What have I run into here?

[bungalowrescue]

Was doing some old house cleaning -- disconnecting old wires, old communication systems, etc. I ran into this. All the wires from a previous security system are going into it. The wires have been cut, but I don't know if this is connected to a larger power source. I'm new to this, so please explain slowly so that I understand. Should I disconnect or is there a risk of shock? And what is the gray/orange box?

 

[user 4883]

Get yourself a non-contact voltage sensor and see if any of the wires are hot. Not sure what the box is.

 

[havasu]

Looks like a telephone wire hack job to me.