Knob and tube wiring is the oldest method to wire a house. It uses cloth-covered wires that are connected to porcelain knobs to secure the wires. While it was once the most modern way to wire a home, over time and with advancements in electrical knowledge, it has become obsolete. Today, knob and tube wiring is considered to be quite dangerous and experts recommend having it replaced. Read on to understand more about knob and tube wiring in Alberta and how it can negatively impact your home.
What is Knob and Tube Wiring?
Knob and tube wiring is a dated method for wiring a home with electricity. It was once considered to be the modern standard but over time it has become obsolete. Knob and tube wiring was very common in homes built in Alberta from the early 1900s until the late 1950s. It’s possible that your home might still have knob and tube wiring.
Knob and tube wiring is now considered dangerous to have in homes because it does not incorporate ground wires. Ground wires are essential in a modern home to protect it from surges and other faults. The material makeup of knob and tube wiring is also concerning. The sheathing used provides little insulation and disintegrates over time because it is made from old cloth. Couple this with the fact that your wiring could already be 50 to 100 years old and you have a potential fire hazard on your property.
Another drawback of knob and tube wiring is that it limits the types of appliances you can safely use in your home. This is because the amount of electricity needed to power our modern-day appliances cannot be safely supported by knob and tube wiring. With knob and tube compatible outlets, there is only space for two prongs. Take a look at any modern appliance and you’ll notice a three-pronged plug. The third prong is the grounding prong which protects us from shocks when plugging in or unplugging a device. To keep you and your household safe, it is always recommended to replace your old knob and tube wiring.
How to Replace Knob and Tube Wiring in Your Home
The safety and protection of your home are very important. If your home has knob and tube wiring, you will have a very hard time finding an insurance company that will cover you. This is simply because there are too many risks involved with knob and tube wiring. To ensure the safety of your home and that you are covered should anything happen, insurance is necessary.
Expert electricians recommend having your wiring replaced while you are doing another major renovation. This could be a new kitchen, a bathroom makeover, or removing a wall. This way you can get your electrical work done while the other projects are happening, reducing the need to extend your project’s timeline. If you’re not planning a major renovation anytime soon, you should still have a certified journeyperson come and take a look at what your options are. They can perform an electrical inspection and tell if you have full or partial knob and tube wiring.
According to the Alberta Electrician Trade Regulation, only a licensed electrician can be hired to do a knob and tube rewiring project. Whether you live in Calgary, Edmonton or any other city in Alberta, the responsibility is on the homeowner to hire right. For tips on how to safely hire a licensed electrician in your city, be sure to check out these articles.
Whether you need an electrical inspection or a full house rewiring completed, you can find a licensed electrician on HomeStars. Be sure to look out for a Verified badge on company profiles to confirm they have the correct licensing. Don’t put your home at risk for another minute and replace your knob and tube wiring sooner than later.
