Living in the Northeast offers picturesque landscapes and historic architecture. Unfortunately, some of the area’s older homes have outdated electrical systems that can put homeowners at risk. This includes knob-and-tube wiring.
These systems, which were common from about 1880 to 1950, are no longer compliant with current building codes due to the home wiring issues they can cause. That’s why many homeowners are looking to local electrical experts for whole-home rewiring services.
In this article, the licensed electricians at Cranney Home Services discuss the history of knob-and-tube wiring, how to determine if your home has it, and the benefits that come with replacing it.
What Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
Knob-and-tube wiring is a form of wiring used up until the mid-20th century. It consists of insulated copper wires that run through ceramic tubes.
These older electrical systems are outdated but still prevalent in many older homes, making many wonder if replacement is the right choice for their property.
Why Should Homeowners Replace Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
While homeowners aren’t required to replace knob-and-tube wiring, it’s no longer allowed in new construction due to some of the dangers and issues associated with it.
At Cranney Home Services, we recommend these homeowners update their knob-and-tube wiring with a modern electrical system for benefits including:
- Improved safety: Knob-and-tube wiring can often overheat, thanks to the insulation that surrounds it or its inability to keep up with modern electrical needs. This overheating is a dangerous fire hazard.
- Greater capacity: The power needed to run a home in the late 1800s and early 1900s is very different than today. With a new electrical system, you can have reliable access to the power you need for all your electronics, appliances, and more.
- Lower insurance premiums: Because of the safety risks associated with knob-and-tube wiring, some insurance companies have higher premiums or stricter policies for these homeowners.
- Increased home value: A modern electrical system is a selling point for homeowners, as we live in a world driven by technology. Plus, homeowners appreciate the peace of mind that comes from a safe system.
- Compliance: From improper modifications to safety concerns, knob-and-tube wiring often won’t meet current building codes. Rewiring can help ensure you have the proper safety measures to protect your property and family.
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How to Know If You Have Knob-and-Tube Wiring
For homeowners with property built before the 1950s, it’s important to check your system to determine if you would benefit from rewiring. There are many ways to do this:
- Perform your own visual inspection by looking for ceramic knobs and tubes in your basement, attic, or crawl space.
- Locate your electrical panel. If your is dated or uses fuses instead of circuit breakers, you likely have knob-and-tube wiring.
- Hire a licensed electrician to evaluate your electrical system thoroughly.
Choose Cranney Home Services for Knob-and-Tube Wiring Services
If you’re ready to replace your home’s knob-and-tube wiring, trust Cranney Home Services. Our family-owned and -operated company is proud to provide a five-star customer experience backed by honesty, integrity, and respect.
We guarantee 100% satisfaction with all services and provide free estimates on replacement quotes. It’s all a part of why we’re the North Shore’s top choice for electrical services.
Improve the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system by updating your knob-and-tube wiring.
Call Cranney Home Services to schedule a service with our team.