If you’ve never heard of the term “flying splices”, you’re not alone; and if you think it sounds like a sci-fi reference or an exotic insect, we don’t blame you. However, flying splices are a very real, 
very dangerous and very common electrical issue—particularly in older homes—and are one of the top causes of house fires. Not sure whether your home’s electrical wiring has flying splices? Not to worry! The electrical experts at Farryn Electric have three facts about flying splices to help you understand what they are, the dangers they impose, steps you can take detect them, and ultimately, protect your home from an electrical-related fire.
What They Are
The term “flying splices” is an electrical term for wiring that has been spliced together, meaning that the wires have been connected, left open and not enclosed in a junction box. Unfortunately these connections become loose, and because they are not in a box (they are hidden in walls and ceilings) They are very hard to detect. Not to be “captain obvious” but those things that have a potential for causing fires should be in a box and their location should be known. Unfortunately, this technique is found in the oldest forms of wiring like knob and tube wiring, in residential homes, and other generations of wiring as well. Not only is this technique now illegal, but it also is creating a dangerous situation for you and your home.
Why They’re Dangerous
Although flying splices are more typical in older residences, it is still possible that your newer home is suffering from them as well. Like many situations in life, some people are not qualified to do the job they are hired to do, and your flying splice situation could be the result of poor workmanship and an uneducated electrician. What makes flying splices so dangerous to you, your loved ones and your home? Many times, the wiring in a home is located within the walls and ceilings, making it so you will never be able to see it and therefore, you will never know if this dangerous wiring is there. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Not quite. Due to the increased susceptibility of sparking, flying splices are one of the top causes of house fires, but since you cannot see them, how can you protect your home from them? Read on to learn how you can discover if your home has flying splices and how to combat this dangerous issue.
How to Keep Your Home Safe
Luckily, flying splices are not a permanent issue, and with the help of a knowledgeable and experienced electrical expert, the issue can be fixed. A common solution to these issues is to upgrade your home’s electrical system. First thing’s first: hire an experienced electrician to find any weak and dangerous wiring in your home. The experts at Farryn Electric have the tools and knowledge (keep original link) to not only detect flying splices, but we will do so without making any holes – a skill both you and your home will thank us for. If it is determined that your home has flying splices, the wiring connection will be corrected and your home will instantly be safer.
When it comes to your home’s electrical wiring, stop living by the “what you don’t know won’t hurt you” mentality, especially if you live in an older home. Flying splices are highly dangerous, and as previously mentioned, highly prevalent in older homes. Don’t rely on luck—contact the team at Farryn Electric today!
