Knob-and-Tube Wiring Replacement in New Jersey
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 Even if K&T wiring in a home has not been the cause of any electrical incidents to date, you can predict that old, outdated wiring will become a source of trouble at some point.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
Joe was a professional who really took the time to explain everything that he was going to do to fix my issue. It was appreciated and im happy with the job he did.
I had an initial meeting with Goerge to discuss installing two ceiling fans. He was very personable and professional. Our project will be completed next week! George completed installation of two ceiling fans. He did excellent work and cleaned the area thoroughly when he was done. I would definitely recommend DK Electric and George for all of your needs.
It was a pleasure working with Bob no pressure at all. Look forward to working with Bob again.
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The electrician did a fantastic job! The were very thorough in their safety review and gave us various options. The work was very professional and courteous. I will definitely hire them again.
Bob Edwards from DK Electrical Solutions was a great technician. Bob was personable, knowledgeable, honest, and forthcoming with information to help me feel confident in his explorations and comfortable with his expertise, prior to accepting the bid. Bob installed 2, 20amp breakers, one for a double 110v outlet for a basement freezer & refrigerator and one for a single dedicated NEMA 5-20 110v outlet for a freeze dryer. DK Electrical Solutions provided by a detailed full home electrical safety inspection and Bob had a few minor findings to improve my home and offered quotes should I want to make those improvements in the future. The installation took about 2.5 hours, Bob left my basement cleaner than it was and he wore clean boot covers when he came in and removed them each time he stepped out, which I loved !! Communication from the front office staff in the phone to Bob in person was stellar! The Price was not the cheapest but also not the most expensive, the confidence and knowledge DK Electrical Solutions presented won them my business, the quality and proof of solid work has won over a customer for life! Thank you Bob and Dk Electrical Solutions
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I would highly recommend this company. When Mr. Joe L came out to give me an estimate , he was so polite. I contacted several companies to get an estimate. The prices were basically in the same price range but because of how Mr. Joe represented his company, he was the reason I decided on DK Electrical. He explained everything to me and made sure I understood. He was patient and kind. I have an appointment for another job already.
This is my second time using DK Electric. The second was followup to finish the light bc I had to order it. I was serviced by Bob and George or as I called them "The A Team"!" Just so professional and knowledgeable about all things electric. I also asked them to install a smoke detector which is in a precarious position and was charged $190. Fair. If I have an electric problem I shall call DK Electric bc the entire "A" team is the one to call. I love it when a plan comes together.
Quick response. Friendly and professional service. I especially appreciate recommendations to avoid future problems!
Very thorough explanation of the options and requirements for the proposed work.
Brendan has been my electrician for 5 years now and he always does a thorough quality job.
Joe was so knowledgeable and so thorough in checking the whole house for safety. He was very patient explaining our different options and there were many! Jo was professional and I knew the work would be exceptional. He put in two ceiling dance and another fixture. The cost was reasonable. I would recommend DK Electric and Joe without hesitation
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Bob of DK Electric came out to troubleshoot an electrical issue. He spotted the issue right away and fixed it immediately, explaining everything clearly. Couldn't ask for more.
Bob did a great job. Answered all of our questions and solved all the issues
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5 star review. I had a transfer switch and interlock installed on our electric box. Joe and Travis were on time, polite, knowledgeable, worked quickly, and did a great job. They explained everything once they were done. I have used DK Electrical Solutions in the past and will continue to use them.
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He was very perfection, he hung up my lights and they look beautiful Thank you
Bob Edwards did a great job. In addition to solving my electrical issues, Bob helped me understand the big picture and how to identify and prevent future issues. Bob is a great technician and a major asset to DK Electrical Solutions.
As usual I called DK with an emergency. I was displaced by a fire in my neighbors home. My meter was removed during the worst snow storms in nine years. The process of filing my permits was made easier with Britney's help. Derek went above and beyond by hand carrying the paperwork to the township building. You couldn't hire a better team. I have always had positive interactions with the staff.
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Bob was professional and friendly. He arrived when we were told he would and wore shoe covers. He was very thorough and explained our options for the lighting fixture. He also completed an electrical assessment and explained his findings. He made recommendations for possible work to maintain safety. We appreciated the time he took with us.
This was my first experience with DK ELECTRICAL. I called yesterday with my problem ( Thursday) , scheduled for an appointment (Monday), and was called again this morning with an offer to take the appointment today due to another’s cancellation. I was thrilled!! My technician, Joe Linarello was on time, texted with photo ID before arrival, very professional and I appreciate that he put shoe coverings on, and was able to fix my issue promptly. We also discussed the possibility of replacing my electrical panel in the near future, and Joe gave me excellent pricing and much needed updated safety features with the installation. I am looking forward to being a regular customer with DK ELECTRICAL, and I would highly recommend this company for all your electrical needs. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bob with DK Electrical was fantastic. Learned a lot during the inspection but did not feel pressed with a hard sell
Great attention to details and knowledge of options for solving complex problems.
Bob did a great job by providing me a price quote for the project after on-site checking those red-tapped area and hearing me out about concerns from other important stakeholders.
I had new outlet run for my new electric fireplace in my tv room. It was run directly from the breaker panel to the outside wall in my den. It included a new 20 amp breaker going to a 20 amp quad outlet behind the unit. Joe and his coworker did a great job. Clean and neat and above all quickly done. I couldn’t be happier. I have used this company at least 4 other times. Always professional and courteous.
This is amazing company whom I have dealt with for several years for all my electrical concerns. Every member has been kind and knowledgeable towards the work when explaining their services. Appointments are given timely, and the job is completed as well as safety checks to your home. I highly recommend this company!
