Do you have KNOB & TUBE wiring in your house? If so it could be an accident waiting to happen. Old wiring is not only inefficient but poses a serious fire hazard.



Back in the 30's, 40's, and 50's, when this type of wiring was installed, the demand for current was low. Today's electricity demands are a hundred times what they were 50 years ago.

Not sure if you have knob and tube in your house? Go down to your basement and take a look at the ceiling. If you see white knobs affixed to your joists with electrical wire snaking through them, you have knob and tube wiring.

The knobs (or insulators) keep the wires isolated from objects, and the ceramic tubes are used to line the holes through the wooden floor joists.

The old knob and tube wiring was a great system for the time as it was originally designed to carry modest currents.

Today, however, the electrical demands for the average family are considerably greater. Fifty years ago there were no microwaves, air conditioners, toasters, or computers in the home. This puts an enormous strain on the old style of wiring.

Even if you have upgraded your service, the additional demand can overload this old wiring. Knob-and-tube wiring can be a fire hazard if the original fuses have been replaced with over-sized fuses to handle larger electrical loads (an all-too-common practice).

A good rule of thumb is that if you upgrade your panel (the electrical service into your house) you should upgrade your wiring. There should be no debate.

And did you know that many insurance companies are refusing to renew policies on old homes unless the OUTDATED KNOB AND TUBE wiring is replaced. There's nothing worse than finding out that you can't get basic protection for your home because your wiring is considered sub standard.

So don't wait for your old wiring to cause a problem. Have Keegan Electrician check it and give you proper advice on its replacement.

If you are looking for a San Diego electrician please call us today at (619) 742-8376 or complete our online service request form.

Understanding what's involved in your home's electrical system is the first step in protecting your home from potential electrical problems. But there are other steps homeowners can take to further ensure the safety of their families and homes. For example:

1. Never put a higher-watt bulb in your lighting fixtures than is recommended by the manufacturer. This can burn up the fixture's wiring, leading to a fire hazard.
2. Never cover up extension cords with furniture, floor coverings or window treatments. Extension cords are rated for use in free air. Avoid overloading extension cords. Just because there are six receptacles doesn't mean you should plug something into every one. Extension cords are rated for a specific number of watts. Make sure the items plugged into the cord do not exceed this rating. A last note on extension cords: They are meant to be a temporary—not permanent—solution for wiring. Do not use them on a continual basis.
3. Flickering lights, outlets that work sporadically, circuit breakers that frequently trip, loose wall outlets, bulbs that blow out frequently—all of these are indications of minor electrical problems. If these problems are not monitored and rectified, they can lead to bigger dangers. They also may be indications of more serious electrical mishaps, such as improper wiring or poor grounding.
4. In addition to these visual signs, be alert for the smell of burning rubber or plastic, the feel of heat coming from electrical components, or the sound of sizzling or humming coming from electrical components. These, too, are indications that something is amiss with your electrical system.
5. Know the location of the breaker panel and the main shut-off to the electrical system. Labeling in the control panel should identify each circuit breaker's circuit. The main shut-off may be located outside at the meter. If something is amiss with the system, everything can be shut down here. Panels need to be accessible.

Now that you know the basics, you'll be better equipped to keep your home wired and working well.