The wires are unsafe and should not be there. They are the rotation leads, and carry 240-volts of electricity. The wires are “live” most of the time, even when the fan is not running. They are a shock hazard and required to be protected from weather deterioration and mechanical damage, and the wire connections should be made in the integral junction box/wiring compartment that was part of the UL-listing of the equipment at time of manufacture.

   This happens when a lazy air conditioning tech changes out the fan motor. It just takes a few more minutes of work to secure the wires correctly below the fan grille. We always call this defect out for repair during a home inspection, and it’s one we see pretty often. 

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  To learn more about condensers, see these other blog posts:

• Why does an air conditioner condenser unit need to be level? 

• How do I understand the air conditioner or heat pump condenser label (data plate)?

• What is causing the outdoor unit (condenser) of my air conditioner to shake? 

• How can I tell if an air conditioner uses R-22 or R-410A refrigerant? 

• What is the average life expectancy of an air conditioner? 

• Can the disconnect box be mounted directly on a heat pump or air conditioning condenser? 

• What is the code for minimum height of air conditioner or heat pump condenser mounting pad/slab above ground?

• Can I convert a heat pump or air conditioner from R-22 refrigerant to R-410A, or switch R-410A to R-22? 

• How can I tell whether the condenser (outdoor unit) is an air conditioner or heat pump?

• What is the small pipe sticking out of the eaves/soffit under the roof overhang?  

• How much clearance is needed around an air conditioner? 

• How can I make my Florida air conditioner last longer? 

• What is the requirement for a service receptacle outlet for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HACR) equipment?

• Does an old air conditioner use more electricity as it ages?

• Does the condenser (outdoor unit) SEER rating determine the SEER of an air conditioning system? 

• When does the ban on R-22 air conditioning refrigerant take effect?  

• Why is it bad to have a clothes dryer vent near an air conditioning condenser (outdoor unit)?  

• What is an air conditioning heat recovery system? 

• My air conditioner outside unit (condenser) won't start and is making a humming noise. What's wrong?

• The coolant line to the outside unit of my air conditioner is frozen. What's wrong? 

• Does the mounting pad have to be replaced to install at new heat pump or air conditioner condenser (outside unit)? 

• What is the required clearance for access and working space in front a heat pump or air conditioning condenser (outside unit)? 

• What is the difference between a fan coil unit (FCU) and an air handling unit (AHU)?

• What is the best location for a heat pump condenser (outside unit)? 

   Visit our HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.