activates the roof mounted gattling turret?

Takuro Spirit > adamftw
06/27/2018 at 11:30

The switch barely moves... I didn’t want to force it to ‘on’ and break it. Looks like I can disassemble it, carefully.

Takuro Spirit > Future next gen S2000 owner
06/27/2018 at 11:30

I might want to trace that wiring first, then.

TheRevanchist > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 11:31

In that case, yeah, everyone else is right. Probably for lighting of some sort.

Takuro Spirit > farscythe - makin da cawfee!
06/27/2018 at 11:34

So THAT’S what’s behind that window in the attic...

user314 > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 11:35

Flip it! What could possibly go wrong?

Kinja'd!!!

Takuro Spirit > TheRevanchist
06/27/2018 at 11:36

I just remembered there are two covered can lights above the front deck that don’t turn on with any switch inside the house.... hmmmmm I just thought the bulbs were burnt out, and they were on the same switch as the other outdoor lights.

adamftw > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 11:38

They're super easy to replace. Like 3 minutes.

Ssfancyfresh > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 11:39

Trap door.

Or your deck is built over a moat and this activates the motor to raise the bridge for added security.

Thomas Donohue > adamftw
06/27/2018 at 11:41

Not including the 60 minutes to trace the wiring, find the breaker, etc.

cmill189 - sans Volvo > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 11:42

There is likely a traditional rocker light switch underneath. That’s how some of the water resistant covers work. Lever on a lever.

Takuro Spirit > user314
06/27/2018 at 11:42

I tried. Felt like I was gonna break the damn thing.

Kinja'd!!!

adamftw > Thomas Donohue
06/27/2018 at 11:43

As long as its 120 you don’t need to turn off the breaker to replace a light switch. Just don't cross the streams, Venkman.

Spaceball-Two > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 11:43

It wakes up the gimp.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 11:44

Or...you couldn’t just flip it and sees what happens.

Kinja'd!!!

Takuro Spirit > Ssfancyfresh
06/27/2018 at 11:44

HAHA YOU CAN’T FOOL ME. I’ve seen the trap door and all that’s under it is the hose spigot, and a broken hose that was supposed to go to the OTHER spigot on the end of the deck.

Another thing I need to fix. So I can wash my truck.

Takuro Spirit > cmill189 - sans Volvo
06/27/2018 at 11:45

Interdasting. I need to see this mechanical harmony in detail.

Takuro Spirit > Spaceball-Two
06/27/2018 at 11:45

I’m already awake?

Takuro Spirit > Future next gen S2000 owner
06/27/2018 at 11:46

It barely moves. Didn’t want to break. Its plastic .

Ssfancyfresh > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 12:01

Opening the trap will make it easier to fix, no? ;)

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 12:01

It’s probably rusted in place (weather proof right?) , some of these are actually fairly stiff switches and take some finesse to move.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Thomas Donohue
06/27/2018 at 12:05

There's always the master breaker.

BigBlock440 > Thomas Donohue
06/27/2018 at 12:05

You’ve already got the breaker-finder in your hand.

Kinja'd!!!

Textured Soy Protein > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 12:13

It’s obviously for activating the Philadelphia Experiment.

Takuro Spirit > Textured Soy Protein
06/27/2018 at 12:27

Oo h I love Tom Hanks movies.

McMike > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 12:43

Suitable for wet conditions. Are you wet?

Takuro Spirit > McMike
06/27/2018 at 13:18

Locations. Sticking it pants.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Takuro Spirit
06/27/2018 at 14:33

Can you follow the wires?

Takuro Spirit > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
06/27/2018 at 14:35

They go down a groove cut in the back of the baluster and I’m assuming under the porch. There’s only [this much] room under the porch, and is surrounded by trees and rocks and such.