If Your Home’s Wiring Is from the 1900s, Read This First
Knob-and-tube wiring (K&T) was cutting-edge tech in the early 1900s. But if your home still relies on it today, it’s like trying to run a smart home on a flip phone. While not automatically dangerous, outdated systems like this come with serious limitations and some real risks.
At GoHero Home Services, we’ve helped plenty of homeowners in Knoxville and beyond make the safe switch. Here’s what you need to know about knob-and-tube wiring, and when it’s time to bring in a skilled electrician for an upgrade.
What Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
Knob-and-tube wiring was the standard in American homes built from the 1880s to the 1940s. It uses ceramic knobs to hold wires in place and tubes to run wires through wooden framing.
Back then, it worked just fine. Today? Not so much. K&T doesn’t include a ground wire, isn’t designed for modern electrical loads, and doesn’t meet today’s electrical codes.
Why Knob-and-Tube Wiring Is a Problem
Even if it hasn’t caused issues yet, K&T wiring can be a serious liability:
1. No Grounding = Higher Risk
There’s no ground wire, meaning your outlets can’t safely redirect stray electrical current. That increases the risk of shocks and appliance damage.
2. Outdated for Today’s Power Demands
Microwaves, home theaters, air fryers, EV chargers, you name it. K&T simply wasn’t designed for today’s lifestyle and load.
3. Insurance Headaches
Many insurance companies won’t cover homes with active knob-and-tube wiring. If they do, expect higher premiums or requirements to upgrade.
4. Degrading Over Time
Over the decades, wires become brittle, insulation wears down, and splices may have been added unsafely. This makes it a fire hazard hiding behind your walls.
How to Tell If Your Home Still Has K&T
If your home was built before 1950 and hasn’t had a full electrical upgrade, there’s a chance you still have some knob-and-tube wiring in place. Look for:
- Two-prong outlets
- Ceramic knobs or tubes in the attic or basement
- Wires running through open air rather than a conduit
Not sure? A licensed electrician can identify it during a full home electrical inspection.
Do You Need to Replace It?
The short answer: Yes, especially if it’s still in use.
While K&T isn’t inherently illegal, it’s no longer considered safe or efficient. Whether you’re planning a remodel, selling your home, or just want peace of mind, upgrading your electrical system is a smart investment.
What’s Involved in an Electrical Upgrade?
Replacing knob-and-tube wiring involves opening walls, replacing outlets and switches, installing grounded wires, and upgrading your electrical panel. It’s not a weekend project, but it’s one GoHero can handle with care, precision, and minimal disruption to your home.
We’ll walk you through the process, provide transparent pricing, and get your system up to code and ready for modern living.
Ready to Modernize Your Home?
If your house is still running on 100-year-old wiring, don’t wait for a problem to pop up. Upgrading knob-and-tube wiring isn’t just about safety; it can improve your resale value, lower your insurance costs, and give you the peace of mind your home deserves.