Why is a phone circuit plugged into 115 Volts

to run an old princes phone which had a light on it?

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A "plug" or a "wall-wart?"

Or is it an intercom system over the power line?

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Hi, Sea. Firsts there was a phone that required power while it was on hook (caller ID, for instance). Phone company rules specify that phones can't use more than milliwatts from the phone line when they're on hook. So the extra phone features are powered off line voltage (usually with a wall wart in there somewhere).

If you've got a multimeter, though, it wouldn't hurt to unscrew the phone service wall plate and measure the voltage. Or have a friend do it. With all phones on hook, you should see a nominal 48VDC (usually between 40 and 60VDC) with no AC between the green and red wires. If you're measuring line voltage AC between these wires, you should have your wiring checked immediately. The prior owner may have squirreled a little gadget back there it might be good to know about, too.

It also might be best to ask your phone company for a safety inspection before they hook up. This service is always free, AFAIK.

It doesn't hurt to be cautious, especially if the prior owner was particularly frisky with electricity. Owning a house isn't a guarantee of intelligence, and I've heard of amazing things done by prior owners in some older homes.

Good luck Chris

The telephone wire leads to the 115 volt outlet but then what? Where does it come from? Some really dumb owner may have used telephone wire as AC extension cord.

Tom

better have a look at all the wiring in the house to make sure you didn't buy a firetrap

I'd say you are correct....

The "plug" being a small transformer with screw terminals that was used for the purpose you state.

I bought a surge protector that plugged into wall voltage and it has three ports for telephone lines. The manual says that by running the phone line from the wall to the surge protector which is connected to a

120vac wall outlet and then by plugging phone, fax, modem lines into the same surge protector the equipment will be protected.

This may be something similar to what you have but I have to admit I don't know enough about this to offer a qualified, complete explanation.

On a different subject, I have also read that active 120vac wiring can carry telephone signals from one outlet to another using available equipment. But I don't understand this technology.

Belkin Home Series F9H120-CW Surge Protector

saxum g.n.

You should ask the guy who sold you the house.

Good Luck! Rich