Problems arise when the insulation around the wires begins to deteriorate with age, or when home handymen have made alterations to the wiring. Knob and tube wiring should never run through insulation, especially blown-in insulation, as this type of wiring requires open space to keep cool.
Any insulation surrounding the wiring can cause serious problems. Any of the problems listed below can cause short circuits or overheating.
If in doubt, have an electrical inspection done. Insulation over the wiring: If household insulation is installed over knob and tube wiring, a fire is just waiting to break out. It needs lots of space to dissipate the heat that builds up when an electrical current is flowing through. Excess use: Knob and tube wiring was installed when there were really very few electrical appliances in the average home.
Nowadays, with TVs, sound systems, computers, washers, and dryers, the system can easily become overheated. Many times, there is overuse of extension cords, and power bars, as well. Old systems, are just not designed to handle the demands for electricity that occur in our modern computerized world. Knob and tube wiring is easily accessed in the basement, which is perhaps the reason why this wiring is often spliced unsafely with modern wiring by home handymen, as opposed to certified electricians.
Damage: Serious problems can occur when this type of wiring is damaged, either due to wear and tear, handyman fixes, or other types of damage. Porcelain knobs and tubes can crack, and the wires tend to sag and fray over time exposing live wires. To see how much you can save with Square One, get a personalized online quote now. Have the system evaluated by a qualified electrician. Only an expert can confirm that the system was installed and modified correctly.
Replace all outlets with ground fault circuit interrupter GFCI outlets. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon for knob and tube to be hidden behind in the walls of homes. The only ways to identify it in these instances is by making holes in walls or sending a tiny camera inside the walls to look around. While knob and tube electrical wiring is not illegal, it is an obsolete wiring method.
Home wiring in the early s was not designed to handle the glut of electronics used today. Even 50 years ago, most homes did not have air conditioners, microwaves, or dishwashers, let alone computers, home theater equipment, and personal electronics.
The heavy electrical load from these devices strain knob and tube wires, pulling too large a load for safe operation and resulting in a fire hazard. Yes, it is. Therefore, it can be nearly impossible to secure financing to buy a home with knob and tube wiring. Do you suspect you have knob and tube wiring in your home? Schedule your residential electrical inspection online today.
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