How to Replace Your Home's Outdated Knob and Tube Wiring

Introduction

Knob and tube wiring was commonly installed in homes built before the 1950s. While it was suitable at the time, this old wiring system can be dangerous by today's electrical standards. Replacing knob and tube wiring with modern wiring improves safety and allows your home's electrical system to meet the demands of contemporary devices and appliances. This article provides a step-by-step guide to replacing outdated knob and tube wiring in your home.

Dangers of Knob and Tube Wiring

Knob and tube wiring consists of individual wires that are separated by ceramic knobs and run through hollow tubes. There are several concerns with this old wiring method:

• Fire hazard - The insulation on old wiring can crack or decay over time, exposing bare wires that could spark and cause fires. Knob and tube wires are also not grounded, increasing fire risks.

• Insufficient for electricity needs - Knob and tube wiring was not designed to handle the electricity demands of modern appliances and electronics. The wiring can easily become overloaded.

• Difficult to repair or replace - Knob and tube wires are difficult to access since they are not contained within walls. It is challenging to rewire or splice knob and tube wires.

• Insurance issues - Many insurance companies will not insure homes with knob and tube wiring due to the fire hazards. This can make buying or selling your home difficult.

For safety and functionality, it is highly recommended to completely replace knob and tube wiring.

Preparing for the Rewiring Project

Replacing your home's electrical wiring is a major project that requires planning and preparation:

• Evaluate scope - Inspect your home to determine the extent of the knob and tube wiring. This will help estimate the scale and costs of the rewiring project.

• Get professional evaluations - Hire a qualified electrician to evaluate your wiring and provide rewiring recommendations. Get multiple quotes to compare costs.

• Check with insurance - Contact your insurance provider to find out if they require rewiring for continued coverage. Get any requirements in writing.

• Obtain necessary permits - Check with your city permit office regarding required permits for rewiring projects. This needs to be done before starting the work.

• Develop a budget - Rewiring a whole house can cost $8,000 to $15,000 on average. Be sure to get multiple estimates and factor in potential repairs like drywall work.

• Schedule the work - Plan when you can be without power in parts of your home during the rewiring. If possible, schedule the work during warmer months.

Careful planning and preparation will ensure your wiring replacement project goes smoothly and safely.

Hiring an Electrician

It is highly recommended to hire a professional, licensed electrician for any knob and tube wiring replacement project. Some tips when hiring an electrician:

• Verify credentials - Make sure the electrician has an active license and insurance. Ask for copies of their credentials.

• Find experienced pros - Look for electricians who specialize in and have extensive experience with full-home rewiring projects.

• Get referrals - Check online reviews and ask neighbors for electrician referrals. References can provide insight into an electrician's quality of work.

• Compare multiple estimates - Interview at least 3 electricians and get written estimates before choosing one. Make sure bids clearly explain the scope of work.

• Check availability - Ask when the electrician can begin and complete the rewiring work. A timely schedule is key.

• Get a contract - Require a detailed contract with the agreed upon scope of work, timeline, warranties, and price. Never pay 100% upfront.

Taking the time to hire the right electrician will provide peace of mind knowing your wiring project will be handled professionally.

The Rewiring Process

The process for rewiring a home generally involves the following main steps:

1. Full Inspection of Existing Wiring

• The electrician will evaluate the current wiring to develop a rewiring plan and estimate costs. Expect the inspection to be thorough.

2. Garage & Exterior Rewiring

• The initial focus is rewiring the garage and exterior areas like patios. This minimizes power disruptions inside the home.

3. Main Electrical Panel Upgrade

• The electrical panel will likely need upgrading to handle new wiring and electricity demands. New grounding is also added.

4. Running New Wires

• New wires are run through walls and ceilings. For efficiency, electricians follow existing wiring routes where possible.

5. Outlet & Light Installation

• Outlets, switches, and light fixtures are installed throughout the home once new wires are run.Expect holes in drywall for access.

6. Wall Repair

• Drywall holes are patched, textured, and painted to match existing walls. More extensive repairs may be needed in some cases.

7. Cleanup & Inspection

• The work area is cleaned thoroughly before a final walkthrough inspection to confirm all work is complete to code.

The rewiring steps may vary slightly depending on your home’s specifics. Close communication with your electrician is key throughout the process.

Why Complete Replacement is Best

When rewiring because of old knob and tube wiring, attempting to only replace certain sections is not advisable. There are several benefits to a complete rewiring:

• Improved safety - All outdated wiring is replaced to bring the entire home up to modern electrical codes. No fire hazards remain.

• Full functionality - All circuits are capable of handling electricity needs without overloads or tripping breakers.

• Easier troubleshooting - With completely new, uniform wiring, any future electrical issues are easier to isolate and repair.

• Increased home value - Updated electrical is a selling point if you ever put your home on the market. Rewiring also meets insurance requirements.

• Avoid repeat work - Completely rewiring avoids the need to replace more wiring in the future when problems arise in sections that were not initially replaced.

Doing a full replacement of knob and tube wiring maximizes safety, functionality, and long-term value for your home.

Summary of the Rewiring Process

Replacing outdated, potentially dangerous knob and tube wiring involves careful planning and hiring professional electricians. The full process includes:

• Evaluating scope of rewiring needed
• Obtaining necessary permits
• Interviewing and hiring licensed, experienced electricians
• Inspecting current wiring as the first step
• Upgrading main electrical panel
• Running all new wiring throughout home
• Installing new outlets, switches and fixtures
• Repairing drywall and painting
• Thorough cleanup and final inspection

Completely rewiring maximizes safety and electrical capacity. While wiring replacement involves significant costs, the value it adds to your home makes it a smart long-term investment.