Replacing Knob and Tube Wiring In Your Attic

I've been living in my old house for a few years now, and I recently learned that it still has the original knob and tube wiring in the attic. This antiquated wiring is a fire hazard, so I decided it's crucial for me to replace it with modern electrical wiring as soon as possible.

Dangers of Knob and Tube Wiring

Knob and tube wiring was commonly installed in homes built before the 1940s. It features insulated wires that are suspended between porcelain knobs, with tubes protecting the wires through joists and studs.

While knob and tube wiring was suitable for the electrical needs of old homes, it poses several dangers by today's standards:

• Fire hazard - The insulation on old wiring easily cracks and fray over time, exposing bare wires that can arc and spark. This can ignite insulation and surrounding wood.

• Insufficient for modern loads - Houses today have far more electrical devices than decades ago. Knob and tube wiring simply wasn't designed to handle the higher wattage needs of modern lights, appliances and electronics.

• Lack of grounding - Proper grounding protects you from electrical shocks and allows saftey devices to work properly. Knob and tube wiring has no ground wire.

• Insurance issues - Many insurance companies won't issue policies for homes with knob and tube wiring due to the fire risk. Those that do often have expensive premiums or refuse to cover fire damage related to the outdated wiring.

I feel very unsafe living with such a prominent fire hazard in my home. Replacing the antiquated wiring will protect my family and my house.

Finding a Licensed Electrician

Taking on a knob and tube replacement yourself is an enormous project, so I'll certainly be hiring a licensed electrician. Here's what I'll look for:

• Proper licensing - Electricians must hold a master electrician license from my state to work on home wiring projects. I'll ask to see the license.

• Insurance - Reputable electricians carry liability insurance to cover any injuries or accidents that occur during the course of their work. This protects both of us.

• Experience - I want an electrician who has significant experience specifically replacing knob and tube wiring, as it presents some unique challenges. I'll ask about their background with these kinds of projects.

• References - Quality electricians should be able to provide references from past clients who had similar work done on their older homes. I'll call a few references to hear about their experiences.

• Competitive bids - I'll get written bids from 3-5 licensed electricians, so I can compare pricing and services.

Planning the Project Scope

Once I've selected an electrician, we'll walk through my house together to develop a detailed scope for the project. Here are my main objectives:

• Full rewire of the attic - All existing knob and tube wiring in the attic must be replaced with safe, modern wiring. This will remove the fire hazard.

• Install new wiring where needed - Some rooms likely need new wiring added to meet modern electrical demands. The electrician will assess needs and advise.

• Add ground wires - Proper grounding will be added for safety.

• Install new electrical panel - My old fuse box will be replaced with a circuit breaker panel with ample capacity.

• Obtain permits - Required permits for electrical work will be pulled from my municipality. Work will adhere to local codes.

• Minimize walls removed - For cost savings, wiring will be snaked through finished walls if possible to avoid unnecessary demolition.

The electrician will provide a written proposal outlining the recommended scope of work and estimated timeline and cost. I'll review carefully before signing a contract.

Preparing for the Replacement Project

Once I've signed a contract, I'll need to take a few steps to prepare for this major electrical project:

• Clear access to attic - I'll remove any storage and insulation from attic so electrician has open access to knob and tube wiring.

• Plan for power outages - The electrician will let me know when the power will be shut off to complete parts of the project. I'll make sure to have flashlights on hand.

• Purchase electrical panel - I'll select a new circuit breaker panel so the electrician has it ready for install.

• Protect house from dust - I'll cover any furniture or valuables below the attic work area to keep dust and debris away.

• Arrange place to stay - If electrical work will take more than a day, I may vacate the house and stay elsewhere while old wiring is removed to avoid potential hazards.

Replacing the antiquated and dangerous knob and tube wiring in my attic is a vital safety project to protect my home and family. With research and planning, I can ensure the wiring replacement goes smoothly.