2 Commons Electrical Dangers found in Homes With Knob and Tube Wiring

Lack of Grounding: A very frequent risk relating to knob and tube wiring is the use of electrical devices requiring grounding that is connected to “ungrounded, 3-prong receptacles”.  Solution: This situation, can be remedied with the replacement of the ungrounded 3-prong receptacles with GFCI receptacles or GFCI protection at the panel.

Unauthorized Add-ons done by non-professionals: Improper Connections / Alterations: A second common risk relating to knob and tube wiring is the implementation of improper add-ons often made by handymen or unlicensed electricians. These add-ons are frequently found, though not exclusively, tapped into existing knob and tube circuits. Example of these dangerous alterations is open splices, use of undersized wire, poor connections and/or dangerous placement and the kind of device to which it is powering.

Knob and tube wiring, on its own, is safe. It becomes a problem when it is abused. If you have Knob & Tube wiring, it would be wise to have the system evaluated by a licensed electrician. If required, it should be upgraded to a modern wire. Some insurance companies require periodical evaluation.

A comprehensive electrical inspection by a qualified electrician is the only sure way to identify if and where there are electrical hazards.

When should an electrical safety assessment be conducted?

• If you are not certain if unauthorized work has been done by non-professionals.
• If you are buying a vintage home.
• If your home is 25 years old or older

WireChief Electric provides Knob & Tube Wiring Replacement in Greater Vancouver, electrical safety inspections & knob & tube wiring assessment for insurance purposes. 

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