Learn About This Old Wiring Method and What to Do About It During Your Home Renovation Project
If you’re renovating an old home, chances are good that you’ll discover unique features and hidden surprises that are part of the charm of owning a piece of history. In some cases, your discovery will lead to an opportunity to accentuate your home’s vintage qualities, but, other times, you realize that you have some updating to do.
Your old home’s electric system may be one aspect of your home renovation that falls into the latter category: knob-and-tube wiring, an outdated electrical system element that you should address right away.
What Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
Knob-and-tube wiring is a method of electrical wiring that takes its name from its primary components: knobs that hold the electrical wires in place and tubes that are used for threading wires throughout the home’s structure.
Knob-and-tube wiring was the standard throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At the time, knob-and-tube wiring was considered a leap forward in safety because the tubes protected wiring and prevented them from touching the home’s wooden frame. This electrical wiring system was phased out in the 1940s in favor of safer technology.
How to Identify Knob-and-Tube Wiring
To identify knob-and-tube wiring during an old home renovation, go to your home’s basement or attic and look at the wooden beams and joists. If you have this form of wiring, you’ll see white ceramic knobs and tubes through which your wiring is held in place or threaded. However, your electrical panel will provide the biggest clue. Your panel will have a series of knobs, typically in pairs, that hold in place the wiring that extends to different areas of the house.
How Common Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
If your home was built before the 1950s and has original wiring, there is a strong chance you’ll find knob-and-tube.
In homes that have been partially renovated, some wiring may have been upgraded, while knob-and-tube is still present in other parts of the home.
Why Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring Concerning?
Knob-and-tube wiring can pose safety concerns and difficulties if you’re looking to modernize your space. Here’s why most old home renovation project experts recommend replacing knob-and-tube wiring:
- The insulation that protects knob-and-tube wiring wears out over time, leading to exposed wires, which are a fire hazard and can cause electric shock.
- Knob-and-tube wiring doesn’t include a ground wire – indicative of two-prong electrical outlets. You won’t be able to plug in many modern appliances without an upgrade to three-prong outlets and the addition of a ground wire.
- This form of wiring may not be able to handle your home’s modern electrical load, leading to overloading and the risk of fire.
- Some insurance companies charge a higher premium for homes that are wired with knob-and-tube — if they agree to insure it at all.
- Building codes in your state may have particular requirements about how to maintain or upgrade knob-and-tube wiring for safety.
- If you decide to sell your home, some buyers, their agents and hired inspectors, will be wary of these systems. Depending on the buyer’s home loan, the mortgage company may not approve the purchase.
What to Do About Knob-and-Tube Wiring During Your Old Home Renovation
Knob-and-tube wiring should be replaced during your home renovation project to avoid safety and performance concerns. Although this upgrade may change the cost of your home renovation, you can save yourself from the risk of safety hazards down the road and avoid a higher insurance premium and buyers’ concerns when it’s time to sell.
Most municipalities require licensed master electricians to perform wiring upgrades. Research well-reviewed electricians in your area, or, if you’re working with an old home renovation team, they will partner with an electrician who has specific experience upgrading knob-and-tube wiring.
After Knob-and-Tube Wiring Upgrades, Get Back to the Fun Of an Old Home Renovation
The excitement of an old home renovation project comes from imagining what it will be like enjoying your home for years to come. The creative process involved in blending your home’s vintage charm with your contemporary lifestyle can be as enjoyable as the end result. To enjoy the end result, however, you must address safety concerns like knob-and-tube wiring.
Historic home design teams excel at addressing your practical and aesthetic needs. A highly specialized historic home remodeling team can help you fix the troubles that old homes can bring and update it to accentuate its historic character while making room for today’s luxuries and creature comforts.
