Should old homes undertake Knob and Tube Removal?
Homes with knob and tube wiring system must see to it that their wirings are inspected by professional electricians for safety reasons. Replacement with modern wiring system will depend upon the inspection results and the recommendations of the electrician. If the professional electrician finds out that there have been several improper modifications on the traditional wiring system, knob and tube removal will be recommended. The system can also become dangerous due to old age because the materials used are subject to deterioration. The knob and wire system also lacks the grounding conductor which minimizes the potential for electrical fire. Insulation when placed around the knob and tube wiring can result into heat buildup which is a safety hazard. Before insulation is allowed to come into contact with knob and tube wiring, there must be prior approval from local authorities and the insulation must not be combustible or conductive.
When the knob and tube wiring was introduced, the most common household appliances used were electric kettles, bread toasters and electric flat iron. Nobody foresaw that someday households will be using television sets, washing machines, refrigerators, electric ovens, computers and high end sound systems. In the attempt to provide for the right amperage loads required by modern appliances, attempts to modify the system were made by tradesmen with insufficient training on the traditional wiring system. It is not uncommon for professional electricians to find connections wrapped in masking tape instead of electrical tape. This is one of the reasons why the most typical suggestion is knob and tube removal.
Knob and tube wiring has its advantages
While there are many problems associated with knob and tube wiring, the system also has its advantages. The knob and tube wiring has a higher ampacity than wiring systems of similar gauge because the hot and neutral wires are separated from another by at least 4 to 6 inches so that heat can easily dissipate into the air. Since knob and tube wiring is held away from framing, it is very unlikely for the wires to be punctured by nails. It takes a lot more skill to install the knob and tube wiring than modern Romex house wiring cable but due to its old age, it can be assumed that there were more opportunities for improper modifications that made the traditional wiring unsafe. Knob and tube wiring is less susceptible to damages however, when it insulated with asbestos a homeowner requires immediate knob and tube removal.