Final answer:
Old-style porcelain light fixtures without electrical boxes potentially pose safety risks and should be replaced to meet modern electrical codes, enhance safety with a proper earth/ground connection, and improve energy efficiency with CFL or LED lights.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with very old-style porcelain light fixtures used without electrical boxes, safety and compliance with current electrical codes must be considered. These fixtures potentially could be a. should be replaced immediately if they do not meet current safety standards. If the wiring insulation is worn, as sometimes can happen over time, it might lead to direct contact with the metal case of the fixture, causing a severe shock risk if the fixture doesn't have a proper earth/ground connection. Furthermore, the lack of a modern electrical box can present risks, as these boxes help contain sparks or heat from a faulty wire connection. Given the advancements in lighting technology, such as the development of compact fluorescent lights (CFL) and white LED lights, replacing outdated porcelain fixtures not only increases safety but also energy efficiency and longevity of the lighting system within a building.