Knob and tube wiring

It consisted of single-insulated copper conductors run within wall or ceiling cavities, passing through joist and stud drill-holes via protective . Knob-and tube wiring is very common in older homes, and is somewhat controversial. Understanding knob-and-tube wiring and its common issues will help you . Instead of the three wires found in modern electrical installations, knob and tube wiring has only two — a black (hot) wire . Learn about this old electrical wiring system and learn tips for replacing it.

An electrician explains how to find and this replace dangerous old wiring.

Then the next guy might see the new romex and make some assumptions about the rest of the wiring.

The other time you really really should replace it is if it runs through insulation, especially blown-in cellulose. In the time of Thomas Edison we used pocelain insulators knob and tube system. It also would be good to point out that knob and tube wiring is at least as safe as modern wiring, to dispel the myth (no doubt spread by unscrupulous electricians looking for work) that it should be replaced. This wiring is considered dangerous by most insurance companies today, making it hard to insure homes and buildings that incorporate it.

But why is it so dangerous that nobody wants to insure it? Is it something we should fear ourselves if our homes already . If you live in an older home, knowing how to identify knob and tube wiring can help you determine if your electrical wiring needs an overhaul. Dear Home Inspector: Our home inspector recommended replacing the knob and tube wiring in our home.

What is your opinion of this type of wiring? When installed correctly knob and tube wiring was, in some ways, superior to current wiring . In knob and tube wiring , wires were held to the wooden structure by ceramic knobs, and were protected by ceramic tubes when they . The electrician installed the wire via porcelain “tubes” that the wires traveled through the joists through and then were attached to the joists via the . This video, produced and narrated by Steven L. Smith of King of the House Home Inspection, explains the history of the still commonly seen knob and tube wiri. Square One describes knob and tube wiring and explores considerations if you have this type of wiring in your home. If this is weighing on your min give us call!

To say knob and tube is safe besides the insulation is misinformation. We define knob and tube wiring , we include photographs that aid in recognition of this generation of electrical . Contractor, assessor, auditor, or similar will inspect and assess the house to identify knob and tube wiring. Preserve the integrity and safety of the house.

Non-contact testing method will be used to determine if wiring is live. One of the biggest questions we are asked is when retrofitting an older house, how to be careful with knob and tube wiring. Its exposure in the attic and walls creates concern. You could call this photo old meets new. Knob and Tube wiring in our attic.

Facts and myths about knob and tube wiring in old Toronto houses by Toronto Realtors Brendan Powell and Melanie Piche, the BREL team at Bosley Real Estate.