Knob & Tube Wiring...
has been around for several years, and is quite prevalent in many of the older, more established neighborhoods in Nashville, TN and other markets across the country. These are relatively safe systems IF, like sleeping dogs, you let them lie.
However, folks just L-O-O-OVE to
tinker. And for some reason, they just L-O-O-OVE to tinker with electricity. ((sigh)) They just get out the tape and wire nuts and go at it and leaving things as they are. Talk about dangling participles...
© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team
Michael....I've been told that as long as the cloth around the wire is not unraveling, it's safe.....it is fightening to look at though....the bx cable in your photo looks safer.
Nov 27, 2009 10:51 PM
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia
Michael - Now THAT is cute! Insurance companies are still asking people if the house they are buying has knob and tube wiring for a reason! Even when the house is built in 1999...
Nov 27, 2009 11:01 PM
Jirasek Realty, LLC - Temple, TX
ALC, CCIM
Michael, I have a rent house with knob and tube wiring. To upgrade for the additional demand of modern day conveniences (refrigerator, A/C, etc.), about 15 years ago, I had a master electrician get rid of the old fuse boxes, adding breakers, change weatherhead, and add seperate lines (at current code) so not to add into the old system. Eventually, it may need to be rewired, but so far, there have been no problems.
Nov 27, 2009 11:53 PM
Coldwell Banker Realty - Columbia, MD
Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
Michael, I see a lot of knob and tube wiring here in Baltimore. Mostly it gets removed for more modern means. But, tape and wirenuts are also prevalent, it's very scary sometimes!! And, like Jay says, the insurance companies are asking if it has knob and tube for a reason.
Nov 28, 2009 12:00 AM
Viroqua, WI
Yikes, really was that supposed to be an improvement? I do run into some in our market place too. When it is found it usually gets replaced prior to closing as getting home owners insurance makes it an issue as well.
Nov 28, 2009 12:00 AM
KW Hometown - Mantua, NJ
Helping You Home
Great stuff - I get knob and tube in some of the older homes around here. Interesting point about leaving it alone. Thanks for the descriptive pictures - it helps !
Nov 28, 2009 12:08 AM
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto) - Toronto, ON
LL.B., Broker
Michael,
In Toronto, it's difficult to find an insurance company that will insure a property with knob and tube wiring.
Brian
Nov 28, 2009 12:38 AM
Inspector Mike - Circleville, OH
Inspector Mike
Replace the K & T. Period.
I have yet to see an existing installation that is safe.
If you find one let me know and send me pictures.
Nov 28, 2009 12:14 PM
Brokers Guild Cherry Creek Ltd - Westminster, CO
Helping people Transition at all ages!
Michael,
That insulation looks creepy... Good thing you know what is code and what is not... looks like a mess to me.
Nov 28, 2009 03:05 PM
Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA
Seattle Home Inspector
Michael, in Washington State we actually have a law that supersedes the NEC which allows for burying knob & tube wiring in insulation----go figure.
Nov 29, 2009 09:09 AM
Inspector Mike - Circleville, OH
Inspector Mike
Charles
You have to be kidding but I know that you are not.
Very dangerous.
Nov 30, 2009 12:55 AM
www.mrbrownsellsgr.com - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Mic
That can be some serious stuff. I've seen alot of this in my tenure in the business.
Dec 13, 2009 05:00 AM
Rainmaker
2,759,812
2,759,812
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029
Comments(12)