Ancient Wiring

What is ancient wiring? Ancient wiring is what we refer to as Knob and Tube wiring or K&T. K&T wiring dates back to the 1880s and could have been installed up to the 1950s in residential homes and buildings.

Believe it or not, we still see a lot K&T in many homes and business here in Central Florida. Sometimes we see a mix of K&T wiring methods combined with more up to date methods at the same location.

K&T wiring was popular at the time, however it’s considered extremely dangerous today. Here are the reasons why:

1. K&T wiring includes two wires. It does not have a ground. This means if there was ever an electrical fault, there is no place for the electrical fault to travel. This gives you no protection.
2. Electrical faults from K&T causes shocks and fires.
3. The insulation that was used on K&T disintegrates over time, leaving live conductors exposed to surroundings that it is in. This is due to its cloth and rubber insulation which dries out and turn brittle.
4. K&T permitted the use of in-line splices in walls and attics without a junction box.
5. K&T wiring lacks the capacity for today’ levels of power use.
6. Homes and buildings that have K&T utilize two prong receptacles. These receptacles are missing the ground, the ground keeps you safe. Also you will not be able to use modern appliance cords with two prong outlets.

If you have K&T in your structure, then there is a good chance you will not be able to get insurance or your insurance will be dropped.

Here are some tips for those of you with K&T wiring:

• The homeowner or an electrician should carefully remove any insulation that is found surrounding K&T wires.
• Prospective home buyers should get an estimate of the cost of replacing K&T wiring. They can use this amount to negotiate a cheaper price for the house.
• Have the system evaluated by a qualified electrician. Only an expert can confirm that the system was installed and modified correctly.
• Do not run an excessive amount of appliances in the home, as this can cause a fire.
• Where the wiring is brittle or cracked, it should be replaced.
• Proper maintenance is crucial.

If you live in a home or have a business that has K&T wiring, then call the licensed electrical experts at In Charge Electric today and we will do a complete evaluation of your electrical system and tell you whether or not it is safe. We will also supply you with other available options for upgrading your current electrical system.

Please contact In Charge Electric right away at (352) 350-7878 or please request service from our contact page and request an appointment to see how our expert electricians can help you with knob and tube wiring!