Serving Salem, Beverly, Danvers, Peabody & Lynn
Electrical wiring is one of the most critical unseen features in your home. It serves the vital task of carrying power to outlets, light switches, and appliances. If your home has outdated knob-and-tube wiring, consider replacing it with something safer and more reliable.
Cranney Home Services has been in the home service industry for over 40 years. We employ licensed, trained electricians to meet all your home electrical needs, including knob-and-tube wiring removal and replacement.
Contact us today to schedule electrical rewiring in Andover, Burlington, Danvers, and surrounding areas.
We can also help determine if your home has knob-and-tube wiring.
What Is knob-and-tube Wiring?
Knob-and-tube wiring is the oldest standardized form of home electrical wiring. It was common in North American homes from about 1880 to 1950, which means this outdated wiring is still present in many historic homes.
While it’s considered obsolete, building codes in the North Shore don’t require the removal of existing knob-and-tube wiring. However, it’s not permitted in new construction, and electricians strongly recommend replacing it for the safety and performance of your electrical system.
What Are The Dangers Of knob-and-tube Wiring?
- Old age: Since knob-and-tube wiring was discontinued around 1950, any remaining installations are at least 70 years old. At this age, copper wires may be oxidized, and the wiring insulation may be cracked and peeling.
- Insulation enveloping the wires: With today’s emphasis on energy efficiency, many older homes have had insulation added to them. Unfortunately, surrounding knob-and-tube wiring with insulation can create a fire hazard.
- Unable to meet modern electrical demands: The electricity requirements of homes in the early 1900s were nothing like they are today. Refrigerators, vacuums, air conditioners, stoves, and other appliances have higher amperage loads than knob-and-tube wiring is designed to handle. This can lead to overheating and potential electrical fires. Plus, with no ground wire, outlets have only two prongs, making it impossible to plug in three-pronged appliances.
- Improper modifications: Knob-and-tube wiring is susceptible to incorrect splicing performed by amateurs. This effort to overcome the amperage limitations of this kind of wiring can actually make it more vulnerable to overloading and heat damage.
How To Determine If Your Home Has knob-and-tube Wiring
First, consider the age of your home. If it was built before the 1950s, it could have knob-and-tube wiring.
Visit the basement and look up at the exposed joists. Do you see white ceramic knobs nailed to the joists with electrical wires snaking through them? That’s what you’re looking for. If your home doesn’t have a basement, check the attic for the same telltale sign between the floor joists.
Need an electrician to check your home’s electrical wiring? Call Cranney to schedule electrical services today.
How Much Will It Cost to Replace knob-and-tube Wiring?
Schedule Home Wiring Removal & Replacement In Salem, MA
No matter what type of electrical rewiring you need, it’s essential to let a professional electrician take care of it. The Master Electricians at Cranney Home Services have all the tools and knowledge required to perform the job safely, quickly, and accurately.
We’re proud to be an authorized Nexstar Residential Service Provider, which means we’ve received top training in customer service and industry best practices. Thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can trust us with your knob-and-tube rewiring project.
Call Cranney Home Services today to have your wiring looked at by a qualified electrician.
