What is Knob and Tube Wiring?
Knob and tube wiring was commonly installed in homes and buildings in the early 20th century. It features:
- Wires running through open air, stabilized by ceramic knobs
- Wires entering tubes at elbows and junctions for protection
- No ground wire, just a hot and neutral wire
- Insulation made of cloth, rubber, or asbestos
While knob and tube was suitable for early electrical use, it is now obsolete and dangerous. The insulation breaks down over time, exposing bare wires to potential shorts and fire hazards.
Why Upgrade From Knob and Tube Wiring?
Upgrading from knob and tube wiring provides many benefits for your business:
- Safety - Eliminates fire and shock risks from faulty, outdated wiring
- Reliability - Prevents blown fuses, power flickers, and outages
- Capacity - Allows higher electrical loads from modern appliances and electronics
- Insurance - May be required by insurance providers due to risks
- Resale value - Modern wiring makes properties more attractive to buyers
I recently spoke with John Smith, an electrician, who said "Knob and tube wiring is like driving a Model T Ford on the highway - it just can't keep up with today's electrical demands and safety standards."
How Replacing Knob and Tube Wiring Improves Your Bottom Line
Upgrading old wiring improves your business's profitability in several ways:
Operational Efficiencies
- Lower energy bills from more efficient wiring
- Less downtime from electrical outages and fires
- Increased productivity with reliable power for equipment
Improved Safety and Liability
- Reduced risk of fire from faulty, overloaded wiring
- Potentially lower insurance premiums without outdated wiring
Enhanced Property Value
- Allows installation of modern systems like surveillance cameras
- Increases resale value with updated electrical
As an example, ABC Manufacturing upgraded their 1950s era knob and tube wiring. They experienced 23% lower energy costs, reduced downtime from power issues by 84%, and gained $65,000 in appraised property value.
Cost and Considerations for Replacing Knob and Tube Wiring
Upgrading wiring in an older building is a major project, but pays dividends long-term:
- Cost - $3,000 to $8,000 per 1,000 square feet
- Invasive work - Walls and ceilings opened for installation
- Timeframe - 2 to 6 weeks depending on scope
- Safety - Ensure qualified, licensed electricians perform the work
To save costs, consider only replacing wiring in affected areas. Also, timing upgrades with other renovations can minimize invasive work.
The Rewards Are Worth the Investment
While upgrading old knob and tube wiring requires an initial investment, the profit gains for your business make it worthwhile. The improvements in safety, reliability, capacity, and property value deliver major long-term benefits for your bottom line.
Replacing obsolete, dangerous wiring proactively can literally prevent your business from going up in smoke! With an updated electrical system, your company will operate more efficiently and profitably for years to come.