Knob And Tube
Wiring Etobicoke
Contact Us For a Consultation
Knob and Tube Wiring in Etobicoke
The electrical system that runs through your home has a big job to do. It supplies light and power to all levels of the home and can significantly contribute to the overall safety of a space. While many advances have been made in how to safely wire a home, knob and tube wiring is still commonly found in many houses in Etobicoke and across the GTA.
Knob and tube was primarily used across North America starting in the 1880s up until the 1950s. By today’s standards, this electrical system is considered to be obsolete, presenting a significant safety hazard.
What You Need to Know About Knob and Tube
If you have found knob and tube in your Etobicoke home, it’s time to call a licensed electrician. The antiquated nature of this type of electrical system and the fact that it usually sits too close to insulation mean that it’s not something that belongs in a safe home, let alone a fully modern one.
As a licensed and experienced knob and tube wiring company in Etobicoke, Langstaff & Sloan is sharing some key points you should know about this outdated system:
- There’s no ground wire to protect against electric shock.
- The insulation used is not rated for exposure to moisture, making it very dangerous when in bathrooms and kitchens.
- The components become brittle and can crack due to their advanced age.
- If it’s been modified, knob and tube wiring is often poorly spliced with modern wiring, resulting in increased fire risk.
- Homes with outdated wiring typically won’t have the capacity to meet the electrical needs of today’s modern families.
Choose the Best Knob and Tube Wiring Company in Etobicoke
If you find knob and tube in your Etobicoke home, you do have options. While it is possible to try and update only some of the outdated wiring in your home, we can only recommend a total replacement. This is the safest option and one that gives homeowners the peace of mind they’re looking for.
At Langstaff & Sloan, knob and tube wiring removal has been our specialty since 1996. You can count on our team to take care of everything, from permits to completing the work, patching drywall damage, as well as removing garbage and all debris related to the project.
Here’s what you can expect from our licensed and professional team:
We offer a wide range of services to support your home’s electrical system for both functionality and safety. From service calls and troubleshooting to upgrades and repairs, you caa
- Trace all the knob and tube wiring in the home so that we fully understand the scope of the work right from the start.
- Provide a written, detailed estimate for your review.
- Replace all outdated wiring and ensure that the new wiring meets current codes and required regulations.
- Repair drywall damage created due to rewiring.
- Install new outlets and switches.
- Consistently communicate with you throughout the project.
- Treat your home with courtesy and respect.
We know that undertaking a large electrical project can feel overwhelming, but the team at Langstaff and Sloan is here to help. If you’re looking for an Etobicoke electrician you can trust, you’ve come to the right place. To have your home assessed or to find out more about working with Langstaff & Sloan, contact us.
Frequently Asked Question
The common life expectancy of knob and tube wiring is 25 years, due to the rubberized cloth insulation used on the wires beginning to break down. While the wiring itself remains functional, the deterioration of insulation increases the risk of injury and damage that can cause more serious issues. As this type of wiring is an outdated option, dating back to the early to mid-1900s, the homes that still have it today are living on borrowed time.
Knob and tube wiring can only exist in 15-amp ratings, which is a very low current on the general scale of wiring methods. Most modern devices require more power than 15-amps to function properly, which means that the devices may not work, or the wiring will be working much harder than it is designed to. Neither of these circumstances are ideal for your home, nor are they safe.
There are several concerns surrounding knob and tube electrical, as it is outdated, which means its level of safety is questionable. The following are issues associated with this type of electrical wiring that homeowners should be aware of. As an ungrounded system, it increases the risk of injury; deterioration or cracking likely has happened over time, which can lead to an electrical fire; and newer wiring is often connected to knob and tube wiring, which creates dangerous conditions. Langstaff and Sloan Inc advises all homeowners to replace their knob and tube wiring. Having a licensed electrician upgrade your electrical will ensure your home is as safe as possible.
While you can tell if a knob and tube wire is active by following the wires and seeing where they lead to, the safest way is to hire a professional. At Langstaff and Sloan, we send one of our licensed electricians to inspect your home’s wiring and see what condition it is in. Alternatively, if you have some technical knowledge of electricity, you may also use a voltage stick, otherwise known as a “tick buster.” By inserting the probes into the knob and tube fixture, you may test the alternating current. If the result is within 110 to 120 volts, the wire is live, so proceed with caution.
While many homes built between 1900 and 1945 have knob and tube wiring, there are several concerns associated with this wiring method that should not be ignored. It is an ungrounded system, which increases the likelihood of damage or injury. This is not only because it is old, meaning it may have deteriorated or cracked, but also because modern devices are not properly supported by it. If your home is suspected to have or has been confirmed to have knob and tube wiring, it is time to call Langstaff and Sloan Inc and book your wiring replacement.
