Knob and Tube wiring (also known as Open Wiring) was a wiring method used predominantly during 1900-1940. This system consists of 2 wires, one black (or hot) wire and one white (or neutral) wire, creating a circuit. These wires are held in place by ceramic knobs and tubes.
If you own or have recently purchased an older home, you may spot it in your home. Many insurance companies will not insure knob and tube style wiring as they deem it unsafe.
Although not inherently dangerous, it can be hazardous when tampered with or abused. For example, improper use of extension cords, improper fuse replacement, improper connections, removing the ground pins and improper replacement of 2 pin receptacles. As Knob and Tube wiring was designed as a free air system, it also goes against code to place insulation on it.
The other drawback with knob and tube wiring is that you do not have the safety benefits of a new and updated wiring system, for example ground fault circuit interrupters, tamper resistant receptacles and arc fault circuit interrupters. There are also many other practical benefits to an updated wiring system, for example larger electrical capacity and more electrical circuits reduce the need for extension cords and dedicated electrical circuits for certain types of electrical equipment or appliances.
If you have knob and tube wiring, we recommend replacing it with modern wiring. Should you decide to keep your existing wiring, we also recommend that you have regular and consistent safety inspections by a Licensed Electrical Contractor such as Defender Electric.
Call Defender Electric today at 905-643-0033 or e-mail us at info@defenderelectric.com for more information. |
