How to Replace Your Home's Knob and Tube Wiring

Introduction

I want to replace the old knob and tube wiring in my home with modern electrical wiring. Knob and tube wiring was commonly installed in homes built before the 1950s. It consists of single black (hot) and white (neutral) wires that run through ceramic knobs and tubes between walls and ceilings. This old wiring can be dangerous and insufficient for powering modern appliances and electronics. Replacing it will provide safety and open up more options for lighting, appliances and charging devices in my home.

Dangers of Knob and Tube Wiring

Knob and tube wiring has several safety hazards that worry me:

• The wiring is not grounded, increasing risk of shocks and electrocution.
• The insulation on the wires becomes brittle with age, leading to exposed live wires.
• It does not meet modern electrical codes and cannot safely handle higher wattages.
• The separate hot and neutral wires arc easily, raising fire risk.

I want to feel completely safe and have full confidence in my home's electrical system. So I am motivated to remove the old knob and tube wiring as soon as possible.

Hiring an Electrician

Replacing knob and tube wiring is a major project that requires expertise. I will hire a licensed electrician to:

• Evaluate the existing wiring and provide quotes.
• Get necessary permits from the city/county.
• Replace old wiring with new wiring up to code.
• Add new outlets, switches and other components.
• Connect the new wiring to the main electrical panel.

Hiring a professional will ensure the wiring replacement is done safely and correctly. I'll get references from friends and read online reviews to choose a qualified electrician.

Planning the Project Scope

Before contacting electricians, I need to determine the scope of the rewiring project. Key steps here are:

• Check every room in the house for knob and tube wiring. I'll look in attics, basements and garages too.
• Decide which circuits I want upgraded with new wiring. Prioritizing used living spaces over unused rooms can reduce costs.
• Determine if I want additional circuits or outlets added. Now is the perfect time to add more lighting circuits, grounded outlets, 240V circuits for large appliances, etc.
• Consider any fixtures or finishes I plan to change. The electrician may need to coordinate wiring work with plumbing, drywall or painting projects.

Having a clear picture of the desired scope of work will help get accurate quotes.

Getting Quotes from Electricians

Once I've determined the project scope, it's time to get estimates from 3-5 licensed electricians. Here are good questions to ask:

• How many amps is my current electrical service panel? Should I upgrade it?
• How will you safely access wiring in walls and ceilings?
• Will you get the required permits and arrange inspections?
• Do you offer quotes by the job or by hourly rate? What is included?
• What safety procedures will you follow?
• How long will the project take from start to finish?

I'll select an electrician based on experience, professionalism and a fair, clearly defined quote for the full scope of work.

Preparing for the Rewiring Process

To get ready for this major electrical project:

• I'll remove belongings from attics, basements or garages where wires will be run.
• Clear schedules so I can be home during the day for questions and access.
• Turn off power at the main panel when work begins and verify it's off with a voltage tester.
• Disconnect electrical appliances and hide extension cords to avoid confusion.
• Coordinate with other contractors if needed - the electrician may need drywall areas opened up.

Proper planning and preparation will allow the wiring replacement to proceed smoothly.

Restoring Walls, Fixtures and Finishes

Once the new wiring installation is complete, I'll need to:

• Have the finished work inspected by the city/county to get final approval.
• Replace attic insulation, ceiling drywall, baseboards and other finishes.
• Paint walls patched from electrical work.
• Re-hang light fixtures, outlets and other electrical components removed during the project.
• Reconnect appliances and electronics to outlets with new, safer wiring.

Restoring all structural and cosmetic home features impacted by the rewiring completes the project.

Safety Benefits of New Electrical System

What excites me most is having peace of mind from eliminating knob and tube wiring risks. I'll have:

• Grounded outlets and modern fire-resistant wiring.
• Electrical capacity to safely run all my home's lights, appliances and electronics.
• Fewer worries about overloading circuits or electrical faults causing fires.
• Confidence that my home's electrical system meets modern safety codes.

Investing in rewiring brings long-term safety benefits and may also increase my home's value. I look forward to completing this critical upgrade project.