A safety/practice thing. Got a 3 way, in a box (those small metal boxes, building is ca.1940 I belive) that has 8 individual knob and tube wires in it and two pigtails. I organized the wires best as I could, and put the switch in. It's quite snug. Will that be solid for years to come, or...? The only thing I think I could do, would be to take it all apart and put in a cut in box, which would give me a little more breathing room. But than again, those wire jackets are so brittle, will that cause more damage by re-routing them, than by leaving them tight and under pressure?
Tight box with Knob + Tube
- Thread starter AC-DC
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al hildenbrand
Senior Member
- Location
- Minnesota
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor, Electrical Consultant, Electrical Engineer
Re: Tight box with Knob + Tube
In my opinion, the correct course of action balances on the knife edge of local ordinance that covers work on existing installations.
It is not uncommon to have the dictum: "If you touch it, changes must meet current Code."
I work with existing dwellings and have a long history with legacy K&T systems. Box volume requirements have evolved. I'd estimate a full third of the legacy installations don't meet 2005 NEC, but, until I work on them, they are grandfathered in.
First turn to the AHJ that covers the area that this installation is in, and find out what the local requirements are that extend to existing installations and existing installations that are repaired and/or modified.
Second, if it doesn't feel safe, maybe that is the reason to repair it. Hopefully there will be enough play in the loam and conductors to permit working in a new box. With as many conductors as you indicate, opening the wall surface a bit may well be in order.
In my opinion, the correct course of action balances on the knife edge of local ordinance that covers work on existing installations.
It is not uncommon to have the dictum: "If you touch it, changes must meet current Code."
I work with existing dwellings and have a long history with legacy K&T systems. Box volume requirements have evolved. I'd estimate a full third of the legacy installations don't meet 2005 NEC, but, until I work on them, they are grandfathered in.
First turn to the AHJ that covers the area that this installation is in, and find out what the local requirements are that extend to existing installations and existing installations that are repaired and/or modified.
Second, if it doesn't feel safe, maybe that is the reason to repair it. Hopefully there will be enough play in the loam and conductors to permit working in a new box. With as many conductors as you indicate, opening the wall surface a bit may well be in order.
petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- engineer
Re: Tight box with Knob + Tube
if you are uncomfortable with the installation, you should probably do something to make yourself feel more comfortable.
you will sleep better at night that way.
if you are uncomfortable with the installation, you should probably do something to make yourself feel more comfortable.
you will sleep better at night that way.
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