electrical question: 5 different spliced wires in ceiling....

mldollins · #1 05/27/10, 04:53 PM

Well, in the process of tearing out my ceiling and adding a drop down, I noticed that there were 5 electrical wires spliced and heavily taped together. Do those need to be in 5 different boxes or can you use one oversized panel or box?

copperkid3 · #2 05/27/10, 05:18 PM

I going to have to 'assume' that these 5 different wires are in fairly close proximity
to one another. Is so, then there is no reason why they cannot be placed into one large
enough junction box with access to it; either from the attic or flush with the new ceiling.
They should be re-secured together after the tape in removed, with the correct sized wire
nuts and the portions of the wires coming into the box should be clamped to it with the correct
type used for this purpose.

It would also help to have a photo of what it is that you are actually talking about.
Other than that, be sure and check your local codes in regards to the NEC requirements of your state.

tiogacounty · #3 05/27/10, 07:26 PM

This could be anything from a bit of an issue, to a disaster waiting to happen, depending on the what, where and why of this mess. A picture would REALLY help. I have found "illegal" splices that were meticuliously done and quite immpressive, to others that were either hot to the touch or had charred the surrounding area, well on their way to being listed as the "source of ignition" on the fire inspector's report. Good luck.

Old Vet · #4 05/27/10, 10:30 PM

I assume that they are the white wires not the black. I have seen this in some insulations and what happen is you turn off one breaker and if one of them is loose you will get shock because all of them are live. I would rewire and have each one going back to the circuit beaker box and tie to the right place instead of trying to save money.

Beeman · #5 05/27/10, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mldollins

Well, in the process of tearing out my ceiling and adding a drop down, I noticed that there were 5 electrical wires spliced and heavily taped together. Do those need to be in 5 different boxes or can you use one oversized panel or box?

First figure out what they are for and why they are spliced in a ceiling and not in a box. Also try and find the other fire starters hidden in the house.

rambler · #6 05/27/10, 11:42 PM

Sounds like your house will have some electrical issues through out the place, this is the first one you found....

Copper kid explained it well, depending on what it is you actually have there.

---->Paul

cfabe · #7 05/28/10, 08:39 AM

Need pictures to offer any useful information.

In general all splices must be in accessible boxes, and secured with wire nuts not just taped. You can use one large box, but you must follow the rules for box fill, only so many conductors are allowed in a given size box. For future service and tracing out circuits, it's usually better not to have multiple circuits share boxes, it just adds confusion. Plus, the large enclosures are more expensive than the small plastic boxes.

In some old wiring methods (knob & tube, etc) loose splices were made, usually soldered and then taped over. This was legal then and if the wiring is in good condition can be left in service. This was used as late as the 60s in some areas.

Generally speaking, old wiring is safe as long as it was properly installed and is still in good condition. It's the years and years of DIY fixes and remodels that you really have to be concerned about. I found some scary stuff when I was remodeling a 1950s house I owned.