Knob & tube wiring can make getting insurance difficult: The Weekly Fix

Most homes built before 1950 or so were wired using a system called "knob-and-tube." K&T wiring is a two-wire system (there is no ground wire); the wires run through porcelain tubes for protection wherethey pass through wood framing pieces, and are supported by porcelain knobs along their length to prevent heat build-up.

K&T wiring is common in older Northeast Ohio communities. You can usually spot the knobs and tubes in a basement ceiling or unfinished attic. Left alone, K&T wiring is extremely safe, according to most electricians. Problems can occur when the system is altered by such things as:

What if you own a home with knob-and-tube wiring? Certainly, you don't have to rewire your home immediately. But, be aware that you may encounter problems down the line if you want to change insurance carriers, or when you sell your home. It's not a bad idea to have your system checked by a licensed electrician to ensure that everything is safe, and to evaluate whether replacingyour K&T wiring with a more modern system might be worth the cost.

There is a lot of good informationavailable online. Check out articles by theInternational Association of Certified Home Inspectors andold house web.

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Knob & tube wiring can make getting insurance difficult: The Weekly Fix