Knob-and-tube wiring (K&T) is an antiquated electrical wiring system. It was a standard design for commercial and residential installation from the late 1800s into the mid-1900s. Now, about 140 years after it became a popular option for home wiring, there are still many old buildings with knob-and-tube wiring. But, K&T has already long been considered insufficient and hazardous.

The remaining knob-and-tube wiring that is still in use today does not meet modern electrical wiring safety standards and does not perform at the level of today’s wiring systems. Even if K&T wiring in a home has not been the cause of any electrical incidents to date, you can predict that old, outdated wiring will become a source of trouble at some point. Due to the relatively high risk, homeowners are advised that many homeowner insurance companies will not insure houses with K&T wiring.

Old Knob-and-Tube Wiring In Homes

Here’s what you should know if you have K&T wiring in your home and why you should have knob and tube wiring replacements to upgrade your residential wiring system.

How Does Knob-and-Tube Wiring Work?

In a knob-and-tube system, the wires are routed from one ceramic knob to another in a series to create a particular circuit. The knobs placed throughout the building served as supports and insulators for the wiring running to each electrical outlet or appliance. At points where the wiring was to be run through floor joists or wall studs, the electrician drilled holes, inserted hollow ceramic tubes, and threaded the wiring through the insulating tubes.

Back in the days of K&T, electricians might use a rubber or cloth sleeving material called a loom to wrap the wiring. They ran the hot wire and the neutral return wire together, separated by a couple of inches, whereas today, the wires are bundled together, sharing the same outer sheathing.

Knob and tube wiring systems are not grounded. That makes having such a system in your home a severe safety hazard for your family and the entire neighborhood.

Deficiencies In Knob-and-Tube Wiring

Here are some of the most significant issues with K&T wiring systems and reasons for a knob and tube wiring upgrade in your home:

• Worn insulation: The rubber or cloth sheathing used to encase knob-and-tube wiring deteriorates over time. Eventually, it can be expected to become brittle and wear out or break, and the cloth is a fire hazard.
• Degraded components: Over time, naturally, old wiring components break down. If parts of a knob-and-tube wiring system deteriorate or break, it can present an extreme safety hazard. Those systems do not have the resilience of newer wiring models.
• Excessive voltage hazard: Knob-and-tube wiring systems are not grounded. That means your home is not protected against faults. Unexpected high voltage can arc from outlets and electrical devices, which is an extreme fire hazard.
• Insufficient power: Many knob-and-tube wiring systems have just a 60 amp electrical panel. That is not enough electrical energy for a home with modern appliances and electrical devices.
• Not enough circuits: Families use much more electricity at home today than in the late 1800s. Old wiring systems do not usually have enough circuits to supply a whole home with the typical array of electrical appliances and devices.
• Harder to repair and maintain: Knob-and-tube systems present more complications in repairing and maintaining them than a clean, up-to-date home or business electrical system.
• Modification Issues: In some cases, retrofitting or modifications have been done to knob-and-tube wiring systems by integrating updated wiring in an attempt to meet demands for more electricity. This setup can create dangerous conditions, especially when installed with DIY approaches and tools.

What To Do If You Have Knob-and-Tube Wiring

If your home or business still has knob-and-tube wiring, you should consider updating your electrical system to a safer and more efficient modern alternative as soon as possible. Modern electrical wiring offers:

• Much safer operation
• More efficient electrical current handling
• Much less maintenance
• Critical safety features, for example:
  • Grounding
  • Fault protection
  • GFCI outlets
  • Easier installation of circuit breakers

Knob-And-Tube Wiring Replacement – DK Electrical

Rewiring your New Jersey home or business is a major home improvement project that requires expert execution. When you decide to replace your knob-and-tube wiring, DK Electrical Solutions Master Electricians can help.

We’re your local licensed, bonded, and certified professional electricians. We will upgrade your home’s wiring system to comply with all current building code requirements and meet all federal, state, and local efficiency standards.

You need a well-experienced professional electrician for a comprehensive project like a residential or commercial rewiring of the complete electrical system. Working with DK Master Electricians means the job is done right the first time. All our workmanship is guaranteed.

For home electrical remodeling work, call DK Electrical Solutions at (609) 796-4177, or contact us here online to schedule

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