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 of K&T wiring in homes and businesses here in Central Florida. Sometimes, we see a combination of K&T wiring and more up-to-date methods at the same location.

K&T wiring was popular then, but it's considered extremely dangerous today. Here are the reasons why:

1. K&T wiring includes two wires. It does not have a ground, which means if there is ever an electrical fault, there is no place for the fault to travel, and you are not protected.
2. Electrical faults from K&T can cause shocks and fires.
3. The insulation on K&T disintegrates over time, leaving live conductors exposed to its surroundings. This is due to its cloth and rubber insulation, which dries and turns 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's 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 cannot 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 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 excessive appliances in the home, which 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 with K&T wiring, call the licensed electrical experts at In Charge Electric today. We will evaluate your electrical system and tell you whether it is safe. We will also supply you with other options for upgrading your electrical system.

Please contact In Charge Electric right away at (352) 350-7878 or use our online Request Service form and request an appointment to see how our expert electricians can help you with knob and tube wiring!