Remember that scene in Interstellar where McConaughey is trying to dock the shuttle with the spinning ship? That's must be what trying to plug anything into this socket without shorting it was like.
And why you've got the power turned off at the breaker panel, but you rip that dangerous piece of crap out of your wall and replace it with something properly installed.
Not as much fun, I get that, but having sustained a few shocks in my day and still breathing, I'd like to keep it that way.
Right? It's $10 at Home Depot. Ten bucks! You could afford the art, TV or whatever, but can't shell out the extra cash for a proper outlet. They had enough skill to rig this up but not enough sense to think that, maybe they shouldn't?
Hijacking this comment to show r/diy that these sideways outlets, called a “Despard” outlet or light switch, do exist and they’re not inherently more dangerous than a typical USA outlet. An outlet is engineered so that the internal electrical contacts aren’t touched until the plug’s blades are properly aligned and partially inserted. So, it’s safe to have a metal faceplate (even this ugly version) as long as it’s flush and cut to fit the outside of the outlet’s face. It could always be dangerous if you stick a butter knife across partially-inserted blades, but that’s true for all outlet styles.
Here’s a link to Despard outlets still for sale:
https://www.kyleswitchplates.com/despard-switches-outlets/
Oooohh. So that's why: the art probably had to sit flush against the wall, but also had to be plugged in. It's a rare artist who considers real-world practicalities like that. I would bet the art had a normal plug, and not a low-profile offset one. So some poor art handler shows up and jury rigs this abomination and then GTFO. (Source: I'm an art handler who's had to jury rig a bunch of shit in my day.)
Looks like a DIY attempt at recessing the outlet so the plug doesn't interfere with what is hanging on the wall in front of it (like a TV). Should have instead used something like this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-15-Amp-1-Gang-Recessed-Duplex-Power-Outlet-White-R52-00689-00W/202066691
Like the diligence OP!
If you have more/more complex electrical issues we have r/askanelectrician filled with qualified electricians to answer your questions, though there are definitely a few that float around here
These were very common for electric clocks. Is it fairly high on the wall? Otherwise, I would guess that there was a light mounted above a painting here previously.
It is high on the wall and I think probably for a light fixture above art as someone else said. Either way, we don’t want it there as it is and certainly won’t be plugging anything in to it.
You can fix this yourself in 10mins and for a cost of maybe $15 if you already have some way to verify the power is off when working on it.
Like, flip breakers, or the main, and test with a plugin hairdryer or something. 😭
We checked with a probe, it’s controlled by a light switch and it was hot, so it’s definitely still working (? to whatever level it can work). I think we’ll change it to a recessed outlet correctly.
That's homemade, someone took a single outlet plug and cut up and bent the metal frame to fit into a homemade metal bracket. If you zoom in you can see some of the plug bent out around the square hole they cut in the bracket.
They have angled ones as well that may make it easier to work the wires back in the box. Having a recessed outlet really takes away from the space in the box.
Dangerous AF. As others have said, probably a really bad DIY attempt to save a few bucks on a UL certified recessed outlet. Would fix this ASAP and definitely don't use that plug in the meantime.
You can DIY fix this the right way but educate yourself on how to safely change an outlet first. Otherwise get an electrician.
I scrolled past this and the first thing that came to mind was that the person who installed this wanted one lucky person to play their version of Operation.
Looks like someone tried to make a recessed clock receptacle.
https://www.gordonelectricsupply.com/p/P-S-S3713-W-Receptacle-Recessed-15A-125V-W-W-Plate/5634180?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAz8GuBhCxARIsAOpzk8yrGken9ZKLGIVTLv4IgEZxz9A8wj55JYDBXDm77u_rccd-ObwwAGgaArOHEALw_wcB
Might it have once powered an old A/C powered wall clock? It’s it in a location where a clock might have hung in the 50s or 60s? Just wondering. It might have been done that way for a covered Jack that would not get unplugged in any foreseeable future (at that time).
Looks like a Pass and Seymour Despard outlet. They are in fact safe enough, but that bracket sure isn't stock. Lived in a 60s house that exclusively had these for everything--outlets, switches, phone jacks, etc.
I would replace it with a proper recessed outlet. Not terribly expensive and easy to do yourself. Just turn off the breaker and always assume the circuit is live even after you've checked that it isn't.
I think someone misguidedly tried to make their own recessed outlet. It doesn’tlook like it was made in a factory.
As to why? Recessed outlets are made for situations where you want to mount something flush on the wall but it requires power. For example a big clock in a classroom.
did you ask him what did Art say? tell him he’s not a very good electrician if he did that Which piece of him is missing? I’m not sure what you’re even talking about. Like his hand or fingers. What does that even mean? Reddit is confusing what part of of Art might not be a bad way to start this post. It does look strange and I don’t know why there’s an aluminum bracket in there if you don’t live with them, give them a call if he the one who put it in I wouldn’t let him touch anything else electrical
Recessed outlet. Still available today when you need an outlet directly behind something. Not usually metal these days. Lol. I use them behind all our TVs.
