black wires connected from 2 different outlets

[anitach8]

I replaced 2 side by side rocker switches with 2 smart switches, one controls the kitchen lights and one controls the chandelier. There were 2 separate black wires coming from each wiring box that were twisted together. No tape or cap. Why would they be connected? And is this safe?

 

[Pete999]

I replaced 2 side by side rocker switches with 2 smart switches, one controls the kitchen lights and one controls the chandelier. There were 2 separate black wires coming from each wiring box that were twisted together. No tape or cap. Why would they be connected? And is this safe?

Wait till MEGAWATT APPEARS HE WILL SURELY HELP YOU OUT

 

[westward10]

Can you show a picture.

 

[anitach8]

Can you show a picture.

I forgot to take a pic... ugh. But imagine a black wire coming from one gang box and another coming from the other gang box, and they are twisted together in a line across both boxes. Could these be the traveler wires? BC neither switch is 3 way?

 

[anitach8]

I forgot to take a pic... ugh. But imagine a black wire coming from one gang box and another coming from the other gang box, and they are twisted together in a line across both boxes. Could these be the traveler wires? BC neither switch is 3 way?

But there is no cap on them, is that safe? or can I just use electrical tape?

 

[westward10]

They could serve any purpose but if the switches are functional then they need a connector fitting to them, not tape.

 

[anitach8]

They could serve any purpose but if the switches are functional then they need a connector fitting to them, not tape.

Like a wire nut correct?

 

[anitach8]

Like a wire nut correct?

 

[anitach8]

View attachment 86332View attachment 86333

 

[anitach8]

View attachment 86334

So…. I only have 3 black wires that were running 2 rocker switches. The black wire with the copper exposed… they used that as some sort of “junction “? I’m so confused

 

[westward10]

I think you need to get an electrician involved. I cannot see the two blacks twisted together, I can see a black with a seftionnof insulation missing and the greens need connecting to ground.