Things You Should Know About Knob and Tube Wiring

Things You Should Know About Knob
and Tube Wiring

Buying a home or starting a renovation are both intense projects that
require lots of planning and preparation. However, even if you do all you
can to ensure things go smoothly, you may face some unforeseen issues,

such as knob and tube wiring.

If you discover this outdated wiring in your current or future Toronto
home, try not to panic. While it’s certainly not desirable, take the time to

learn about the myths and facts about knob and tube wiring so that you
know how to best proceed.

What is Knob and Tube Wiring?

Before we explore some of the more common concerns about knob and tube
wiring, it’s best to clarify what exactly makes up this older electrical

system. To start, did you know that the name comes from the porcelain
knobs and tubes used during the installation process?

When it comes to the semantics of the system, copper wire was wrapped
in rubber sheath or asphalt-soaked cotton cloth and then passed through
porcelain tubes that were inserted into the framing of a house. While the
system was considered quite clever at the time, it is no longer considered a

viable electrical system to use in today’s homes.

Myths and Facts About Knob and Tube Wiring

So, what do you really need to know about knob and tube wiring? Keep
reading for some helpful information about this antiquated wiring system.

Facts:

There is no ground wire included in a knob and tube wiring setup.
The sheathing used around the wires breaks down over time, increasing the

potential for electrical shocks and fire.
Knob and tube wiring was not designed to handle the electrical loads of

today’s modern homes.

Myths:

You won’t be able to get home insurance if you have knob and tube wiring.
While it may be more difficult to find and more expensive, some insurance

companies will still provide insurance as long as you meet their specific
requirements.

It must always be disconnected and replaced. While removal is
recommended, in some cases you may be able to keep it as long as it meets

the Electrical Safety Authority and the Ontario Electrical Safety Code
minimum requirements.

Now when someone asks ‘what is knob and tube wiring, you’ll be able to
share some helpful information. However, it’s best to speak to an

experienced electrician in order to be comfortable deciding upon what the
right decision may be for your home’s electrical system.

Replace Your Knob and Tube with Langstaff & Sloan

The electrical system in your Toronto home really does impact the safety
and functionality of your entire space. Whether you notice the wiring in
your home simply can’t support your needs or if you’re worried about an

outdated system causing injury or damage, it’s time to reach out to
Langstaff & Sloan. With over 20 years of experience expertly navigating
knob and tube replacements in Toronto and across the GTA, you can count
on our team to get the job done. Contact us to find out more about how

we can help.
Source link - https://langstaffandsloan.com/things-you-should-know-about-

knob-and-tube-wiring/