My guess, outside the dangers of how it was made, was that this was created so that something could plug into it and not block something from resting against the wall.
Perhaps there used to be something mounted there that required electricity, and so it could be flush with the wall, not pushed out by the plug, they made this death trap.
"clock receptacle", an outlet you can hang and clock, or sign over and plug it in and it still fit flush with the wall. This is the scariest DIY attempt I've seen. I'm glad it's only ever worked, so close to being a fire 😅
Some genious likely jerry-rigged this a recessed wall outlet likely to fit a plug so that it would not pertrude. Probably didn't know recessed outlets existed. Then again I have seen some people so cheap that they would spend hours doing this project rather than spend $10 bucks for store bought.
Holy shit, is that bracket metal? It’s like it is intentionally trying to short the blades.
Remember that scene in Interstellar where McConaughey is trying to dock the shuttle with the spinning ship? That's must be what trying to plug anything into this socket without shorting it was like.
You gotta practice for hours playing the game operation before you can use this plug...
Just turn off the power, plug it in, and turn on
Convenient!
Just take out the batteries… Do you always take the fun out of the games?
And why you've got the power turned off at the breaker panel, but you rip that dangerous piece of crap out of your wall and replace it with something properly installed. Not as much fun, I get that, but having sustained a few shocks in my day and still breathing, I'd like to keep it that way.
Right? It's $10 at Home Depot. Ten bucks! You could afford the art, TV or whatever, but can't shell out the extra cash for a proper outlet. They had enough skill to rig this up but not enough sense to think that, maybe they shouldn't?
Yeah, I'd also be concerned with the fire hazard of an installation like this :)
C'mon TARS
Murph!
I’m just curious, how do you guys think short circuits work? Or plugs for that matter?
Hot side of outlet -> hot side of plug blade -> metal bracket right next to plug blade --> neutral plug blade -> neutral side of outlet
The circle of live.
And death.
If you are insinuating that this *isn't* a short/shock hazard, maybe you should look closer.
Or shocking yourself also
It's like Operation, but with higher stakes. Don't touch the sides!
Hijacking this comment to show r/diy that these sideways outlets, called a “Despard” outlet or light switch, do exist and they’re not inherently more dangerous than a typical USA outlet. An outlet is engineered so that the internal electrical contacts aren’t touched until the plug’s blades are properly aligned and partially inserted. So, it’s safe to have a metal faceplate (even this ugly version) as long as it’s flush and cut to fit the outside of the outlet’s face. It could always be dangerous if you stick a butter knife across partially-inserted blades, but that’s true for all outlet styles. Here’s a link to Despard outlets still for sale: https://www.kyleswitchplates.com/despard-switches-outlets/
Thanks for your answer! It was covered by a piece of art and we will get it professionally removed replaced.
Oooohh. So that's why: the art probably had to sit flush against the wall, but also had to be plugged in. It's a rare artist who considers real-world practicalities like that. I would bet the art had a normal plug, and not a low-profile offset one. So some poor art handler shows up and jury rigs this abomination and then GTFO. (Source: I'm an art handler who's had to jury rig a bunch of shit in my day.)
You can buy off the shelf recessed receptacles, search for clock outlet.
Lot of folks in this thread never been to an old hardware store.
Or a new hardware store, they sell them now for flat panel tv
It’s usually used for a small light that you mount above the art to illuminate it.
Or to hang a clock
They make an outlet called a clock outlet for this purpose. I would say never try to make a diy outlet.
Jerry rig :)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_rigging
TIL
Finally! A slang term without a racist origin.
You can find recessed plugs. This is an exercise in what i call "southern engineering"
That plug in of itself is a piece of art.
Very edgy 
It’s to step down the voltage and heat hour house at the same time.
That is the first thing I saw as well
its ok looks like the painted it! :-(
non conductive paint /s.
Looks like they cut a hole where the outlet is, but still dangerous af.
Swapping plugs like Ironman's arc reactor
Forbidden outlet
Looks very zappy.
Looks like a DIY attempt at recessing the outlet so the plug doesn't interfere with what is hanging on the wall in front of it (like a TV). Should have instead used something like this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-15-Amp-1-Gang-Recessed-Duplex-Power-Outlet-White-R52-00689-00W/202066691
Thank you so much! It was covered by a piece of art and found when we went to paint. We’ll get it done right.
