Knob and Tube Wiring Upgrades in Riverside

Knob and tube wiring was used in North American homes from the 1880s up until the 1940s. While not illegal or inherently dangerous, it’s obsolete and does not meet modern electrical standards. Nor does it support the power requirements of modern appliances. If your Riverside home has knob and tube (K&T) wiring, there are steps you can take to modernize it. At Express Electrical Services, our licensed and trained technicians provide professional knob and tube replacement in Riverside to ensure your electrical system is safe and up to code.

This old house wiring uses porcelain or ceramic knobs that keep the wiring parallel to wooden frame elements. The tubes help run the wires through the frame and prevent them from touching the wood. Contrary to common belief, knob and tube wiring is not unsafe or dangerous. However, it is designed for service boxes only up to 60 amps and can’t support a 100-amp or higher breaker box.

The Risks of Knob and Tube Wiring

Having knob and tube wiring is a sign your home has an outdated electrical system. The risks come not from this wiring technology being unsafe, but due to the following issues:

• Lack of Grounding: Knob and tube wiring doesn’t have a ground wire that conducts electricity to a safe place. Modern outlets have three holes to support grounding. A knob and tube system only has two-prong outlets, which increases the risk of shock when using large appliances.
• Aging Wiring: Since the wiring system may have been installed as early as the late 1800s, its age is a factor in determining its safety. Over time, wiring materials degrade and become unsuited for use in the best of circumstances.
• Brittle Materials: The varnish and fiber used to insulate K&T wiring tend to deteriorate over time. The stretching and sagging associated with older wiring materials can also create an electrical fire hazard.
• Poor Insulation: The rubber-insulated cloth insulation around the wiring is a fire hazard. Another hazard is its proximity to building insulation. Foam insulation installed later can prevent heat from properly escaping from the wires.
• Incorrect Modifications: If a K&T wiring system was spliced to function with modern wiring, a high-power appliance, or a higher-capacity service box, an overload could occur. Regulations have become tighter in recent years. Before then, unlicensed technicians would do electrical work that does not meet modern standards.
• Insurance Issues: Insurance companies require home inspections. If knob and tube wiring is found, a company may charge a higher premium or refuse to insure your home. That is unless you hire a contractor to perform electrical rewiring.

If you find K&T wiring in your home, it’s best to leave it alone as the wire casing is likely brittle. While waiting for a replacement, you can use it, but schedule regular inspections by a licensed contractor. Be careful not to overload circuits or use too many appliances at once. You could have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets installed for some protection, but they won’t provide grounding.

Also, avoid splicing the wiring and keep it away from insulation (if it’s touching insulation in your attic or basement, shut off the main breaker and pull the insulation away from the wiring. Wear protective clothing to let heat dissipate from the wires and don’t touch them directly).

Knob and tube removal should be performed during remodeling. Eliminating outdated circuits ensures your home is properly updated. The old wiring system should be replaced in the following situations:

• Electrical issues are common in your home
• An inspector finds the system is in bad shape
• You’re adding or replacing your home insulation
• Insurance won’t cover your home because of K&T wiring
• A home improvement project requires an electrical upgrade

Express Electrical Services is a leading electrician in Greater Los Angeles. If you need an electrical upgrade in Riverside, our trained, certified master and journeymen electricians can replace K&T wiring and update your antiquated electrical system. We evaluate your home to determine your electrical needs, provide an up-front quote, and set a schedule for your project. It entails the following steps:

• Careful knob and tube removal
• Installing updated electrical wiring
• Grounding your home electrical system
• Adding three-prong outlets
• Providing arc fault protection
• Installing whole-home surge protection

A knob and tube wiring upgrade is worth investing in for the following reasons:

• Improved Safety: A wiring upgrade will include grounding, be properly insulated, and meet the electrical needs of your home.
• Increased Efficiency: While K&T wiring can have energy losses, modern wiring allows your appliances and electrical system to run more efficiently.
• Improved Resale Value: Updating your electrical system may make it easier to sell your home and can also increase your asking price.
• Insurance Protection: An electrical upgrade for your Riverside home can lower your insurance premium and qualify you for full coverage.

We are experts in rewiring knob and tube systems in Riverside homes. Express Electrical Services is trusted throughout the Los Angeles area for high-quality installations, repairs, and upgrades. We are available 24/7 and can respond in 60 to 90 minutes. Our licensed, trained, and certified electricians in Riverside can handle electrical services and upgrades of any size and handle everything from planning to permits to final testing. Meanwhile, competitive rates, specials, and financing also set us apart from the competition.

To schedule a knob and tube wiring upgrade in Riverside or request a free estimate, contact us today.