Older homes or commercial buildings often need their electrical wiring replaced. This may be due to damage or even safety concerns. Homes or buildings built from 1880 through 1930 use Knob and Tube (or K&T) wiring. These older wiring systems pose several problems with today’s electrical standards. Simon Electric will explain what knob and tube wiring is and why they should be removed and replaced with modern wiring systems.

Knob & Tube Wiring Dangers

Knob and tube wiring was an old method of electrically wiring a home or building during the 1880’s through the 1930’s. Some homes or buildings are still using these older wiring systems. Knob and tube wiring use a white ceramic knob that is used to hold the wires in place. The copper wires were encased in a black tube throughout the building and held in place by the ceramic knobs. In the later part of the 1930’s the electrical wiring was being replaced. The knob and tube wiring that was located in non-access points were often left in place and remain in many homes to this day. As you can appreciate, the older manner of the wiring installed back then lack many modern safety features. One essential feature used in modern wiring systems that knob and tube wiring lack is a ground wire.

Knob & Tube Wiring Removal & Replacement

There are many reason why knob and tube wiring should be replaced. To begin, modern wiring systems have enhanced electrical safety systems in place to reduce overheating, electrical fires, or shocks. Since knob and tube wiring lack under wiring, they are at risk of electrical fires. The tubing that encases the copper wire often erodes over time and is at risk of exposing the inner wiring. Another reason why knob and tube wiring should be replaced is that they lack the ability to meet modern energy demands. With modern appliances and devices, home are outfitted with a 200 amp electrical system. Knob and tube wiring can’t withstand that amount of power and eventually becomes overwhelmed. Due to this problem, the electrical system will frequently short circuit. Knob and tube wiring can cause electrical damage to devices and appliances due to the inconsistency of power. They can cause short circuiting which can damage electrical panels, or breakers, leading to the need of frequent repair. Over time the repair bill begins to add up. It can help save time and money by replacing the knob and tube wiring.

Is Knob & Tube Wiring Legal & Up to Code?

Does your home need to pass inspection to be sold or lived in? Knob and tube wiring systems are outdated and a major safety concern as they no longer meet proper electrical code and regulations. If you want to sell your home, or you need a certificate of occupancy for an older home or building, you will need to have the electrical system (including the wiring) updated.

Electrical Services & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida

If you are living in or own an older home or building, and it hasn’t had the wiring updated and still is outfitted with knob and tube wiring, contact Simon Electric. We can help update and replace the electrical system in the home or building. For all of your electrical needs, contact Simon Electric today!