I’ve never seen this before. Was this a thing on older homes. 1966 build but had a more modern breaker main panel. I assume the cover is not modern safett compliant?
Don’t assume anything just report what you see. That type of installation was usually done for a specific appliance and may indicate an unfused circuit (other than the observed fuse). An electrician would have to determine if that fuse could be eliminated.
That’s new. Thanks for sharing.
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Hmmmm!! First attempt at a GFCI receptacle that never made it to the market or Uncle Elmer the electrician’s attempt. 
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So IMO the circuit is providing more power than expected or needed (such as in a ring circuit) at this receptacle or the appliance needs to be protected from higher amps. Is that a 7 amp fuse?
It’s a fused receptacle, you can still buy one (it’s UL listed):
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See them every day. Every furnace is supposed to be plugged into one here in Tucson.
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Furnace plugged into a receptacle? do you have any pics of this
Googled searched and the OP’s pic isn’t including anywhere. Wonder why?
Called an SOY fuse box cover. Still in use today so there is nothing out of the ordinary with them.
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Haven’t seen the ‘receptacle’ version, but used to see the ‘servicemans switch’ fairly often, though not so much anymore.
Haven’t ever seen one and if still in use “today”, where would you see it and used for what?
Yep, me too. Mechanical closets etc.
I’m curious the need. Maybe the receptacle is off of the appliance circuit and needs to protect the serviceman from the higher voltage?
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For protecting a cord connected appliance, which draws less than the specified number of amps. I see them on furnaces every now and then, and never with any indication what fuse value should be installed.
It can be used to reduce the size of the OCPD protecting equipment such as a 15 amp fuse on a 20 amp branch circuit. Some people prefer the fast acting nature of a fuse adjacent to a piece of equipment over a circuit breaker. For the photo in the OP that could be used on a 20 amp circuit with a 15 amp fuse because that is a single 15 amp receptacle which is not permitted as the sole receptacle on a 20 amp circuit. I meant to imply that although their use may be rare they can still be used.
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Sorry out of town for past few days. Here’s a pic. But to a regular outlet. Should be a fused outlet…
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This is how they are done here… AZ…
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