Houses built before the 1950s had knob and tube wiring, which was the first electrical wiring used in home construction. While it was suitable when older homes were built, it isn’t capable of handling the heavy electrical demands of modern homeowners. If you plan to sell your older home, there’s a strong chance you’ll need to hire an electrical contractor to upgrade the wiring. This way, it will pass a prospective buyer’s home inspection. 

Understanding Knob & Tube Wiring

It Doesn’t Meet Electrical Safety Standards

Knob and tube wiring consists of ceramic knobs and tubes that encase the wiring inside your walls and attic, separating white and black wires. It contains no bond wire, or grounding source, and can’t support three-pronged outlets or appliances. If you’re not sure if your older home has knob and tube wiring, the best way to find out is to contact an electrical contractor for an inspection.

It Usually Needs to Be Removed

While some electrical wiring can be upgraded through modifications, most knob and tube wiring is so old, it can’t safely be adjusted to meet the requirements of modern electrical wiring. Many municipal building codes require knob and tube wiring to be removed because it presents a fire risk, and many insurance policies don’t cover fires caused by outdated electrical wiring. An electrical contractor can assess and recommend a solution to bring your house up to electrical code. This can increase your property value and make your home more attractive to prospective homebuyers.

Homeowners in Dane, Columbia, and Dodge counties in Wisconsin will find a variety of electrical services available—including the replacement of knob and tube wiring—through Dauman Electric in Fall River. These electrical contractors are fully licensed and insured and have more than 15 years of experience in upgrading the electrical wiring of homes and businesses. All of their electricians undergo on-going training so that they stay up-to-date on the latest techniques, products, and regulations. Call (920) 484-3852 or visit their website to schedule an appointment today.