Buyers Guide: Knob and Tube Wiring

From the late 1800s through to the 1940s knob & tube wiring was more or less the standard electrical wiring style used in new home construction. Knob and tube wiring gets its name from how the system works. There are porcelain knobs that support the wire along its length and then there are tubes used where the wire passes through any wood framing.

While this method is barely used in modern construction, if you’re on home hunt and looking in an older neighborhood you may encounter a home with this type of wiring.

If you run across a home with knob and tube wiring, we have some important facts to consider:

While the wiring system itself is not inherently dangerous, the wiring can dry out and become brittle.
If repair is required, such as splicing new wire into the old or adding insulation to wall cavities, it can create a fire hazard.
This wiring style has no ground wire and cannot support appliances requiring a three-prong outlet. Warning, this can also create an increased risk of fire.
From an insurance standpoint, many companies will not insure a home with knob & tube wiring. However, you may find one who provides coverage for a short time to allow for removal/replacement).
The safest option might be whole home rewiring, but it's not for the faint of heart. Running new wire throughout the whole home is labour intensive and expensive. It requires a licensed electrician to do the job, disconnection of power temporarily from your home, cutting as many access holes in walls and ceilings as required and can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Once the wiring is done, you still have to repair the access holes.

Here at Jump Realty, all of our agents can help you navigate the market and understand what potential issues you may hit such as knob and tube wiring. They’ll give you honest advice on what course of action is best for you in their professional opinion and will always put taking care of your best interests first! With offices in Windsor, Tecumseh, Kingsville, and Chatham, no matter where you are a Jump agent is ready to help. Please contact us for any housing needs and let us give you a better real estate experience!