Help with knob and tube question

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badashuka

Member
My wife's grandmother wants to get her attic insulated but she was told she could not because she has knob and tube. I don't have a lot of experience with this and could not find it in the code book. Please help direct me in the right directions so I can help her out, she is 90 and cold.
 
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badashuka

Member
I found the article, and as far as I interpret it seems to say the attic can be insulated but not in the bays with knob and tube. Does this sound correct?
 
480sparky

480sparky

Senior Member
Location
Iowegia
394.12 Uses Not Permitted. Concealed knob-and-tube
wiring shall not be used in the following:
(5) 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.
 
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badashuka

Member
Sparky 480 posted the article I was referring to. So my interpretation is insulate the attic but not the bays with knob and tube. If anyone disagrees please let me know and explain. I appreciate everyone's input and time.
 
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badashuka

Member
One other thing. I don't see anything about the cloth tubes that is placed over the conductor when it enters a box.. Is this a requirement? And where do you get it because I looked at the hardware store and they don't sell it
 
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Speshulk

Senior Member
Location
NY
480sparky said:
394.12 Uses Not Permitted. Concealed knob-and-tube
wiring shall not be used in the following:
(5) 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.
Click to expand...

badashuka said:
Sparky 480 posted the article I was referring to. So my interpretation is insulate the attic but not the bays with knob and tube. If anyone disagrees please let me know and explain. I appreciate everyone's input and time.
Click to expand...

The way I read that, as long as the insulation doesn't envelop the wiring, you're ok. So if there is space between the wiring and the ceiling below the wiring to install insulation without the wiring ending up inside the insulation, it's fine to insulate.
 
S

shepelec

Senior Member
Location
Palmer, MA
In my area, insulation contractors will not insulate unless the electrician issues a letter stating that all the K&T has been removed from the area.

Your best bet is to remove all of the K&T in the attic so there are not gaps in the insulation envelope.
 
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andyselec@aol.com

Member
Location
durham,nc
Occupation
Electrical contractor
Rewire before you insulate, it will be easier ( cheaper) now than later. Why leave a know hazard up there? It will have to be rewired at some point.
 
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