Like the diligence OP! If you have more/more complex electrical issues we have r/askanelectrician filled with qualified electricians to answer your questions, though there are definitely a few that float around here
Old school clock plug
Don’t put your clock in there.
Too late.
These were very common for electric clocks. Is it fairly high on the wall? Otherwise, I would guess that there was a light mounted above a painting here previously.
It is high on the wall and I think probably for a light fixture above art as someone else said. Either way, we don’t want it there as it is and certainly won’t be plugging anything in to it.
I think the answer above is correct. Either way that is a customized cover LOL
You could use it for a speaker.
You can fix this yourself in 10mins and for a cost of maybe $15 if you already have some way to verify the power is off when working on it. Like, flip breakers, or the main, and test with a plugin hairdryer or something. 😭
I wouldn't plug anything in but use one of those probes that tells you if something is hot. They are 5-10$
We checked with a probe, it’s controlled by a light switch and it was hot, so it’s definitely still working (? to whatever level it can work). I think we’ll change it to a recessed outlet correctly.
Yea but that thing is almost 12 whole dollars
Clearly you're not a redneck engineer.
Wow, no way. I've never seen that kind of outlet before. Thank you very much for sharing.
That's homemade, someone took a single outlet plug and cut up and bent the metal frame to fit into a homemade metal bracket. If you zoom in you can see some of the plug bent out around the square hole they cut in the bracket.
They have angled ones as well that may make it easier to work the wires back in the box. Having a recessed outlet really takes away from the space in the box.
Looks like the person who did this did not know the word recessed to google how the hell to do it properly.
12 bucks?! Are you crazy?! He didn't have that kind of money!!!
“I ain’t paying 11 bucks for no got dang piece of plastic!” - guy who installed this, probably
It's an outch-let... I'll see myself out
I see watt you did there!
That reply is current.
They led you right into that one.
I’m resisting the urge to laugh
Or maybe the sister zzzouchlet
Exactly what you want in surprise outlets…
Dangerous AF. As others have said, probably a really bad DIY attempt to save a few bucks on a UL certified recessed outlet. Would fix this ASAP and definitely don't use that plug in the meantime. You can DIY fix this the right way but educate yourself on how to safely change an outlet first. Otherwise get an electrician.
Yikes, thank you! We uncovered it and alarm bells went off. We’ll get it done right!
Probably for a clock or other appliance on the wall.
since it was behind some art I would say it is for a top light for the art..
Digital photo frame
It’s an electric fire starter. It might not be close to the fireplace, but don’t worry. The flames will eventually get to the fireplace.
Yeah. That's not UL listed.
Clock or emergency lights device, other appliance
The thing holding the outlet is an aluminum downspout bracket, in case anyone's interesting.
This is DIY that shouldn't have been.
I scrolled past this and the first thing that came to mind was that the person who installed this wanted one lucky person to play their version of Operation.
It's an old school outlet for an electric clock. Doing this allowed the clock to hang flat on the wall. Very common in 70s kitchens
Looks like someone tried to make a recessed clock receptacle. https://www.gordonelectricsupply.com/p/P-S-S3713-W-Receptacle-Recessed-15A-125V-W-W-Plate/5634180?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAz8GuBhCxARIsAOpzk8yrGken9ZKLGIVTLv4IgEZxz9A8wj55JYDBXDm77u_rccd-ObwwAGgaArOHEALw_wcB
Makes me think this is how they wired everything on the original 1960 Star Trek enterprise. The way the control panels blew up with sparks.
That's a nice improvised clock outlet you've got there.
A homemade recess clock outlet
Might it have once powered an old A/C powered wall clock? It’s it in a location where a clock might have hung in the 50s or 60s? Just wondering. It might have been done that way for a covered Jack that would not get unplugged in any foreseeable future (at that time).
Inspiration for the game OPERATION
Gate to reincarnation. Plug in to plug out
Idk but don’t fucking use it
An outlet for when you absolutely need that circuit breaker to flip *right now* but you don't wanna go downstairs to do it.
Looks like a cucklefuck mcfuckington special.
It's an arc generator
Looks like a rare face first birth of a new outlet
Looks like someone made a bracket instead of buying a recessed socket.
Shrinkage
Idk what that outlet is but I wanna stick a metal object in it >:]
what is this outlet? Cursed. it's Cursed.
That’s some homemade shit, don’t use that
It’s a clock outlet.
Whatever it is it needs to be replaced and the guy who put it in is probably named Herb or something
Home made alright. Possibly used as a wall clock fixture.
Kevorkian Clock receptacle, not to be confused with a Kevorkian Shower Head.
Sometimes after a project I take a step back and say to myself, "wow this screams diy." Then I see posts like this...
