Knob-and-Tube Isn’t Always a Crisis. Sometimes It Is
Knob-and-tube wiring was standard in homes built before about 1940, which covers a lot of Highland Park, Mt. Washington and Eagle Rock. When it’s intact and lightly loaded, it can keep working. The trouble starts when insulation gets brittle, when it’s been spliced into by earlier owners, or when it’s covered by attic insulation, which traps heat.
It also has no ground wire. That matters for modern electronics and for GFCI protection in kitchens and bathrooms.
Insurance is often what forces the issue. Many insurers won’t write a policy on a home with active knob-and-tube, which can come up when you buy or refinance.
You may not need a full rewire. Replacing the most heavily used circuits, like kitchen, bathrooms and laundry, is often the right first step. We’ll show you what we find.
