Assessing the Existing Knob and Tube Wiring
Knob and tube wiring was commonly used in homes built before the 1930s. While it served homes well for decades, this old wiring can be a fire hazard due to degradation over time. Before replacing knob and tube wiring, it's important to assess the full extent of the existing wiring.
I hired a qualified electrician to conduct a thorough evaluation of all knob and tube wiring in my 120 year old house. The electrician checked the attic, basement, walls, and other areas for the presence of knob and tube. Key areas assessed included:
- Locations of wiring paths through the house
- Condition of wiring insulation
- Presence of splices, damage, or deterioration
- Proximity to insulation or other materials
The assessment gave me a complete understanding of what needed to be replaced. The electrician provided a detailed report with recommendations on bringing the electrical up to modern safety standards.
Developing a Replacement Plan
With the assessment complete, I worked with the electrician to develop a plan for replacement. Key factors in the plan included:
- New circuit paths - Rerouting to avoid tearing up walls and ceilings
- Phased approach - Spreading the work over time to manage cost/disruption
- Inspection process - Ensuring work meets National Electrical Code
- Permitting - Pulling required permits for electrical work
The plan mapped out which circuits would be replaced in each phase. Priority was given to circuits with the greatest risk. Upgrading the electrical panel was also included to support additional circuits.
Removing Knob and Tube Wiring
With permits pulled, I was ready to start replacing the old wiring. The electrician disabled circuits at the panel before removing knob and tube. All accessible wiring was taken out. For routes that were difficult to access:
- Wiring was made safe - Capping ends and ensuring no contact with building materials
- New wiring was fished alongside - Running modern wiring parallel using fish tape
Removing the old wiring entirely is the ideal for safety. When this wasn't feasible, the electrician made sure it was no longer active.
Installing New Wiring
Modern wiring was installed in the areas cleared of knob and tube. The electrician anchored the new wiring securely and followed best practices including:
- Using wire nuts - Joining wires with twist-on connectors
- Leaving access points - For junction boxes if needed later
- Labeling circuits - Clearly marking all new circuits
I opted to run new wiring through the basement and attic to avoid excessive wall damage. For finishing touches, the electrician patched walls/ceilings with plaster. The whole process caused minimal disruption to my historic home.
Key Safety Steps
Replacing old wiring requires great care and electrical know-how. I followed these tips to ensure safety:
- Turn off power at the panel before starting work
- Test wires with a non-contact voltage tester to be sure power is off
- Wear rubber-soled shoes and insulated gloves when handling wires
- Keep a fire extinguisher on hand
- Avoid working alone so someone can call for help if needed
A professional electrician has the skills to avoid risks when upgrading home wiring. I opted to invest in an expert rather than tackle this as a DIY project due to the complexity and safety considerations.
Final Inspections
After the wiring replacement was complete, the final step was arranging inspections by the town building department. This ensured the work was done properly and met all electrical code requirements.
The inspector checked:
- New wires size and type
- Connections properly secured
- Circuit labels accurate
- GFCI and AFCI protection installed
With everything checking out, the inspector signed off on the final permit. My home now has a modern, code-compliant electrical system!
Replacing knob and tube wiring in my 120 year old house was a major project. By carefully planning the work with experts and following safety procedures, I now have peace of mind knowing my home's electrical system is safe and meets modern standards. The investment was worthwhile for both safety and preserving my historic home for the next 100 years.