Knob and Tube Wiring
Knob and tube wiring was a standard method of electrical wiring in buildings between the 1900’s to 1940’s. This type of wiring is now considered unsafe and many insurers will not provide or renew coverage on homes with this type of wiring as they consider it to be a higher risk.
Knob and tube wiring is comprised of two wires, one black (hot) and one white (neutral) and held together with ceramic knob and tube. Knob and tube wiring does not contain the third ground wire, resulting in no protection from faults which could lead to shock and fire hazards.
In today’s homes, the three wires (hot, neutral and ground) are placed in a plastic sheathing cable and held in place with clamps. Whereas knob and tube uses ceramic insulators to support individual wires that run along the wooden beams within the building which could result in fire.
Concerns with Knob and Tube wiring:
- The wires are old and insulation may have deteriorated
- Insulation may no longer be intact
- Older electrical systems do not contain the same safety benefits found in the modern electrical installations
- Connections are made by splicing, soldering and taping
If you discover knob and tube wiring in your home, contact us to book a free estimate. Whether it be an inspection of the knob and tubing, removing and replacing with copper, we have you covered.