Knob and Tube Wiring
Knob-and-tube (also known as K&T) was commonly used in buildings in North America from about 1880 to the 1940s. This system is considered obsolete and can be a safety hazard.
In knob-and-tube wiring, individually conducting wires protected by rubberized cloth fabric are installed in stud and joist cavities, held in place by porcelain knob insulators attached to the sides of framing members, and protected by porcelain tube insulators where the wires run through framing members. The downfall was the wire was exposed and there was no ground wire used. Some insurance companies do not cover houses with this type of wiring due to the risk associated with it.
The Danger with Knob and Tube Wiring
The following are dangers of the knob and tube wiring system:
- Prolonged Use: Wires become stiff when used for a long time and begin to rust when in contact with water and eventually break. Over time, due to wear and tear, insulating tubes can crack, leaving the wire in direct contact with the wood and this can lead to electrical shocks.
- Wire insulation: Old knob-and-tube wiring has a single conducting wire, this wire is insulated with cloth fabric, heat is generated when a high current passes through the wire. This heat can cause a fire.
- Improper DIY modifications: unsafe DIY modifications are most often seen with knob and tube wiring. As a result, it’s often poorly spliced with modern wiring, causing the majority of the issues and fire hazards.
- No ground wire. Knob-and-tube wiring is incompatible with modern 3-plug appliances. Because of this, anything plugged in is more liable for damage due to voltage fluctuations and surges. This is yet another fire hazard and can also cause electrical shocks.
Replacement of Knob-and-Tube Wiring
Replacement knob and tube wiring can be made by considering few factors, such as the proper understanding of how the system works, the current condition of the wires, and the cost of the replacement.
If you are in need of the Replacement of knob and tube wiring in Calgary, you should first get a thorough inspection from the certified professional to access whether or not your K&T wiring needs replacing. After that, decide according to professional advice. For more information, call us on: 403-774-7460.