I'm looking to identify an object in my roof

hptabx2 · Oct 28, 2023

This electrical item sits on top of the plaster from the roof. There is a humming noise coming from it, it puts out a lot of heat and sometimes things in the room below will vibrate. It's very strange I know. I am unable to get closer to it as I have been informed that there is no manhole on the premises. Can someone please help me identify it?

There seems to be a black cable running into it and out of it. I have experienced hot flushes and red skin, could it be the cause?

MJPD29 · Oct 28, 2023

Looks like a transformer, potentially for lighting. It is most certainly not the cause for your hot flushes, you should seek real medical advice for that.

hptabx2 · Oct 28, 2023

MJPD29 said:
Looks like a transformer, potentially for lighting. It is most certainly not the cause for your hot flushes, you should seek real medical advice for that.

thanks for the advice and taking the time to reply, I am hoping there is some way to identify the device. searching for wedge shaped power box has not got me very far

SJD · Oct 28, 2023

Perhaps work out which circuit it is powered from, that may (or may not) give some clues (e.g. by switching off circuit breakers).

Could it be some kind of whole-building ventilation unit?

hptabx2 · Oct 28, 2023

Here are some more photos. I took a photo of the other side of the roof where all the main cables run. Basically it's 3 rooms joined together but separated by plaster. The side with the device in question has air con units along that side.

There is no ventilation as far as I'm aware. If it were a transformer, what kind of terms should I Google to identify it? Thanks

LukeD · Oct 28, 2023

There is something about the original post/question ...Ive seen this before .

pc1966 · Oct 28, 2023

Do you have any recessed lights that take 12V lamps? Like these here in UK:

Aurora LED 5W MR16 Lamp

• Average life 25000 hours• 60º Wide beam angle• Equivalent to 45W• Non Dimmable• 3000K Warm white 500lm, 4000K Cool white 520lm• LW: 51 x 50mmEnFiniti™ edge-to-edge multifaceted polycarbonate lens creates low glare and halogen-like appearance. Thermoplastic body aluminium heat-sink.

www.toolstation.com

If you do in a room near it then almost certainly a transformer for them. I hate it when folks install that way, eventually it needs replacing and then it is a case of finding it and damaging the roof to get access

hptabx2 · Oct 29, 2023

pc1966 said:
Do you have any recessed lights that take 12V lamps? Like these here in UK:

Aurora LED 5W MR16 Lamp

• Average life 25000 hours• 60º Wide beam angle• Equivalent to 45W• Non Dimmable• 3000K Warm white 500lm, 4000K Cool white 520lm• LW: 51 x 50mmEnFiniti™ edge-to-edge multifaceted polycarbonate lens creates low glare and halogen-like appearance. Thermoplastic body aluminium heat-sink.

www.toolstation.com

If you do in a room near it then almost certainly a transformer for them. I hate it when folks install that way, eventually it needs replacing and then it is a case of finding it and damaging the roof to get access

There is no lighting on that side of the premises, on the other side where the other power cables run there are these lights.

Appreciate all the comments so far and the general friendliness in this forum.

hptabx2 · Oct 29, 2023

SJD said:
Perhaps work out which circuit it is powered from, that may (or may not) give some clues (e.g. by switching off circuit breakers).

Could it be some kind of whole-building ventilation unit?

I will give this a try tomorrow morning, thank you