Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement

Knob and Tube Wiring

Bay Area Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement

Builders used knob and tube wiring from 1880 to 1935. The system uses ceramic tubes, with wires wrapped around them and drawn through. If your house was built within this window of time, call us for a free consultation on the safety and stability of your wiring. It’s easy to see these ceramic knobs and tubes for yourself, in crawl spaces and attics and look for your electrical.

There are some safety feature of knob and tube wiring:

• The ceramic tubes are used to suspend wires in order to dissipate heat
• Properly wired knob and tube systems installed wiring along the center and after from nail punctures
• Ceramic tubes provide protection through wood
• Three inches are used to separate the hot and neutral wires

Even though there are safety features there are two main weaknesses of using knob and tubing wiring. There is a lack of conductor and the switch was often placed on the neutral wire which turns off the circuit but leave the current running.

Knob and tube systems almost always need to be replaced. When it is installed properly it can work great. The problem is that since it was installed over 80 years ago the electrical system is rarely found intact.

Alterations, heat, animals, and insultation problems often cause knob and tube wiring to deteriorate over the years. DIYers may be tempted to create additional branches or fixtures which compromise the integrity of the wiring. Animals may decide the wiring and insulation look like a good snack while heat can degrade the insultation. Finally with the addition of insutlation on top of knob and tube wiring, homeowners are risking a great fire hazard.

If you think you may need your home rewired call your Bay Area electricians at Rortech Electric for all your knob and tube wiring replacement needs.