Junction boxes are designed to protect your wiring connections from damage. Making electrical connections outside of a junction box will damage the wiring and increase the risk of heat and sparks.

Is it OK to use junction boxes?

Junction boxes are commonly used during alterations and additions to an installation. ... Unless provision is made for access, where boarding, carpet or other similar covering is laid over a junction box with screw terminals, it may not be considered accessible and maintenance free terminals should be used.

Do junction boxes prevent fires?

When one or more electrical wires are twisted together, the connection causes resistance to the flow of electricity, which in turn creates heat. ... Not only does the cover protect the wiring from accidental human contact, it also prevents the spread of a fire should the wires overheat.