What is Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
Knob-and-tube wiring was an early standardized method of electrical wiring used in buildings in North America from about 1880 to the 1940s. It consisted of single insulated copper conductors run within wall cavities, passing through joist and stud drill-holes via protective porcelain insulating tubes, and supported along their length on nailed-down porcelain knob insulators.
While no longer used in modern construction, knob-and-tube wiring is still present in many older homes and buildings. This antiquated wiring system is often seen as a safety hazard due to its lack of grounding and susceptibility to insulation breakdown. However, with proper maintenance and overload protection, knob-and-tube can often continue to function safely and reliably.
Why Knob-and-Tube Causes Overload Issues
The main problem with knob-and-tube wiring is that it was never designed to handle the amount of electricity consumed by modern devices and appliances. An average home circa 1950 might have a few simple lighting circuits, a radio, refrigerator, and some small kitchen appliances.
Modern homes by comparison often contain dozens of high-wattage electronics like big screen TVs, computers, game consoles, and other appliances that consume substantial amounts of power. This can overload the limited current capacity of old knob-and-tube circuits.
Additionally, early wiring insulation tended to dry out and crack over time, further reducing the current capacity of knob-and-tube wires. Failed insulation can also create fire and shock hazards.
Strategies for Using Knob-and-Tube Safely
While upgrading wiring is the ultimate solution, there are ways to safely use knob-and-tube circuits without overloading them:
Carefully Limit Circuit Loads
- Use wattage meters to measure devices and avoid overloading circuits
- Keep high load appliances like hair dryers, vacuums, and toasters on their own dedicated circuits
- Switch incandescent bulbs to lower-wattage LEDs
Maintain Insulation Integrity
- Periodically check for cracked or damaged wire insulation
- Use insulation sleeving to reinforce old insulation
- Keep insulation dry and prevent contact between wires
Add GFCI Protection
- Install GFCI outlets or breakers to protect outlets
- Provides protection from faults/shock hazards
- Won't prevent overloads but adds safety
Whole House Surge Suppression
- Add surge protector strips at main electrical panel
- Helps suppress voltage spikes that stress wiring
- Many options available for older electrical systems
When to Consider Upgrading
While the above strategies can help compensate for knob-and-tube wiring, upgrading is the best long-term solution in many cases. Some signs it's time to consider wiring upgrades:
- Frequent tripped breakers or blown fuses from overloads
- Voltage drop issues like lights dimming when appliances turn on
- discovering unsafe wire damage or deterioration
- Planning significant remodeling or additions to the home
- Need for additional circuits to support more devices and appliances
Though sometimes expensive, rewiring with modern wiring and circuit breakers provides the highest level of safety and capacity for electricity-hungry modern homes.
Conclusion
Knob-and-tube wiring creates risks of overloading and fire hazards in modern homes. However, with diligent load monitoring and protection methods, this antiquated wiring can often continue functioning safely for normal household needs. Upgrading wiring is still the best option when feasible, but the techniques outlined here can buy extra time before such a major upgrade is warranted. By understanding knob-and-tube's limitations and how to compensate for them, you can successfully leverage this old wiring system to meet your home's electrical needs.