K & T wiring

[peter d]

I wanted to get some comments on the notion that K&T wiring is "unsafe."

Yes, it does have significant drawbacks, such as no grounding conductor, and EMF issues. Also, the insulation falls apart when exposed to heat sources, like above incandescent lights.

Other than that, it's still in operation in a great many homes. Most of it will probably not get upgraded any time soon. I say that because it is often found in homes in the city as well rental properties, and landlords and cash strapped homeowners just aren't going to spend the money to replace it.

I have seen situations where insurance companies would not insure a home that had K&T wiring, and the irony was that the homeowner "rewire" created a bigger hazard than the K&T it replaced. :roll:

I think in most cases the best thing to do is just leave it alone.

 

[charlie tuna]

Re: K & T wiring

i have installed knob and tube in military freezer installations. it is code approved and when installed correctly is safe! i have lived in a house in hawaii that was wired in romex that the mice had eaten all the insulation off the exposed romex surfaces. this had little clearance compared to knob and tube. and i have seen knob and tube carry large amounts of current--sometimes twice the rated current without failure! one apartment complex added efficiency appliances over the years and just kept adding and adding ---bigger fuses etc. everything was functioning --- the number twelve was carrying 40 amps at times!! consider the costs involved to replace it -- from what i see is lath and plaster!

 

[luke warmwater]

Re: K & T wiring

Great! Now they have to start putting Rat Poison in the jacket of NM.

 

[charlie tuna]

Re: K & T wiring

they have already solved this problem ---the rats were after the tared paper insulation in the old romex. todays romex doesn't have this!!!

 

[tedge]

Re: K & T wiring

I don't know about that. I've seen plenty of "new" plastic romex chewed up by rats.

 

[allenwayne]

Re: K & T wiring

Great! Now they have to start putting Rat Poison in the jacket of NM.

It`s already there VOLTAGE !!!!!

 

[jimwalker]

Re: K & T wiring

I too have seen the newer (non cloth) romex ate by rats.
The problem with K and T is from its age and abuse.Many of them old houses can be rewired with min.to no damage to plaster.Costly yes,i figure 1 item for a journeyman and a helper per hour,plus material.So even looking at Floridas low prices it still comes to about $100 per item.Bright side is there are fewer recepts in them older homes.If at all posible make the house vacant of people if at all possible.