Does anyone know what this is?

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I'm not an electrician so bear that in mind.

But I've seen similar in commercial premises, where that is a switch, which is activated using a special shaped key that is inserted into the two holes there.

But as I say, I'm not an electrician, so dont go prodding it with metal things!
 
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The screw spacing means it's old. As to what unlikely a key switch and does not look like a fuse.
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The keyed switch has one slot not two so not likely that. But the screw holes mean it is likely a grid switch device.
 
I think the early versions (late '70s ish?) of those key switches did have two slots, one either end of the switch rocker, and the "key" was a simple flat blade as opposed to the forked version used at present.

So my guess is that it is an old version of such a switch
 
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While it looks similar to a key switch (usually used as a test device for emergency lighting), given its position I suspect it's more likely to be a fused spur, with the central "blob" being the fuse holder. If so it was probably there to power a bathroom heater which has since been removed.

PJ
 
Thank you all for your interesting responses. The property was built in 1976, which ties in with Robin's suggestion. I don't know if any heaters were removed in the past though.

I'm not going to touch it. I have to get an electrician round at some point to move a couple of sockets so I'll see if he can check if it's part of the lighting ring or remove it. In the meantime I'm going to read up about all the things you've mentioned.

Thanks again.
 
Its old style "crabtree" the keys no longer made, the only way to operate it is get the new style key, cut off the end and push in either bottom Or top hole to operate it, alternatively use a 3mm flat screwdriver
 
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