What You Didn't Know About Knob and Tube Wiring

I had no idea how dangerous and outdated knob and tube wiring was until I started researching it more. As a homeowner with an older house, this is valuable information that I think others should know as well.

How Knob and Tube Wiring Works

Knob and tube wiring was commonly installed in homes built before 1950. It consists of:

• Single bare copper wires run through the walls, attached to ceramic knobs.
• Tubes act as guides where wires pass through framing.
• Wires are surrounded by insulation inside the walls.

This type of wiring did its job when homes used less electricity. But it simply can't handle the demands of modern life.

Dangers of Knob and Tube Wiring

There are several serious risks posed by knob and tube wiring:

• Fire hazard: The old wiring lacks grounding and insulation around the wires. This can overheat and spark fires. Homes with knob and tube are twice as likely to have electrical fires.
• Shocks and electrocution: Exposed copper wires can shock anyone who touches them. This poses electrocution risks, especially for children.
• Power failure: The wiring cannot support today's electrical needs for appliances, devices, and increased square footage. This leads to blown fuses or complete failure.
• Insurance issues: Many insurance companies won't issue policies for homes with knob and tube. Or they charge a much higher premium.

I was shocked to learn just how unsafe knob and tube wiring is by modern standards. It's downright scary stuff!

Signs You Still Have Knob and Tube Wiring

Here are some telltale signs that a home still relies on antique knob and tube wiring:

• Two-prong outlets - These lack a grounding pin which modern wiring has.
• Funny switch and outlet placement - They were placed wherever wiring ran, not logically.
• Wiring running through walls - You can see it on the backs of cabinets or ceilings.
• Old light fixtures - They are antique-looking ceramics with cloth-covered wiring.
• Fuses blowing or circuit failures - The wiring can't handle electricity demands.

I looked for these signs around my own home, and sure enough, found evidence of knob and tube wiring still in place.

Why It Needs to Be Replaced

With all the safety risks, upgrading knob and tube wiring is extremely important:

• Prevent fires - This is reason enough! New wiring is much less likely to overheat.
• Improve safety - Eliminate the risks of shocks and electrocution.
• Increase capacity - Enjoy all modern electric conveniences without tripping breakers.
• Gain peace of mind - The constant worry goes away when wiring is up-to-date.
• Increase home value - Buyers steer clear of homes with knob and tube.

I can't imagine continuing to live with such old wiring now that I know the hazards. Replacing it is an investment in safety.

Challenges of Replacing Knob and Tube

Unfortunately, upgrading from knob and tube brings some difficult challenges:

• Major construction work - Walls and ceilings need opened up to access old wiring.
• Whole rewire is preferable - It's best to replace all of it rather than just some sections.
• Significant cost - Thousands of dollars depending on house size and scope of project.
• Insurance issues - Some won't cover homes mid-rewire, due to risks.
• Finding a qualified electrician - Knob and tube can't be DIYed, you need an expert.

While it's a big, expensive headache, I know replacing the wiring has to become my top priority. It's just too hazardous to ignore.

Options for Replacing Knob and Tube

When it comes time to replace knob and tube wiring, there are a couple options:

• Full rewire - Running all-new wiring through walls. This gets rid of all old wiring.
• Wiring alongside - Keeping old wiring in place and running new alongside it through walls.

Rewiring alongside may be tempting as a lower cost alternative, but electricians recommend a full rewire whenever possible for safety. I don't want to take chances just to save some money.

Gradual Rewire Room by Room

One way to make an overwhelming full rewire more manageable is to tackle it room by room:

• Focus on high priority rooms first - kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
• Stay in habitable rooms as others are worked on.
• Take advantage of remodeling to rewire as you go.
• Spread out costs over time by spacing out project.

It will likely take me years to rewire my entire house if I go room by room. But that allows me to budget the costs instead of paying it all at once.

Safely Coexisting with Knob and Tube - For Now

While I save up for a rewire, I have to coexist with the aging wiring as safely as possible:

• Don't overload circuits - Be aware of capacity and prevent tripping breakers.
• No modifications - Do not make any changes without an expert.
• Check for hot spots - Feel for warmth around wiring as a fire warning.
• Keep covered - Ensure knob and tube is not exposed anywhere.
• Have an electrician inspect annually - They may catch issues before a failure.

Living with knob and tube wiring requires a lot of caution. I don't take risks until I can get it fully replaced.

Conclusion

Like many homeowners, I was clueless about knob and tube wiring hazards. Now that I'm informed, I'll make replacing it a top priority. My safety is worth the hassle and expense that a rewire requires. I hope this information helps other owners of homes with antiquated wiring better understand the risks and solutions. Stay tuned next time for more insider tips!