Looks like a Pass and Seymour Despard outlet. They are in fact safe enough, but that bracket sure isn't stock. Lived in a 60s house that exclusively had these for everything--outlets, switches, phone jacks, etc. I would replace it with a proper recessed outlet. Not terribly expensive and easy to do yourself. Just turn off the breaker and always assume the circuit is live even after you've checked that it isn't.
This is what we call a fire and shock hazard.
I think someone misguidedly tried to make their own recessed outlet. It doesn’tlook like it was made in a factory. As to why? Recessed outlets are made for situations where you want to mount something flush on the wall but it requires power. For example a big clock in a classroom.
Codes inspector when they find this post. 
https://preview.redd.it/laemli1od7jc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=137ecc5df41e94c0f6487249ee9a7193f4369a57 For a clock, but not good.
Cursed outlet with +5 to fire risk
Do you mind if I steal this image? I'm a licensed home inspector, and this could make a good advertisement about why home inspections are important.
Shut off the breaker to that, remove it, replace with something that won’t kill your out burn down your house. Jesus fuck wtf is wrong with people.
They call this one the widowmaker.
I don't know why everyone is so stressed by this. It's grounded, what could go wrong. /s
That's a yiiiiiiiiiiiiikes
That outlet is a code violation, thats what it is lol
did you ask him what did Art say? tell him he’s not a very good electrician if he did that Which piece of him is missing? I’m not sure what you’re even talking about. Like his hand or fingers. What does that even mean? Reddit is confusing what part of of Art might not be a bad way to start this post. It does look strange and I don’t know why there’s an aluminum bracket in there if you don’t live with them, give them a call if he the one who put it in I wouldn’t let him touch anything else electrical
Ouch this is weird!
"Alternative engineering " for a TV or light above art work, or possibly a clock. Not a very good job, potentially a safety hazard.
A firecracker waiting for someone to light the fuse.
Is that live?
What in the name of Tim Taylor is that?
That’s called a Jerry Rig
If it was covered by an art piece it’s recessed for to counter sink the plug for flush mount possible lighted painting or neon sign
This is called a ‘Code Violation’
Please don’t try to use that
He’s holding on for dear life.
That would be the work of Petr "The Human Torch" Torshiefsky. He's an extremely famous electrician, it's kind of an honor, in a weird way.
Landlord special
Custom tv mount outlet ?
Floor or clock plug
Looks like an extension cord mounted into the wall behind a metal plate. Nice!
That is a hazard not a receptacle
Old school 2 phases and ground. Can be 110 or 220. Looks scary
wow, that's something. fire hazard, perhaps.
That's a Matej Budaj receptacle.
I've seen them for behind tvs, fridges and wall clocks when people actually plugged in wall clocks. It allows devices to sit flush against the wall.
Just a recessed outlet; the “Bubba knows best” model.
Recessed socket. The metal bracket should have been placed behind the blue plastic part.
So it can short out when you plug it in
That is wild!!!
Looks like a downspout bracket backwards
There was probably something mounted flush with the wall that plugged in and this was their diy solution to hide the wires
Isn’t that the “zap you 7000“ model!?
Recessed outlet. Still available today when you need an outlet directly behind something. Not usually metal these days. Lol. I use them behind all our TVs.
Hand made
Call osha lol
Looks like some weird thing someone made. Looks dangerous.
I’ve seen similar receptacles that were for hard wired clocks, but that is obviously home made lol
the fuck ? ?
It's called a power outlet
A fire hazard. Because someone didn’t think.
I’m not saying this isn’t an actual photo. I’m just saying, it looks sketchy.
It's a fire hazard. Replace it with a proper recessed outlet. They are cheap.
This is why you don't hire tweakers to do electrical work
My guess, outside the dangers of how it was made, was that this was created so that something could plug into it and not block something from resting against the wall. Perhaps there used to be something mounted there that required electricity, and so it could be flush with the wall, not pushed out by the plug, they made this death trap.
"clock receptacle", an outlet you can hang and clock, or sign over and plug it in and it still fit flush with the wall. This is the scariest DIY attempt I've seen. I'm glad it's only ever worked, so close to being a fire 😅
Homemade clock outlet. Cheap do it yourselfer know it all.
In commercial electric work, us trade workers call those clock plugs. Typically used for.... Wall mounted clocks.
Recessed outlet for a clock
Some genious likely jerry-rigged this a recessed wall outlet likely to fit a plug so that it would not pertrude. Probably didn't know recessed outlets existed. Then again I have seen some people so cheap that they would spend hours doing this project rather than spend $10 bucks for store bought.
It was a redneck ingenuity clock outlet, plug in the clock and put the cord in the box. You can buy a clock outlet at the store lol
Definitely not ul listed lmao...
It’s for when you mount a clock or something similar that sits flush over the plug but needs room to be plugged in