I moved into a new house and there was this small box on the wall with a key on top of it. I’m sure I’ve seen one before but have no idea what it’s for.
by Afrocrow
I moved into a new house and there was this small box on the wall with a key on top of it. I’m sure I’ve seen one before but have no idea what it’s for.
by Afrocrow
13 comments
That looks like a panic alarm and reset key. Used to be connected to the house burglar alarm.
EDIT: [Linky](https://www.electricalworld.com/en/CQR-Panic-Button-and-Key-Personal-Attack-Hold-Up-Device-Stainless-Steel/m-1523.aspx)
Double confirmation on it being a panic alarm, we have the exact same model in the control room where I work, and we test them every week. Once activated, the white panel will turn red, and when you put the key in to reset it, turn it and the panel will flip back to white.
Whatever you do, DON’T TURN THE KEY.
Pull the battery from the main panel (loft? )and you can reset the codes . Or get a man in ..like I did .
What sort of absolute mad man does not install that box level with the socket? Or vice versa?
You turn the key and you unleash the hounds. Or rabid bunnies (if you’re a povvo).
It might be dead. iirc these systems ran over a dedicated PSTN line in the UK and they all be gone by next year, if it hasn’t been disconnected already.
That is defo a panic alarm. When we moved house in the late 90s I was about 12 or 13 and ended up with the bedroom previously occupied by the mother in law, and there was one of these on the wall. I was told under no circumstances was I to touch it and must have managed a good 6 months. Having a big “do not touch” button constantly nearby became too much and after agonising over it for a bit, reaching out and pulling back , eventually i pushed it. The house alarm went off so obviously I shit myself and used the key taped to the box, then went to the top of the stairs and shouted “what was that?” My dad shouted back up that I knew f***ing well what it was as it came up “panic alarm” on the panel. He removed it 3 days later so I was never tempted again.
It’s a panic alarm, LPT don’t press it at 11pm when you’ve just moved into a house and don’t know the alarm code, it’s will cost you a call out fee and some embarrassment.
That’s where the gnomes stay
It’s for when you ask to turn the heating up, your Dad should have the other and they both need to be turned at the same time.
Panic alarm.
Is there a note to say you have to turn the key every 27 minutes?