While you might know how to change a lightbulb, homeowners are advised to leave the complexities of electrical work to professional electricians. This is especially important when it comes to outdated or uncommon systems, such as knob and tube wiring. If you’re not familiar with this setup, consider the following information before calling an electrician.

An Overview of Knob-&-Tube Wiring

What Is Knob-&-Tube Wiring?

Back when electrical wiring was first being implemented in average residential properties, knob-and-tube wiring was the status quo. Therefore, if you live in an older or historic home built around the turn of the century, you might be living with it now. The term is based on the format of the system, which includes ceramic knobs and tubes. While the tubes encapsulate the wires, the knobs are affixed to structural aspects of the building to hold the system in place.

Why Is It Dangerous?

Today’s electrical systems bundle wires together with a ground wire, and all of the channels are wrapped in a plastic cover. Knob and tube wiring features two separate types of wires—black and white—which run separately without a ground wire. Ground wires are responsible for maintaining an electrical connection with the earth, and, subsequently, preventing shocks and fires. Therefore, knob and tube wiring will leave your home at an increased risk of these major hazards.

Should I Avoid Buying a House With Knob-&-Tube Wiring?

In addition to the omission of a ground wire, knob and tube systems don’t have a plastic coating, so they deteriorate much faster over time. If you encounter a home that has knob and tube wiring—or worse, a combination of this and modern wiring—you may want to steer clear of buying it. However, if you’re set on the purchase, the other option is to have a professional electrician rewire the home. With the knowledge of this need, the seller will likely have to lower their asking price.

If your home, or a home you wish to buy, needs rewiring, get in touch with the trusted electricians at Michael Lawrence Electric of Pico Rivera, CA. Their team is proud to service both residential and commercial properties, and they will ensure your older home has the electrical safety requirements of a brand-new structure. For more information on their work, visit the website. You can also call (213) 591-0829 to schedule an appointment with a reputable electrician.