At Langstaff & Sloan, our team of electrical contractors understands that you want the very best for your family. This includes having a reliable home that meets your safety needs. Unfortunately, an outdated type of electrical wiring, known as knob and tube wiring, could be posing serious concerns.
If you’re not sure whether you should replace this wiring in your home, consider the following pros and cons:
Pros of Knob and Tube Wiring
- Prevent unnecessary costs: Some contractors may advise you to save money by adapting the existing knob and tube wiring to GFCI-protected circuits. This is a measure to make a 3-prong outlet legal on 2-conductor wiring but still utilizes the old wiring. Most insurance companies will not accept this. This could end up costing you both money and time, and it will not entirely address the safety risks.
- Avoid the unexpected: Are you hesitant to address your outdated wiring to avoid coming across something unexpected? Maybe you’re wary that workers will find another issue when completing the electrical work, which could add to project costs. While doing nothing with your outdated wiring sounds less expensive, it could in fact lead to additional costs and safety concerns down the road.
Cons of Knob and Tube Wiring
- Outdated wiring: This type of wiring was discontinued from being installed in the 1950s. Electrical wiring techniques have advanced since then, making this type of wiring outdated. To put this into perspective, it only provides two-pronged outlets as opposed to three-pronged ones. Safety concerns: This type of wiring is not grounded, meaning it’s more likely to pose safety concerns such as causing a shock or starting a fire. In addition, it predates the temperature ratings of wire and is a free-air wiring system. This means it features wires suspended in the air behind walls and in attics, which is a concern as most houses have insulation. You’ll also want to be cautious of any improper and dangerous modifications that may have been done over time.
- Home insurance: Even if the knob and tube system in your home was well installed and hasn’t been tampered with, it still may not be safe. In fact, you may find it difficult to obtain home insurance with an outdated electrical system. For homeowners who can find insurance that includes outdated wiring, it is likely the premiums will be significantly higher.
- Resale value: Upgrading your old electrical wiring should be on your to-do list if you plan to sell your home. Older wiring could be a deterrent that causes your home to stay on the market longer and could decrease your home’s resale value if you’re not able to receive a competitive offer.
Contact Langstaff & Sloan: Knob and Tube Wiring Experts
If you’re feeling hesitant to replace your outdated wiring, please connect with our professional team at Langstaff & Sloan. Your safest option is to be rid of this wiring entirely and put your trust in our knob and tube wiring experts to handle the job with care.
Note that removing this type of wiring has been our specialty at Langstaff & Sloan since 1996. We invite you to learn more about our services and contact us today to get started.