Updating Your Home's Knob and Tube Wiring to Meet Modern Safety Standards

I've been living in my older home for a few years now, and I've noticed some quirks with the electrical system that have me concerned. Upon doing some research, I discovered that my home likely still contains the original knob and tube wiring that was common in homes built before the 1950s. While this type of wiring was up to code when it was installed, it does not meet today's electrical safety standards and leaves me feeling uneasy. For my own peace of mind, and to bring my home up to modern safety standards, I've decided it's time to undertake the project of replacing the knob and tube wiring.

Understanding Knob and Tube Wiring and Its Risks

Knob and tube wiring consists of individual wires that are strung through the walls, attic, and crawlspaces. The wires are supported by ceramic knobs and separated from one another by tubes. While this system was sufficient for the electrical needs of older homes, it presents several safety hazards by today's standards:

While I don't currently have any obvious signs of knob and tube failure, it seems wise to preemptively upgrade before problems occur.

Hiring an Electrician to Replace Knob and Tube Wiring

Upgrading home wiring is not a DIY project for an amateur. I'll be hiring a licensed electrician to replace the knob and tube wiring in my home. There are several steps to this process:

Evaluation

Installation

Removal

Costs and Timing to Expect

Replacing the knob and tube wiring in an entire house is a major undertaking, so I'll need to plan time and budget accordingly. Here are some cost and timing estimates I've gathered:

While wiring upgrades require a significant investment, the added safety and peace of mind are worth it. With proper planning and a qualified electrician, I'm looking forward to having an electrical system that's built to modern safety standards.