They will also probably inspect your wiring job. It is important that you understand the building codes before you start your project! The local building codes will give you guidance on what kind of wire to use and how many outlets need to be on each wall.Įven if you have electrical experience, most locations will require that you hire an electrician to connect your wires to the electricity source. What Are the Codes?īuilding codes vary by location. The knob and tube system was never designed to stand up to the electrical load of modern life. Think about all the electrical devices we use today! Chargers, televisions, kitchen appliances, and the list goes on and on. A house in 1930 only had electrical lights, and maybe a radio. The other drawback to knob and tube wiring is its electrical limitations. The purpose is to carry excess electrical currents safely away from your home and into the ground. A ground wire runs from your house into the ground. One of the main drawbacks of the knob and tube wiring system is that there is no ground wire. This innovation saved many homes from fires!

Porcelain was used because it helps the heat from the wires dissipate. If a wire needs to go through a beam, it is encased in a porcelain tube. The wires are wrapped around the knobs in order to keep tension and hold the wires away from the wooden beams. Rubber sheathed wires run between each of the knobs. The knobs are porcelain knobs that are attached to the beams and studs in the walls. Knob and tube wiring is named because of its two main components: knobs and tubes. Today, many homeowners are concerned about their knob and tube wiring but don’t know much about it. No wonder it was a popular choice among home builders! It was relatively easy to install, and it was inexpensive. Knob and tube wiring is common in houses built between 18. What Should I Do with the Old Knob and Tube Wiring?.What Are Your Options for Rewiring a Home with Plaster Walls?.

Lath plaster walls