Can You Be Insured With Knob and Tube Wiring?

In the early 1900s and 1940s, knob and tube wiring were less expensive than other methods of electricity in homes. The name comes from the ceramic insulators that support the wires around bends and beams around the house. It is also more common in buildings with 60-amp service.

There may be wires running through porcelain cylinders, or tubes, inserted in holes along wooden floor joists. Porcelain knobs help keep the wires secure and prevent wires from touching. The wires are insulated with a piece of rubberized cloth fabric versus today’s wires insulated with plastic.

The main difference between modern wiring and K&T is that there is no grounding wire, and it can’t power today’s appliances and electronics. Modern wires have black, white, and ground wires enclosed in a single cable, but knob and tube electrical all run separately.

No law in Canada’s building code states that knob and tube are illegal or need to be removed, but it is considered a hazard and can’t be used in new construction.

Knob and tube wiring is an obsolete method in today’s buildings. Until the Second World War, homes were built with K&T – keep in mind they did not use the number of electronics and appliances we do now, which is where the danger lies. This increase in electrical load can cause strain on the wires, resulting in a fire hazard.

Other dangers of knob and tube wiring include :

• Wear and tear : The rubberized cloth that wraps around the tube wires becomes brittle, cracks, and falls off. This leaves wires exposed which can lead to water leaks, and the wires are even more exposed to being and a shock and hazard.
• Ceramic knobs : These knobs and tubes can crack.
• No ground wire : This exists in modern circuits that use copper wiring. Knob and tube only have a hot wire and a neutral wire. This lack of grounding poses a huge risk for appliances and your home.
• Improper connections : Many homeowners believe they can change the wiring on their own, however, improper connections and splices can comprise safety. Taping and soldering additions without junction boxes are a huge risk. Many of these modifications are not permitted by the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
• Fire hazard : Contact between the black and white wires can overheat and cause a fire, which may increase your need for additional fire insurance.
• Insulation : The insulation in attics and walls can lead to the overheating of K&T wires – they were initially designed to remain suspended in the open air.
• Appliances : Modern technology and appliances exceed the original electricity supply. The old wiring simply cannot handle the amount of power we use in the 21st century.

If your home happens to have K&T, you should :

• Get an inspection from a licensed electrician to verify the switches, wires, connections, and fuses.
• Replace all the bad circuits that are damaged, incorrectly modified, or covered with insulation.
• Install a ground fault protection (GFCI) and an arc fault (AFCI) protection to enhance safety.

Even making the above points does not guarantee your home can get insured with knob and tube electrical. Taking the proper precautions to ensure the wiring is correctly installed can make it safer, but updating is recommended.

Knob and tube wiring is made of copper, one hot and one neutral, that runs through porcelain knobs and tubes. It is covered in insulation, and the knobs hold the wire in place, generally in contact with wooden beams of the house. The tubes are designed to protect the wire from being in contact with wood or drywall and fraying.

Replacing knob and tube wiring can cost between $5,000 to upwards of $10,000. The cost depends on how big your home is, how much of the wiring exists, and assuming there are no major issues found during the renovation. Most of the work involves removing or replacing drywall and ceilings, pulling out the old wiring, and installing the new receptacles and wiring. All work needs to be inspected by a licensed electrical inspector.

Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean you don’t have it. Knob and tube electrical are still present in many older homes, and it is quite easy to identify. You can usually find it in your basement or attic. It is identified by white ceramic, spool-like tubes and knobs. You can make holes in walls or send a tiny camera inside to take a look.

Did you know that if your home is over 30 years old, your insurer may require you to upgrade the wiring in your home before providing or renewing your policy?

It can be challenging to get coverage with knob and tube wiring. If they do approve K&T wiring, your costs will be much higher. This type of wiring is the most dangerous and is associated with increased safety hazards.

Depending on your provider, you may be able to get coverage after a licensed electrician inspects it. You may also be able to get coverage from a specialty insurer.

It depends - policies vary, and they may or may not cover knob and tube wiring. Talk with an expert to compare your options for getting coverage if you have knob and tube electrical.