FAQ'S ANSWERS

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What is knob and tube?

 

The oldest residential wiring is called knob and tube wiring. Ceramic knobs support individual strands of wire along their run and ceramic tubes protect the wire where it passes through wall studs or floor joists. Knob and tube wiring was state-of-the-art up until around 1950. If not abused or tampered with, knob and tube wiring is still capable of carrying electricity throughout your home.

 

Is knob and tube safe?

 

Knob and tube wiring is generally safe except in the following circumstances:

•  Brittle insulation – the insulation on the wire cannot handle high temperature environments, such as those found in modern ceiling-mounted light fixtures. If the wire has been inappropriately used for such an application, the insulation around the knob and tube wire will become brittle and break off, leaving exposed wire.

•  Improper splices – splicing into knob and tube wiring is not a straightforward process. While an electrician can do a proper splice, Pillar To Post® inspectors often find inappropriately splices which create a serious safety hazard.

•  Not a grounded system – the ungrounded aspect of this kind of wiring is not a defect but knob and tube cannot be used to wire modern electrical outlets. It is only appropriate for ungrounded applications.

  
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