Should the exposed wiring on the ceiling beam in my basement be enclosed in a box for safety reasons, or is it acceptable as is?
Asked by Delphine Thompson 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 23, 2024
Hey, do you think this is okay, or should it be in a box? It’s on one of the ceiling beams down in my basement. Just so you know, I didn’t do this, it was done by the homebuilder.
That splice should be placed inside the box.
Onzalez in that container or maybe even in a separate container.
Hey there, !
If you’re not aware that all splices need to go into a box, then it’s best to avoid doing any electrical work, onzalez.
Oh, come on dude! LOL
Nope, all wires must be terminated within rated enclosures, not just anywhere
If you have to ask that, maybe this group isn’t for you and you shouldn’t touch it.
Some people join groups like this to learn and ask questions, which is perfectly fine.
True. There are groups specifically for that purpose, where you need to be a certified electrician to join. It doesn’t seem like this is that kind of group to me. However, I also responded to him in another comment.
I usually agree but misunderstandings with electricity can have serious consequences, even leading to fatalities in extreme cases. If you don’t have a basic understanding, it’s best to avoid working on it.
Definitely
I’m not exactly sure where it’s coming from or what it’s connected to, but yes, it should be placed in a junction box. Personally, I like to wrap the wire nuts with some super 33 electrical tape. If possible, eliminating a splice is the best practice
Mentions there is no need to wrap wire nuts with tape.
Recommends wrapping wire nuts in areas with vibration, although it’s not necessary in this scenario.
Seems like you’re the culprit! Please stop. Properly done splices are fine and present in most parts of a house.
Are you saying an exposed splice without a box is acceptable? Keep in mind that splices can lead to loose connections which cause issues.
Suggests using tape when wrapping wires, especially for non-electricians asking questions.
Onzalez I’m cool with vibration, but I don’t think it’s the best idea to use it in other situations.
I’m curious about opinions on taping wire nuts and the correct orientation of receptacles (ground up or ground down). Would be interesting to see a poll on this!
Says only beginners use tape to wrap wire nuts. 😎
It’s just a little extra protection.
Pagliaro, the person who asked the question, is a beginner. So the suggestion is a good fit.
Is anyone in Canada following the code that says if the outlet is vertical, the ground is supposed to be up, and if it’s mounted horizontally, the neutral goes up? I doubt it, since I’ve never seen a house in Ontario with their outlets like that.
Absolutely not, jeez
No, read what I wrote. I said “If done correctly”. I doubt you’re actually qualified as an electrician, so maybe refrain from giving advice. Can you name one thing in a house that doesn’t involve a splice, please?
He is not an electrician
Why are you trying to start an argument? Instead of being negative, try to stay positive or just stay silent. Your actions aren’t helping.
What’s wrong with me stopping you from sharing inaccurate info? How is it not helpful for someone to fix something that was done wrong because of false information? You’re not an electrician, so maybe it’s best for you to listen instead. This is your chance to make things right, so do what you should have done from the start. Thank you.
If I can save a real electrician from having to clean up after you and remove your unnecessary super 88 tape from a 10-watt light fixture…then I’ve done something worthwhile.
Why do you think I spread false information? Come on, let’s be mature about this.
That’s how I was taught here in the US
I’ve been wrapping wire nuts in electrical tape for as long as I can remember, especially in basements or damp areas. Old wire nuts were terrible, so it just became a habit.
I have no problem with doing it this way. But I bet if I tried it on a new build, I’d get criticized for installing every receptacle ‘upside down’.
What’s the reason?
Maybe a wire got cut by someone. Who knows? It’s scary if the builder allowed that.
It should definitely be inside the box. It wouldn’t pass any inspection otherwise.
No worries. It’s all good
Seems like a box was added there which was not originally there, and they connected to it. They should have covered it with a junction box. Then run the feed from there to the outlet box
That’s exactly what I was thinking, Richard.
It’s a shame that there’s enough cable to fit both if the box had been installed correctly.
Why on earth?
Just to clarify, are you wondering why those spices need to be in a junction box?
I can see it clearly from my house 🤣
You beat me to the punch 🤣
If the home builder let that slide, they probably shouldn’t be building homes anymore
I’m guessing the builder was the homeowner who wasn’t familiar with codes. I’d be worried to see the rest of the house if the builder can’t handle romex properly. Especially not using a handibox with a dual terminal receptacle and just running the romex into the box like this mess
I have my doubts, that homeowner seems to have written all over that
Thinking beyond the box
N arrett now might be a good time to consider staying inside the box! 📦 lol
Now that’s a riot! Absolutely love it! LMAO
Ald Rogers I should have mentioned “Thinking inside the box” 🤣
N arrett Haha it’s still hilarious!
You might want to consider using one of those convenient rackatier boxes designed for open splices like that, although ideally it should have been included in the box from the start.
Oh no, a failure!
Honestly, I’m more worried about the direction of those cover screws
Oh wow, it’s totally fine 👍 if you enjoy it 🔥
Hey, if you did that, just stop using the tools and exit the group
He claimed he didn’t.
Yeah but he keeps checking if it’s okay. Equally as terrible
At least the splice is not buried, which is a good thing.
Yup, it definitely belongs in a box.
Someone was not keen on redoing the circuit 🤣😂😂
In my opinion, spending a bit more on a 4×4 steel box and cover plate to use for connections is worth it. I prefer wrapping around the entire receptacle.
Yes, place it in the outlet box to prevent sparks or wire damage that could lead to a fire.
Try using a deeper box and placing them inside.
For sure, make sure it’s in the box, especially if you’re going to install a ceiling and cover it up.
Oh my gosh, 😂😂 I used to think this was acceptable as well
Nope, it must be contained in a box.
😆😆😆😆😆
Just close it up like a clamshell
The home builder is estimating
All wires should be contained inside the box.
If there was just a box to put that in…
This example is quite basic.
Unbelievable. I can’t believe this is real. Seriously?! Impossible.
‘t worry, as long as it’s within the beam!!🤪
Wow, that’s unacceptable! You should definitely ask for a refund!
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This is exactly why all properties in North America should undergo an electrical inspection when changing hands or after a certain number of years. It’s no surprise so many fires start from electrical issues!!🔥
Are there really ‘so many’?? I haven’t seen that many in my neighborhood.
There are plenty of scammers in this area who take advantage of the elderly!!
I find it incredible how few properties actually burn down.
How many properties burn to the ground each year?
Come on, that’s not very smart
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I’m pretty sure the box fill will meet the requirements.
If boxes were not meant to be utilized, they would not produce them
Looks like there’s no ground wire connected to the duplex outlet.
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Someone really messed up here… maybe a not-so-bright individual…
Completely incorrect, but not a major fire hazard. I would be more concerned about backstabbing
The box is meant for installing the receptacle, not for making the connection. reat job!
I really hope you’re kidding.
Hower sometimes it’s okay to be a little sarcastic. We encounter many scary things out there. Just two days ago, I had a situation where 14 divided by 2 was used for a three-way split.
Seems like a last-minute addition, doesn’t it? What could have prompted them to install a box in that location?
It appears good when you’re right under the box, even better once the Sheetrock is in place. Might want to inspect the entire house or consider getting double fire insurance.
Doubling the insurance won’t make a difference, . If they discover a code violation like this that could be linked to the fire, coverage will be denied.
Hey, that’s hilarious!
The inspector must’ve had a good meal that night!