Knob & tube

[Michael J Hynes]

I have a customer with some knob and tube . He wants to add wall scounces and receptacles . what is the best thing to do

 

[480sparky]

I have a customer with some knob and tube . He wants to add wall scounces and receptacles . what is the best thing to do

Install them on a new (grounded) circuit all the way back to the panel.

 

[al hildenbrand]

What local ordinances apply to existing installations? If any.

In my area, existing dwelling K&T circuits are pretty much assumed to be loaded to capacity.

Installing new branch circuits offers additional load carrying capacity in the area that the receptacles go into. Don't forget the twist that 210.12(B) introduces.

If the existing service center is the original K&T fuse box, again, in my area, I am guided by local ordinance, for dwellings, to consider it "overloaded". The ordinance requires a service size increase with rare exception.

 

[abe72487]

Knob & Tube

Knob & Tube

This is still allowed but check with local AHJ . Splices are tricky and K & T cannot be covered up with any insulation.

 

[electricalperson]

i would not add onto knob and tube. when i was an apprentice the licensed guy i worked with used to splice onto it with romex and cut the grounding conductor off. i would never do this. i would run a new circuit and also i do the same with old BX cable.

 

[electricmanscott]

I don't see how it can legally be done. The k&t wires will not be rated for 90c as the fixture will be required to be connected to.

 

[ultramegabob]

I agree with the previous posters, run a new circuit from the panel, dont tie into knob and tube wiring....

 

[BackInTheHabit]

Rewire the whole house!:grin:

Note: Didn't know about the 60 second post rule.

 

[wireman71]

Run very fast!

 

[hillbilly]

Install them on a new (grounded) circuit all the way back to the panel.

This is my choice too.

 

[K8MHZ]

Try to sell as much of a total re-wire as possible. Remove the old KT wiring and save all the knobs and tubes. Some people collect them and use them to make artistic sculptures with (no kidding).

People also sell them on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ANTIQUE-KNOB-AN...goryZ795QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[KJay]

I don't see how it can legally be done. The k&t wires will not be rated for 90c as the fixture will be required to be connected to.

I don?t want to poke a stick at a hornets nest, or go off topic, because I agree that the best solution is to replace the wiring, but how would you normally go about connecting a new light fixture listed for connection to 90C wire in a home that was wired before 1985 with 60C TW NM cable?

I would normally splice the 60C wires and leave a pigtail of 90C THHN, then connect the 90C pigtails to the fixture wires.
If I tried to tell Mrs. homeowner she couldn?t have here new dining room fixture installed unless I run a new wire all the way back to the switch, I would quickly feel a dainty shoe being forced between my cheeks followed by my clipboard ricocheting off my head on my way out the door and a local handyman with no knowledge or concern for codes would be called to come slap it in and would look like a hero.
It seems theoretically, that if the OP used a non-metallic fixture with no requirement for grounding, and the original wiring was pigtailed to 90C conductors and then connected to the fixture wires, it would comply with the NEC and the fixture?s listed instructions.

Possibly?

 

[ultramegabob]

Try to sell as much of a total re-wire as possible. Remove the old KT wiring and save all the knobs and tubes. Some people collect them and use them to make artistic sculptures with (no kidding).

People also sell them on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ANTIQUE-KNOB-AN...goryZ795QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have a ceramic tube that I ran a long drywall screw through into a section of wooden rod for a handle, I keep it in my toolbox to sharpen my knife....