Knob and Tube

[nizak]

Working on a 1928 house and ran across something interesting.

Original K+T. Ceiling boxes were set up with 8 #14 conductors terminated in a 3 1/2"X 1/2" deep round box.

Conductors were approx. 1 1/2" long and surgically placed in the boxes.

Overall wiring was in near pristine condition.

Even where it was buried in insulation there was no signs of deterioration.

The craftsmanship was quite amazing .

 

[hbiss]

Do you have a question here?

-Hal

 

[garbo]

Working on a 1928 house and ran across something interesting.

Original K+T. Ceiling boxes were set up with 8 #14 conductors terminated in a 3 1/2"X 1/2" deep round box.

Conductors were approx. 1 1/2" long and surgically placed in the boxes.

Overall wiring was in near pristine condition.

Even where it was buried in insulation there was no signs of deterioration.

The craftsmanship was quite amazing .

Also have seen some work like this but the flimsy cloth over rubber insulation deteriates over time. Thermoplastic insulation especially when they improved it on type NM cable back in the early 80's to type NMB cable that went from type guess it was type TW insulation to much better appears to be thinner type THHN insulation that is good for 90 degrees C when calculating loads. Have read that some insurance companies will not provide coverage on a house with knob & tube until it is rewired. Best to not to disturb any cloth covered wire until it is replaced.

 

[LarryFine]

The craftsmanship was quite amazing .

It was. Soldered connections wrapped in rubber and friction tapes. Must have been hammered in place.

 

[James L]

It was. Soldered connections wrapped in rubber and friction tapes. Must have been hammered in place.

Hundreds and hundreds of times I've worked on k&t in the Kansas City area. Only one time in my whole career have I seen soldered connections.

I think for as long as this city has existed, cheap labor and bogus craftsmanship have been the standard here