Knob and Tube Wiring: Dangers and Replacement Process
Langstaff & Sloan Inc.
Knob and tube wiring is considered to be an outdated electrical system. Popular up until the 1950s, knob and tube is no longer installed but still exists in many homes today. This form of electrical wiring does not contain a ground wire, which is just one of the issues that impacts the safety of this wiring option. In addition to knob and tube wiring in Toronto being considered hazardous, the outdated system is usually not strong enough to power a home sufficiently to meet today’s modern needs. Homes today require many more outlets typically, as well as a more powerful electrical panel to handle the numerous appliances and devices used by Toronto families. Why Consider Removing Knob and Tube Wiring? While knob and tube wiring in Toronto can be considered safe in some instances, the best thing to do is to have it removed. If you aren’t sure what route to go, take some time to review the biggest concerns and why removing knob and tube wiring is recommended. In addition to not having a ground wire, other concerns include: • The covering on the wires used in knob and tube can get very brittle over time. Made of rubber or cloth, the wires can easily wear away which increases the risk of fire due to exposed wire.
• Since the system was built on two-prong outlets, most modern appliances will need to use adapters which increases the risk of overloading the electrical system significantly. • If and when you need to re-insulate your home, any knob and tube wiring must be removed anyway. It cannot be covered due to the probability of overheating and causing a fire. What to Expect When Replacing Knob and Tube Wiring Removing knob and tube wiring is a big project and will require a realistic budget. The cost can range between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the size of the home and how much outdated wiring needs to be replaced. Some homes require a lot of holes to fish wires, and some homes have very few. We will patch the holes made and be tactical about how and where they are located. In Ontario this must be completed by a licensed electrical contractor. to ensure everything is done properly and up to code. Inspection by The Electrical Safety Authority is also required. A licensed electrician credential alone is not a legal licensed electrical contractor. Source: https://langstaffandsloan.com/knob-and-tube-wiring-dangers-and-replacementprocess/
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