Did we create a fire hazard by leaving wires unconnected?

Question

So we've been doing some minor home repairs to my boyfriend's home, and we decided to replace his has-never-worked doorbell with a new wireless model.

We removed the old wired doorbell and the old wired chime unit in his living room, and then we mounted the wireless versions in their places. We covered the holes from the old wiring connections with electrical tape and then just mounted the new stuff over that.

I always assumed that a dead electrical connection was the problem. Like I said, the darned thing has never worked in the 8 years he's had the house. But then I just got to thinking ... we just left those wires unconnected to anything, shoved back into the wall.

Did we create a fire hazard?

Answer 1

Not if they were never connected to a circuit in the first place!!

But otherwise, yeah. Sorry. You are doomed to a firey end.

Answer 2

These are low voltage wires so probably not, but I would have taped them seperately just to be safe.

Answer 3

No. Just to make sure track down the old transformer for the door bell. It may be mounted near the electrical panel and disconnect it. All the switch does is operate a relay to make the low voltage bell ring. The wires would need something to ground against if it was still operable and be powered. Plus you covered them in electrical tape.

Answer 4

If loose wires are not insulated there can be a short circuit,

Answer 5

They're low voltage wires, so there is probably no hazard. It would be best to disconnect them from where they're connected, but if you can't figure that out you should at least tape the off.  

Answer 6

Unconnected wires are a breeding ground for fire accidents. It's best to tape them up well. Why take a chance even if it's low volatge?

Answer 7

LOOOOOOOL you say mounted xDDDD

Anyways, yes you have. if you just shoved the old wires back in there, thats a definite no-no