The wiring inside your home provides the crucial infrastructure for all your modern appliances and devices to function. However, most homeowners give little thought to the wiring methods used in their houses. Examining wiring techniques from decades past can reveal clever and reliable approaches that could greatly enhance the capabilities and longevity of your home's electrical system.

Knob and Tube Wiring

This early form of electrical wiring was commonly used from about 1880 to the 1930s. It consists of insulated copper conductors run through the framing cavities.

Key Features

Benefits for Modern Homes

Armored Cable (BX)

Introduced in the 1880s, BX cable has an overall metal sheath surrounding the internal insulated wires.

Key Attributes

Upgrading with BX

Conduit Wiring

Conduit wiring systems enclose conductors in rigid or flexible metal tubing.

Notable Features

Contemporary Applications

Takeaway

While flashes of copper NM cable may look neat and tidy, the hidden electrical works of older homes had several advantages. By thoughtfully incorporating knob and tube wiring, armored cable, metallic conduit, and other past techniques, you can greatly enhance your home's electrical integrity, safety, efficiency, and capacity for generations to come. Talk to a qualified electrician about options for leveraging old and new wiring methods to create an optimally wired home.