I’m posting this for someone else from a different forum, hoping some Breaktimers have an answewr for him. Not sure. but I think he’s over in England.
If anyone here’s a budding Hercule Poirot – I have a mystery that needs solving!
I looked in the ceiling above my rented flat, and found that the whole thing is wired with a network of cables! These cables run along the timbers to little junction boxes, and then disapear into 20mm thick polystyrene tiles (see photo). No-one I’ve talked to seems to know why this would be – a heated ceiling seems absurd! Also, the wires eminate from a hole in the adjoining wall leading to next door…
Here’s three of my own conclusions:
– Ceiling arial for collecting ufo transmissions
– Ceiling diapragm turned into huge microphone to spy on my every movement
– Wired up fire trap set to go off if I don’t pay my rent on time…
Thanks for your help
Replies
Unfortunately the picture is not close enough and you did not give any details.
A close up of that junction box would be helpfull.
Is that a wire or cable (collection of wires)?
The repeativelness of the system does make it appear to be ceiling heat would be a good explanation. But without some more details that is all speculation.
Also look if there are any markings on the wires.
Ha!
I think it is a network of hidden cameras. You are probably on the internet.
-zen
Unless someone went crazy by running line current on non-standard cables, and only based on a hard to make out photo, I would say those cables are to a low voltage system. Alarm, heat detectors, motion sensors, occupancy sensors,
microphones, cameras are all possible. Also is the former inhabitant had a ncomputer network. Maybe a small server farm or internet hub.From the number of connections and cables it looks to be a an extensive system. I one saw a similar mess of light cables on a house wired for environmental research. They had a large number of sensors, heat, humidity, pressure. The works. Everything went to a closet where it was monitored and logged by a computer. They were researching the effects of different roofing materials and insulation for a university.At best your flat has been, is being used for environmental research. Worse case your every move is being broadcast in streaming video with sound on 'Smooth Boys.com'. That being either worrying or flattering. Perhaps both. Your call.Edited to add bit about computer network and server farm.
Edited 3/1/2005 9:40 pm ET by 4LORN1
We just renovated and I pulled a bunch of red wires that look like the ones in the picture out of my attic. They were for an old security system (fire and intrusion alarm). The wires ran to alarm sirens in the gable vents to alert the neighborhood when we forgot the cookies in the oven.
Edited 3/2/2005 8:49 am ET by Mojo
Or...the new robotic arachnids using wire webs..I hate them.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Restoring, Remodeling, Reclaiming The Quality..
it looks to be a an extensive system.
That triggered a thought, I wonder if they tested one of the early electrolumninecent systems in the units. The EL "lamp" looks like a square of plastic, with a couple of wires running out of it. The individual lights would necessitate a regular pattern, and in the ceiling.
EL is not much used, except in night lights and the like, as the color range (yellow green) leaves something to be desired as a residential light source. Very low power consuption and heat gain, though, IIRC.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
I googled (after making a gazzillion spelling mistakes) and found this: http://www.luminousfilm.com/el_lamp.htm
I'm checking for wiring information now.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
A close up of that junction box would be helpfull.
Here's a couple editied out of the original picture.
It looks like the orange cable connects the grey translucent blocks together. Each little bock seems to "sprout" two grey cables, which go into the ceiling. Wish I could see if there's a "left" and "right" to the alleged polystyrene "bits."
I wonder if it's some sort of speaker system? The Original OP should be tasked with tracing the orange wires to a source--that might tell us much.
Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
hey, don't be jacking with that! you're really screwing up the picture.
just as i got it focused.
VIVA SANCHO RON!
yup...
hard wired spy stuff..
got the bedrooms and baths covered ...
can'tja see that...
and yur closer than I am...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
The place is actually a hide-a-way for Charles and Camilla. That's why it's wired for looking.
VIVA SANCHO RON!
SanchoRon the caballero bowed low as he waved his sombrero and said goodbye.
FREE SANCHO!!!
2nd bill's assesment...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Don't suppose the previous tennent (or a neighbour) was into ham radio ?
Maybe you have a store/club nearby that handles ham equipment: you could ask them if this looks familiar.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
It vaguely resembles (though not enough) "thick" ethernet cable. Could possibly be some sort of old computer network cable. Could also be the backbone of some sort of speaker system, or some sort of TV distribution system. It's vaguely possible it's a fire detection system.
As someone else said, some pictures of the junction blocks with good detail would be helpful, as would a description of the wires (single wire? multiple wires? coax?).
"thick" ethernet calbe was thicker, and typically yellow. It was "tapped" with a screw-in connection, similar to how icemaker lines tap into copper water pipes.
I agree that a higher-resolution pic of the J-box, and a description of the wires, would help.
That's why I said "not close enough". Resembles but isn't.
Good answers all ! I just posted this thread for the guy, maybe he'll chime in here soon and give you some answers. Thanks again for all the good info !
Why is the heated ceiling absurd? Ive lived in apartments with such.
Or do I play along and posit that it could be a heat recapture system (thermal induction / resistance cooling hybrid). This is in an uninsulated attic, correct? the differential might increase the efficiency to a recoverable level, at even low degree-day climates.
he should plug it in and see what happens....
<G,D,&R>
start at say - 12v and work his way up to a solid 440...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Hmmm.I have a couple of neon sign transformers that will get him to about 20,000v. Of course at significantly reduced amperage. These units are fun to play with. Had a friend try to use one as an electric fence charger around his garden to keep the rabbits out. One late evening there was a flicker. Then a flash and a blue light and the sound of bacon frying and the smell of burning fur and ...Lets just say that Mr.Floppy had an 'accident'.As compensation Mr.Floppy was 'invited' to dinner. The stew came along rapidly as much of the cooking had already been done.
with out the amps how ya gonna burn yer way thru that mess..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
That WAS you there.......shhhh..Bugsy lives...good pyro show huh?SHHHHHSSSSHHHHH..the fur smell ...was my moms coat. SHHHHsshh
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Restoring, Remodeling, Reclaiming The Quality..
I'd like to see his face when he plugs it in, and suddenly the house is surrounded by UFOs.; )
The person you offend today, may have been your best friend tomorrow It is easy to be friends with someone you always agree with.