If you’ve ever lived or worked in a house that was built between 1900’s and 1950’s, it’s very likely you’ve come across knob & tube wiring. Back in the day, this technology was considered a breakthrough for the electrical industry, but the norms and standards have evolved since then. Today, knob & tube wiring that has never been replaced or upgraded is considered unsafe. Old wiring can violate legal electrical codes and may decrease the value of your property.

 

So, what are the dangers associated with the outdated knob & tube wiring? First and foremost, knob and tube wiring consists of two separately stranded wires, that run through your walls and attic, but not through the ground. Knob and tube wiring runs through the open-air splices inside your walls under your insulation, yet there is no electrical box. This offers virtually no protection from electric shocks, overheating, or even igniting a fire. Additionally, the buildings with knob & tube wiring usually have an outdated insulation layer, and the circuitry may be impacted by plumbing or external water leaks, risking to shock the building’s occupants. Furthermore, older electrical systems didn’t carry high ampacity loads, and these extra loads that a modern home consumes might become a source of a full spectrum of electrical hazards. Over the years, if occupants wish to add more outlets to the house, electrical overvoltage is at a high risk of happening.

 

If you consider selling your property, make sure the original knob & tube wiring is replaced with a more modern solution, as it might cost you a potential sale. The reason is, home insurance companies will refuse to cover the homes with the outdated circuitry. If you are purchasing real estate with an outdated knob and tube wiring, make sure to negotiate an agreement where a seller would provide a licensed electrician to rewire a house as soon as possible.

 

Do not think of replacing knob and tube wiring on your own, an expert should inspect the condition of the wires, connections, devices like receptacles, switches, and overcurrent protection by fuses or circuit breakers. Because of the dangers involved, we urge you to contact Philip M. Brunelli Jr. master electrician to detect and correct all knob and tube wiring in your home or commercial business. Contact us today to get a quote for full knob and tube rewire. Having the peace of mind, knowing your electrical system meets the modern electrical code for safety, goes a long way.

 

Take a look at a recent knob & tube rewire we did: