Quck answer
Rewiring a house from knob and tube wiring involves replacing the outdated electrical system with modern wiring. This process requires careful planning and expertise. Here are the steps involved in rewiring a house:
1. Assess the existing wiring: Determine the extent of knob and tube wiring in the house and identify areas that need rewiring.
2. Create a wiring plan: Design a new electrical layout, taking into account the specific needs of each room and complying with local building codes.
3. Gather the necessary tools and materials: Purchase new wiring, electrical boxes, switches, outlets, and other hardware required for the rewiring process.
4. Turn off the power: Shut off the electricity to the entire house by switching off the main breaker.
5. Remove the old wiring: Carefully remove the knob and tube wiring, making sure not to damage the walls or other structures.
6. Install new wiring: Follow the wiring plan and install the new electrical system, including running wires through walls, ceilings, and floors.
7. Connect outlets and switches: Install new outlets, switches, and other electrical components according to the wiring plan.
8. Test the system: Once the rewiring is complete, turn on the power and test the new electrical system to ensure it is functioning properly.
9. Hire a professional: If you are not confident in your electrical skills, it is recommended to hire a licensed electrician to ensure the safety and efficiency of the rewiring process.
Rewiring a house from knob and tube wiring is a complex task that requires careful planning, knowledge of electrical systems, and adherence to safety guidelines. It is important to follow all local building codes and regulations to ensure a successful and safe rewiring project.
Older houses, built before 1950, often have knob and tube wiring. This type of wiring is typically visible in the basement, where rubber-coated wires are hung from the ceiling like clotheslines. Porcelain knobs are used to attach the wires to joists and studs, and when the wires need to pass through wood, they go through a porcelain tube.
Although knob and tube wiring was considered advanced when it was installed, it is now considered a safety hazard. One reason is that the rubber insulation deteriorates over time, leaving exposed metal conductors. Another reason is that the wires dissipate heat and can cause fires when in contact with insulation. Additionally, knob and tube wiring lacks grounding, unlike modern wires that have hot and return wires bundled in a single cable.
Insurance companies generally do not approve of knob and tube wiring, so if your house has it, you may face difficulties in getting coverage. Even if you have coverage, it is advisable to upgrade your wiring to reduce the risk of fire and shock.
The Option of Complete Rewiring
To convert a knob and tube wiring system to a code-compliant modern electrical system, you need to start at the panel. The old panel should be replaced with a properly grounded 100-amp or larger breaker box. The old wires should be disconnected and removed whenever possible. It is recommended to remove each house knob and tube as well. Use grounded two- and three-conductor cables as necessary, and attach them to the old wires to replace them while removing the old ones.
All old switches and outlets must be replaced with code-compliant grounded ones. Additionally, older ungrounded light fixtures should be replaced, and the light fixture tubing should be removed.
Partial Replacement of Knob and Tube Wiring
Completely rewiring a house can be expensive, as it often involves removing wall coverings to replace old wires with new ones. To save money, homeowners sometimes choose a partial rewire. However, it is crucial to note that improperly connecting new wiring to existing knob and tube wiring only adds to the hazards. Nonetheless, replacing old wires with frayed insulation from the basement is better than doing nothing, even if that is the only action taken.
All wire connections must be made in code-approved junction boxes. Any knob and tube junction box in your house is guaranteed to not comply with the code and should be replaced. Remember that circuits that still utilize knob and tube wiring can overheat when used to power large appliances or multiple devices simultaneously.
An Easy Solution – Installing GFCI Outlets
While replacing some of the knob and tube wiring can help eliminate the danger caused by exposed wires with deteriorating insulation, it does not address the issue of grounding. One quick and effective solution to this problem is to swap out all the outlets with ground fault circuit interrupting (GFCI) outlets. These outlets are equipped with a breaker that automatically shuts off the power if it detects a ground fault, serving as a reliable alternative to proper circuit grounding. If your house has a breaker box instead of an outdated fuse box commonly found in homes with knob and tube wiring, you can also achieve ground protection by replacing all of the breakers with GFCI breakers.
