Old K&T electrical wiring: Should it stay or should it go?

Knob and Tube (K&T) electrical wiring is the oldest wiring method used in U.S. homes. While it can be safe and reliable in an untampered or original state, K&T wiring systems that have been modified can present a danger and potential for electrical fires, according to an article on the topic on The CE Shop‘s American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT) website.

No longer permitted in new construction, K&T was the gold standard approach in America from the late 1800s and into the 1950s. Home inspectors should note K&T wiring in their inspection reports. Those who come across this wiring will notice the ceramic knobs, which hold wires in place, and ceramic tube casings, which help protect wires running through wall studs or floor joists. Unlike today’s electrical installations which feature three wires, K&T wiring has two wires: a black, or hot, wire and a white, or neutral wire, according to an article on AngiesList.com by Angie’s List contributor Doug Bonderud, published June 16, 2015.

Photo courtesy Michael Marlow

With no equipment ground wire, K&T can’t service three-pronged appliances. The appliances run in American homes several decades ago might have included toasters, tea kettles, clothing irons—not the refrigerators, computers, and more in today’s homes. Home inspectors that see K&T systems might encounter modifications made to the wiring to better handle modern appliance loads. But these modifications often were made by inappropriately trained people. The result was a wiring system at risk for overloading.

Air circulation around the wires prevents heat from building up in the un-insulated connections in stud cavities of K&T wiring. But when unqualified people modify the old wiring system, they often compromise the system’s built-in safety, according to AHIT. The cloth covering on K&T wiring can become brittle and prone to damage, especially with the addition of thermal insulation to the attic or wall cavities, according to AHIT. K&T wiring should not be covered by insulation, according to the National Electrical Code (NEC), but not all jurisdictions adopt NEC’s requirement. Specifically, NEC requires that K&T wiring not be in “hollow spaces of walls, ceilings and attics where such spaces are insulated by loose, rolled or foamed-in-place insulating material that envelops the conductors.”

Photo courtesy Michael Marlow

The wiring can stretch and sag. And without a grounding conductor, there’s more risk of an electrical fire or equipment damage.

There is no code requiring complete removal of K&T wiring, even though it’s obsolete. Depending on the location, some jurisdictions require removal of accessible wiring; others simply state that K&T is not to be used in new construction. Still, insurance companies often refuse to insure or require higher premiums for K&T wired homes due to potential fire risk. Some insurers will make an exception if a qualified electrician confirms the system is safe.

“I have run into K&T many times, and I have yet to find a system that was not added on to, modified, deteriorated or damaged.” — Michael Marlow, Veteran Home Inspections

The biggest problem with Knob & Tube wiring is it has significantly exceeded its life expectancy, according to Michael Marlow of Annapolis, Md.-based Veteran Home Inspections. 

“I have run into K&T many times, and I have yet to find a system that was not added to, modified, deteriorated or damaged,” Marlow said. “The most important thing to do is to really start hunting for any parts of the old system that are still in use (energized). With flipping homes being so popular now, it’s common to find that the old K&T has been cut out of the attic and basement, but it’s left behind in the walls. You need to remember that the whole house was wired with it. If you either confirm energized K&T, or even slightly suspect that it hasn’t all been removed from the walls or other hidden spots, an evaluation by an electrician is essential.”

Photo courtesy Michael Marlow

Marlow said signs for home inspectors to look for (aside from the actual knobs and tubes) are: 2-prong receptacles (could also be BX wiring) and 2-button light switches, fuse boxes, holes in rafters a few inches apart with nothing in them (where the tubes were removed).

Home inspectors who come across the wiring should tell homeowners about potential dangers associated with the old wiring system. Homeowners that keep the wiring should know not to run too many appliances in order to avoid overloading the circuits. And K&T wiring should be maintained and replaced where it’s brittle or damaged. In order for K&T wiring to be safely used in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms or outside, it must either be grounded or have a GFCI installed. This may be a GFCI receptacle or circuit breaker.

AHIT’s Advanced Electrical Systems course can help you obtain a better understanding of electrical systems and how to properly inspect them. You’ll also learn what to look for when reporting and how to report your findings to educate your clients to the dangers of faulty wiring or wire overload.