Any ideas what type of outlet this is? (phone, convert, condo)

[HappyRider]

I came across a cover plate and when I removed it this is what was behind it. Never seen anything like it.

https://ibb.co/3kzLnYb

[K'ledgeBldr]

It's an old phone connection.

[HappyRider]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

It's an old phone connection.

I am no spring chicken but even I haven't seen one like this. When was it in use?

[399083453]

Originally Posted by HappyRider

I am no spring chicken but even I haven't seen one like this. When was it in use?

1930 to 1970

[HappyRider]

Originally Posted by 399083453

1930 to 1970

Interesting. So the property is older than I am told. They say it was built in 1980 but then it's a condo and different units may have been built at different times. But 10 years?

[reed303]

When "modular connectors" ( ie, RJ-11) came in in the early 70's, these old 4 prong jacks did not get replaced overnite. Could also be a retrofit to handle a phone or answering machine that had a 4 prong plug.

You could replace it with an RJ-11 like this
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-...-PMW/202059848
or recover it and leave it alone.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Originally Posted by reed303

You could replace it with an RJ-11 like this
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-...-PMW/202059848
or recover it and leave it alone.

You don't even have to do that- there are adaptors that plug into the old 4 post plugs and have the modular plug(s)- no need to "rewire".

Hell; who uses a "landline" phone in their home anymore!?

[wit-nit]

OP The old modular connectors were phased out in 1976 according to Wikipedia. Our 1978 house had them and I imagined many were still used until supplies diminished into the late 80's.

[wit-nit]

Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr

You don't even have to do that- there are adaptors that plug into the old 4 post plugs and have the modular plug(s)- no need to "rewire".

Hell; who uses a "landline" phone in their home anymore!?

As of 2018 https://www.textrequest.com/blog/how...line-phone/43% of US households still use a landline.

[elnina]

Looks like old 4 prong jack for a phone. It goes with this and they still work fine. I had them in my house ( built in 1950)

http://www.smcelectronics.com/TEL55.JPG

Or you can convert it:
https://www.ehow.com/how_8649835_con...lar-jacks.html

One could buy it here
https://www.amazon.com/Telephone-mod.../dp/B00D6NRI6C

https://www.amazon.com/Telephone-Pro...253412-0655710