I found this junction in my attic when doing some unrelated work. It was entirely wrapped in electrical tape before I took the photos. My assumption is that it’s not code since it’s not in a box, but how dangerous is this? They split the wire and spliced the hot and neutral, potentially soldered to then new line, but left the ground intact. I took it apart and put it in a box. Is it worth looking for other DIY electrical?
EDIT: Found another one! It seems even worse. Unfortunately I can’t even tell what this powers. It runs to an area that is difficult to access. Should I just disconnect it and see what loses power? It strikes me as a poor choice of wire to power outlets, to say the least, but I don’t know what else it could be. It seems to be a cheap extension cord which was spliced.
Best Answer
The junction is not to code because it would need to be made in a box. The wire is wrapped for a mechanical connection but I was taught 7 turns for a tap with old knob and tube, and without even counting we can see the insulation is burned. this happens when there is a poor connection.
The best option would be to purchase two construction boxes boxes and blank covers and a couple of feet of the same gauge wire. And 6 wire nuts and last some electrical staples 5 will be needed (the wire looks like 14 gauge). If you cannot read the size get 12 gauge. Or take a chunk to the store to match the size--bigger is ok.
This really should be done right away. (Is that burned spot on the wood from the bad splice on the white wire?) You don’t want a fire and this would be the least expensive way to make a proper repair.