Telephone NID (network interface device) Box On Outside Of House Question ?

[Robert11]

Hello:

Have the standard NID (network interface device) telephone box on the
outside of my house.


But, there is also a smaller J 104 labeled box right next to it.


Did a lot of Googling, but cannot find anything on a J 104, or J104, box.


Anyone know what it is, and/or a possible link to where they are described,
and what they are utilized for ?


Thanks,
Bob

 

[Paul Hovnanian P.E.]

Hello:

Have the standard NID (network interface device) telephone box on the
outside of my house.

But, there is also a smaller J 104 labeled box right next to it.

Did a lot of Googling, but cannot find anything on a J 104, or J104, box.

Anyone know what it is, and/or a possible link to where they are described,
and what they are utilized for ?

Thanks,
Bob

This is just a guess. I have two boxes on my house. The larger one, the
NID, terminates the telco drop and provides an RJ-11 test point. Further
back, toward the telco, there is a smaller box (or terminal block) that
contains two surge suppressers and the point which is connected to the
premises ground.

Back in the old days, this smaller grounding block was all that was
installed by the telco to contain the surge suppressers. Once the telco
turns the responsibility for the interior wiring over to the homeowner,
whenever a technician visits a house, they cut in a NID. When they do
so, often times, they leave the old surge suppresser block and grounds
in place.

For newer installations, the surge suppressers, grounds and everything
are installed in the NID.

 

[John Gilmer]

This is just a guess. I have two boxes on my house. The larger one, the
NID, terminates the telco drop and provides an RJ-11 test point. Further
back, toward the telco, there is a smaller box (or terminal block) that
contains two surge suppressers and the point which is connected to the
premises ground.

You "smaller box" is a legacy device. It's function should be
incorporated into a modern NID.

 

[Paul Hovnanian P.E.]

You "smaller box" is a legacy device. It's function should be
incorporated into a modern NID.

Exactly correct. Common practice of telco technicians is to add the NID
and leave the old junction pointin place for modifications. New installs
get the NID only.