What is this round metal part?
by
Rosie
+5
Is there electric cords behind this, and do you think there used to be outdoor lighting here (it's right next to my entrance door)?
That's what it looks like. A covered electric box.
Yes, it looks like a covered electrical box.
It's a cover or "blank" to cover either a junction box or more likely old wiring. It may or may not be live wires behind it. The only way to know for sure is for a person with experience or an electrician to test the wires hidden behind the box. It would be dangerous to check it out unless you know what you are doing and have a tester. It may have been the connection for a light in the past. Whether the wiring is still there, or live, would have to be checked.
Probably. If it's a junction, it cannot be bricked in.
i believe there are electrical cords back there.
Yep! Electrical box cover over electrical box. Probably wires there for outdoor light. Since you had to ask, don't mess with yourself. If you want to put it to use get someone that is familiar with electricity or hire an electrician.
You can camouflage it with paint. You cannot block it as it may be needed for access to the wires.
LOOKS AS THOUGH THERE WAS AN ILLUMINATED HOUSE NUMBER OR NAME FIXED TO THE WALL!