When it comes to residential homes, the type of electrical wiring is one of the crucial parts you should know. Is knob and tube wiring safe to use for your home? Are you required to replace this wiring with other types of electrical wiring? Keep reading and become more informed!

What is knob and tube wiring?

Knob and tube wirings are often found in heritage homes or houses that were constructed prior to 1950. It consists of copper wiring held by a knob and protected by a tube to keep it from fraying. The knob and tube wiring was commonly installed inside crawl spaces, attics, and behind walls.

What are the possible dangers of using knob and tube wiring?

Although the knob and tube wiring is cost-effective, many professional electricians and home electric inspectors do not recommend it. Some of the big issues surrounding the knob and tube electrical wiring can be found in its design. 

The outer covering of the knob and tube wire can easily fritter away due to the continuous flow of electricity. For this reason, the National Electrical Code mandated this wiring to be removed from the hollow spaces, ceilings, behind the walls, and attics to prevent fire hazards.

Other possible dangers and issues of using this wiring:

• It is not grounded, making it dangerous. Electrical safety standards demand all residential and commercial buildings to have grounded outlets.
• Unfortunately, this type of wiring has been unprofessionally modified to fit electrical boxes or to repair exposed wirings.
• Knob and tube wiring typically fails to handle the energy demand of average homes. Because it is an outdated model, it is more fragile and will easily wear down. 
• Obtaining home insurance with this kind of electrical wiring can be quite difficult since it is an outdated wiring system that might become a fire hazard.
• Unlike modern wiring with plastic insulation, knob and tube wiring uses rubber insulation that will deteriorate and crumble over time. This is one reason insurance companies want them to be replaced.
• Homeowners might be forced to pay more and have their home’s electrical wiring inspected, repaired, and replaced by a licensed Arvada, CO electrician.

Because the electrical wiring is burdened with delivering power to the property, guaranteeing that your home is being powered by the right wires utilized in construction.

Since knob and tube wiring is common to older houses, you should not have to worry about your home having worn and stretched electrical wiring. But if you suspect this type of wiring lingers in your house, call a local residential electrician right away and have your home checked. 

Should you replace the knob and tube wiring?

Not necessarily. After getting a home inspection and being clear on the quality of the wiring system, replacing it might not be needed. The only time you would want to hire a professional electrician in Arvada, CO to perform home rewiring work, is when the wires are old and frayed, or when your insurance company refuses to insure or renew policies. 

When it comes to insurance, the state and quality of the knob and tube wiring usually do not matter. Most insurance companies will not insure homes unless their wiring system is updated.

Cost to replace knob and tube wiring

The cost for electrical work often always depends on the size of the property, the location, and the complexity of the electrical project. On average, most projects would fall between $3,000 to $16,000.

Yes, there are laws that limit the use of knob and tube wiring, but there is no code that orders for its complete removal. Hiring the best electrical repair service in Arvada, CO will help make the whole maintenance or replacement less stressful.  

If you need home electrical repair service, electrical inspection, or are seeking qualified contractors that can deliver superb home rewiring jobs, call us. ElectriCall is an electrical service company in Arvada, CO.

Let us work together!

Any type of home electric repair can be dangerous, especially if you do not have the right set of skills and tools to perform the work. Hiring an electrician nearby has so many benefits you may not want to miss out on.

Here is what ElectriCall can offer you:

• Electrical testing.
• Electrical inspection.
• Closely examine and replace electrical wirings.
• Get at the hard-to-access areas or even narrow spaces of the structure like attics and crawl spaces.
• In-depth understanding of the various types of electrical wirings used in construction.
• If something goes haywire, our trained electricians know how to safely control the situation.
• Our team of qualified electricians is determined to complete the job using the most effective options.

Hiring our team will increase your chance of:

• Preventing electrical fires.
• Securing your physical and health safety.
• Avoiding shorting your priced appliances and power tools.
• Fixing your messy, outdated, and problematic electrical wiring system.

Contact our licensed electricians today! Let us discuss what you need and the electrical rewiring services ElectriCall can provide.