Knob and Tube Wiring Asheville, NC

Knob and tube wiring, Asheville, NC homeowners, was an early standardized method of electric wiring in buildings, commonly used in North America spanning from the 1880s to 1940s. The system is considered outdated and poses a safety hazard. The ceramic tubes facilitate the passage of hot, separate, and neutral wires, as they pass through drill-holes in lumber framing and are supported by ceramic knobs along the way. Where wires enter a wiring device, such as lamps or electrical switches, or where they are pulled into a wall, they are protected by flexible cloth or rubber insulation. However, over time, the insulation on knob and tube wiring tends to deteriorate, leaving exposed wires. This poses a significant risk of electrical fires and also increases the chances of electrical shocks to homeowners. This is where our whole home rewiring, Asheville, NC homeowners come in.

Our expert electricians will inspect your entire home to identify where knob and tube wiring is installed. If the existing electrical circuits are functioning properly and do not pose any risk of fire, our electrician will effortlessly install new circuits in their place. This approach is the most convenient way to proceed, as the unused wiring will be disconnected from the power source and rendered harmless. If your home has knob and tube wiring in place, Asheville homeowners should be on the lookout for these potential warning signs that elicit the need for whole home rewiring:

• Insulation over wiring: If any household insulation is installed over knob and tube wiring, fires are an immediate threat. The wiring is coated with rubber or cloth insulation, so it requires an adequate amount of space to diffuse the heat that is made from an electrical current. With not much space covered in insulation, it creates a precarious situation.

• Excess Use: Knob and tube wiring, Asheville, NC homeowners, was installed when there weren’t as many electrical appliances as there are now. Extension cords and power bars are often overused, which puts a strain on old systems that are not equipped to handle modern electricity demands. It is crucial never to remove the ground pin (or third prong) from power bars to accommodate the two-pin outlets used in knob and tube wiring.
• Any Alterations: The main source of issues with knob and tube wiring is the improper alterations made to the existing wires. Since this system is old, finding proper replacement parts is not always possible.
• Damages: When Asheville knob and tube wiring is damaged, whether it's caused by wear and tear, hasty electrical repairs, or other forms of damage, it can lead to severe electrical problems. Over time, the ceramic or porcelain knobs and tubes can develop cracks, causing the wires to sag and fray, ultimately exposing live wires. This poses a significant risk and should be addressed promptly to avoid any potential hazards.
• Brittle Insulation: The insulation on knob and tube wiring can become brittle over time and flake off.

Having a lamp or TV plugged in your living room or bedroom is generally safe with knob and tube wiring. Asheville, NC homeowners should be very cautious, however, when knob and tube wiring comes into contact with water, since it is especially hazardous with an ungrounded system.