Knob and tube wiring was the go-to electrical wiring method from the s to the s. Our increased use of electronics can overload knob and tube wiring and overheat the wires, posing serious safety and fire hazards. The insulation for knob and tube wiring is made of rubber, which degrades over time.
This increases the risk of a fire starting in the home. We suggest speaking with your home insurance carrier in regards to their policy requisites.
Obtaining insurance for a home with knob and tube wiring comes with a specific set of requirements. You must hire an electrician and submit to your insurance agent a contract stating that the knob and tube wiring will be replaced within 60 days. Once the job is complete, a receipt indicating completion must be submitted. The MPIUA provides basic property insurance on eligible property for applicants who have been unable to gain insurance through the voluntary market.
They will come out and do an inspection prior to coverage, but the inspection is free of charge. The Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD states that home appraisers should examine the electrical box to ensure there are no broken or frayed wires. When you are buying a home with knob and tube wiring, there are a few issues to be aware of. For instance, insulation cannot touch the wires, as the heat from the wires cannot dissipate.
Knob and tube wiring does not provide a third wire for grounding, only a hot wire, and a neutral white wire. Even if two-slot outlets are replaced with three-prong outlets for devices that require them, such as kitchen appliances there is still no third wire which protects against electric shock.
One of the most common issues with knob and tube wiring is incorrect modifications. Because it is easily accessible, some homeowners make their own repairs and do not splice the wire correctly and they make inadequate, unsafe modifications.
Modern households use much higher loads of electricity than the wiring was originally designed for- the standard is now 60 amps. Homeowners should not install higher amp fuses to match the increase in electricity use as this will cause the wires to overheat.
You should have it inspected and evaluated annually. One last important consideration: Many insurance companies may not insure homes with knob-and-tube wiring, no matter what its condition. You may need to replace the wiring for insurance reasons. Through Carson Dunlop's Homeowners Association, we have partnered with insurance partners to provide solutions for older homes. Click here to learn about the Carson Dunlop Homeowners Association.
Become an expert on home care by staying informed with tips like these on a daily basis. Sign up to our blog, start following us on Twitter or like us on Facebook. Home Inspection Articles. Some of the other common problems you may come across with knob-and-tube include: Poor Connections: Problems with knob-and-tube wire almost always result from amateurish connections made after original installation. Subscribe to our blog. Follow Us. Latest Posts.
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