Introduction
Upgrading the knob and tube wiring in your home is an important upgrade to consider. This antiquated wiring system was common in homes built before the 1950s. While it may have served homes well for decades, knob and tube wiring can be a serious fire hazard and does not meet modern electrical codes and safety standards. Replacing this wiring will make your home safer.
Dangers of Knob and Tube Wiring
Knob and tube wiring has many inherent flaws that make it unsafe:
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Overloaded circuits - The wiring is not designed to handle the electricity load of modern appliances and devices. This can lead to overloaded circuits and fires.
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Insulation breakdown - The wiring is wrapped in cloth and spliced together with porcelain knobs. The insulation breaks down over time, leading to exposed wires, arcing, and fires.
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Lack of grounding - Knob and tube wiring has no ground wire, which is essential for modern safety features in appliances and preventing shocks.
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Difficult to repair - The wiring is difficult and expensive to repair because of its antiquated design. Any attempts at DIY repairs are extremely dangerous.
These factors demonstrate why it is imperative to upgrade the knob and tube wiring in your home. The risks far outweigh the costs.
Hiring an Electrician
Upgrading home wiring is a complex, technical project that requires an experienced electrician. Attempting a DIY wiring replacement as an inexperienced homeowner can result in electrocution, fires, and other disasters. Always hire a licensed electrician.
When hiring an electrician, be sure to:
- Verify they are licensed and insured.
- Check reviews and references.
- Get at least 3 estimates before choosing.
- Ask about their specific experience with knob and tube wiring replacement.
- Inquire about costs, timeline, materials, and process.
Replacing all the wiring in a home is a major undertaking, so you want to be confident in your electrician's skills, experience, and professionalism. Investing in the right electrician will pay off in safe, modern wiring.
Scoping the Project
The electrician will complete a full assessment of your home's knob and tube wiring to determine the scope of the required upgrades. Key factors they will evaluate include:
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Location of all wiring - Mapping everywhere knob and tube wiring exists. This includes walls, ceilings, attic, basement, etc.
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Circuit mapping - Identifying which circuits need to be replaced.
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Safety hazards - Locating any immediate fire or electrocution risks that need to be fixed ASAP.
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Load levels - Assessing if wiring size can handle electricity needs for appliances and devices.
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Grounding - Checking that system has proper grounding.
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Panel capacity - Determining if the circuit breaker panel needs upgrading.
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Permits - Identifying what electrical permits are needed from the city for the project.
The scoping process will provide a complete picture of the upgrades required.
Costs and Timeline
The costs to replace knob and tube wiring can vary tremendously based on the home's specifics:
- Size of home
- Amount of wiring to replace
- Accessibility of wiring runs
- Needs for repairing walls/ceilings
- Circuit breaker panel replacement
- Other electrical upgrades needed
As a rough estimate, it typically costs $8,000 to $15,000 to completely change all the wiring in a standard 2,000 sq ft home. The project may take 2-3 weeks from start to finish, though more complex jobs can take longer. Get multiple estimates to understand exact costs for your specific project.
Wiring Replacement Process
The basic process for the wiring replacement will involve:
1. Planning
- Pull all permits
- Schedule work dates
- Order materials - new wiring, outlets, switches, breakers
- Move furniture from work areas
2. Wiring Removal
- Turn off power at breaker panel
- Remove old knob and tube wiring
- Temporary wiring may be run to keep lights/outlets working
3. Installation
- Run new wiring through walls and ceilings
- Install updated outlets and switches
- Connect circuits at breaker panel
- Install new grounding
4. Patching and Repair
- Patch holes in walls and ceilings
- Paint and restore work areas
- Re-install flooring, fixtures, etc
5. Inspection
- Electrician tests all wiring
- City inspector inspects work and approves
6. Cleanup
- Remove all old wiring
- Restore house to original state
The electrician will walk you through timelines and details for each step. Expect regular progress updates and inspections throughout the installation process.
Wiring Replacement Tips
Here are some additional tips for your wiring replacement project:
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Add capacity - Consider upsizing wiring for 20-30% more capacity than your current needs to accommodate future devices.
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Improve accessibility - Have electrician place new wiring runs in easier to reach boxes for future maintenance.
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Consider conduit - Running wiring through conduit makes replacement and repairs much simpler down the road.
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Upgrade panel - A new 200 amp panel provides capacity for additional circuits and safety breakers.
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Review insurance - Check with your home insurer about any coverage/discounts for approved electrical upgrades.
Conclusion
Replacing antiquated knob and tube wiring may seem like a major hassle and expense for homeowners. However, this important safety upgrade is worth the investment in your home and family. Hiring a professional electrician to handle this complex project is critical. With proper planning and execution, you will end up with a home that meets modern safety codes and gives you peace of mind.