this post was submitted on 02 Jul 2023
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What is this thing?

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There is a key to lock it closed, and the same key will lock it either on or off. In keeping with a Victorian Bell/Butler Board but not near it in the house.

I guess it must be some kind of isolator switch, but I know nothing of its history.

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Guessing by the size of the wires this was meant to switch Mains power and was set u to cut/connect both legs at the same time. Since you mentioned a butler call board, it could have been used like this.