Knob and tube wiring is a serious concern that we’ve discussed on our blog before. Many homes in our area are older (which is one good reason why we love them so much) and older homes can be the victims of subpar wiring and fire hazards.
Luckily, our team has an electrician in Cedar Rapids on standby to help homeowners address their knob and tube wiring issues, as well as to support them upgrading their home electric grids into the 21st century.
Today, we’d like to focus on the issue of knob and tube wiring specifically. We want to talk about what it is, why we advise customers to get it removed, and what can be so dangerous about it. Then, when you’ve got an idea that your knob and tube wiring needs to be replaced, you can call us!
A Serious Safety Concern
Let’s start with the most obvious reason to invest in electrical work to remove knob and tube wiring. It’s dangerous.
Knob and tube wiring was invented around the turn of the 20th century when homes were starting to be electrified. Having electrical appliances at home was an amazing feat and everyone wanted access. Unfortunately, the wires manufactured back then were not insulated or built to last as long as they had, and they caused many fires.
Knob and tube wiring is a house fire waiting to happen. It’s exactly as the name implies, wires in tubes spun around knobs in the walls or ceilings of your house. Because of their materials and age, they can get very hot and even spark electricity in dry places which is why they are considered a fire hazard.
Do yourself a favor and get these wires replaced, if only to protect you and your family.
Insurance Woes
Safety isn’t the only good reason to invest in electrical work to remove knob and tube wiring. Insurance companies will raise your premiums if they discover this is in your home. And depending on when an inspection is due, this might be imminent.
Luckily, if you know your home has knob and tube wiring, you’ve got time to get it replaced now. Once your insurance company knows you’ve had a licensed electrician replace these materials, your insurance premiums should go back down and you should be in good shape.
Upgrading Your Home
Knob and tube wiring simply doesn’t have the power and longevity to handle our new electric lifestyles in the 21st century. Close your eyes and think of the amount of devices, apps, appliances, and even vehicles you use on a regular basis that rely on electricity. Then imagine trying to power all of that with crude wiring from the early 1900s. Not a good idea, right?
Our electricians can upgrade your home wiring so that it’s more capable of handling your lifestyle needs. You’ll have a safer, better-functioning home as a result of calling our team of expert electricians. We promise!