| What is knob and tube wiring? | | | | with this wiring system is that it is not a grounded |
| It is one of the oldest methods of electrical wiring | | | | system. This means it cannot be used to wire |
| in buildings and had been a standard method of | | | | modern electrical outlets but only for ungrounded |
| wiring in North America from the 1880's to the | | | | applications. |
| 1930's. This wiring method uses knobs which help | | | | How do you maintain the knob and tube wiring |
| hold in copper wires that are insulated by ceramic | | | | system and ensure safety in your home? |
| tubes that run through the joist and stud | | | | If your house was built more than 50 years ago |
| drill-holes. The actual wire consists of only a hot | | | | you might have the knob and tube wiring system. |
| (black) and neutral (white) wire with no ground | | | | It is extremely important to conduct thorough |
| wire. Both wires must run separately to fixtures | | | | inspection of the wiring system. You can hire the |
| as opposed to those used now which are | | | | services of an experienced electrician or get an |
| contained within a plastic sheathing. | | | | electrical contractor to conduct the inspection for |
| Is it safe? | | | | you. A proper inspection will help find the faults |
| It is safe but the downside of this wiring system | | | | with the wiring. Furthermore timely repairs and |
| is that it is too outdated to be used in the | | | | proper maintenance can ensure longevity of the |
| modern home especially with all the heavy duty | | | | wiring. |
| electrical appliances we use these days. In fact | | | | Hire the right electrical contractors to get your |
| several insurance companies are not willing to | | | | upgraded or changed In case you need to get the |
| cover homes that have existing knob & tube | | | | wiring changed an electrician will be able to replace |
| wiring, or will do so only at a much higher rate. | | | | your existing with copper. In fact you can even |
| The wiring can have a few problems under | | | | get your entire house wiring upgraded to meet all |
| certain circumstances. The insulation used in rather | | | | the current electrical codes and standards. There |
| brittle and can't withstand high temperatures like | | | | are several highly qualified and experienced |
| modern wiring. If the knob and tube wiring has | | | | electricians and electrical contractors who can run |
| been used inappropriately it can cause the | | | | new wires with minimal damage to walls. Look for |
| insulation to break leaving the wire exposed. | | | | electrical contractor who offer comprehensive |
| Improper splicing can be a hazardous problem too | | | | installation services including arranging for all |
| especially because splicing into the knob and tube | | | | permits and inspection, to even plastering the |
| wiring is not a simple process. Another problem | | | | holes they make in the walls. |