Should you buy a home with knob and tube wiring? The general perception is that it can be difficult getting a home insured when Knob & Tube wiring is present. I often hear people say that insurance companies dont mind knob and tube wiring so long as the amount of knob and tube in a given house is less than five per cent. I have no evidence that this is true. My experience - and my 108-year-old home has a some knob and tube in it - is that insurance is not difficult to get, although some insurers may charge a premium for a house that has knob and tube. Knob & Tube wiring was the electrical system that was used in the first half of the 1900’s. It consists of two wires, live & neutral. Insulator knobs were used to keep the wires isolated & ceramic tubes used to line holes through wooden joists/studs. Some insurers deem this older style of wiring to be unsafe & to be a fire hazard. However, according to the Electrical Safety Authority, knob & tube wiring can be safe & functional. There is no ground wire in a Knob & Tube wiring circuit, which means that devices rated for more than 15 Amps cannot be used with Knob & Tube wiring. If three pin devices are to be used on a Knob & tube outlet it is recommended that a GFI be installed. Also, there are potential fire hazards with the break down of the insulation around the knob and tube wiring that comes with age, and should the black and white wires ever make contact. If your home has knob and tube wiring in it, it would be a great idea to update your electrical system, as it will definitely be a factor when it comes time to sell. Conversely, this is why knob and tube wiring in a home can make it more affordable for first-time buyers - but it is something you will have to deal with to realize the full resale potential of the home if you buy it. Prices vary, but the average cost per room is approximately $800 to $1000. When getting a quote, be sure to ask that it cover all repairs to the walls, floors & ceilings. Keep the receipt to show prospective buyers when it comes time to sell. Knob and Tube Myths • Knob & Tube wiring is unsafe. • All knob and tube wiring must be disconnected and replaced. • The Ontario Electrical Safety Code no longer recognizes knob and tube wiring as an acceptable wiring method. Knob and Tube Facts • Knob & Tube wiring is safe, provided it is properly maintained. • The Electrical Safety Authority, as well as the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, recognize and accept knob and tube wiring methods. • The Ontario Electrical Safety Code 2002 edition contains rules that govern the installation of open type wiring methods (knob & tube). Rules 12-200 to 12-224 set out the minimum safety standards for the installation of open wiring, which may still be installed to this day.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 14:15:01 +0000
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