Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement

Most Pennsylvania Homes Built Before 1950 Have Knob and Tube Wiring.

Also known as K&T or knob-and-tube, knob and tube wiring was the first generation of electrical wiring. While it was very popular, it can no longer meet the standards of modern electrical systems and should be replaced. If your home was built between 1900 and 1940, you may have a knob and tube electrical system powering your home.

The certified and trained experts at Kelly Electric can assess your electrical system and identify what type of wiring is used in your home. We can also help you make a plan for how to upgrade an outdated or unsafe home electrical system.

Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement cost discount

Problems With Knob & Tube Wiring

The name “knob and tube” is pretty self-explanatory: it’s named after the ceramic knobs that are used to support the ceramic tubes that encase the wires. The knobs hold the tubes in place as they pass through the wood framing of your home.

One of the biggest differences between modern wiring and knob and tube is that the knob and tube system runs white and black wires separately.

Due to both its design and age, knob and tube wiring is easily damaged. It is not uncommon to knock over or bend the wiring system, which can cause the entire system to fail or lose its insulation. Even without interference, the insulation can become brittle due to age and lead to exposed wires.

Since the knob and tube system uses no ground wire, there’s no protection when a fault occurs. As a result, you increase your risk of shocks and fires. Today these wires are bundled together with a ground wire in a single plastic sheathing cable. You can prevent this fire hazard through regular inspection and/or replacing the knob and tube system with updated wiring.

Degraded and Frayed Knob and Tube

If you have knob and tube wiring in your home, here’s why you need to upgrade your electrical:

Degradation

Knob and tube wire will eventually break down. If your home has seen multiple homeowners, handymen and contractors, the mechanical abuse and inevitable wear and tear from decades of service will render a knob and tube system unsafe. Symptoms of old knob and tube electrical systems include cracked or broken tubes, sagging or frayed wires and broken sheathing that exposes live wires.

Dangerous Combos

Dream Team has inspected many homes that have been wired with old knob and tube and modern wiring. This is extremely dangerous and against the electrical code. Think of it this way, you’re now using different materials that are contracting and expanding at different rates. If left in the wrong hands, altering your knob and tube system can lead to a fire hazard.

Electrical Demand

With the rise of technology there is a higher electrical demand. Homeowners with knob and tube often overuse and abuse extension cords and power bars. There’s simply not enough power for modern-day living.

Poor Connections

Problems with knob and tube wire can result from amateurish connections made after original installation.

Weakness

The rubber insulation on knob and tube can become brittle; this usually happens in high heat areas like receptacles, fixtures and switches.

Old Technology

Homes with knob and tube wiring will likely have two-prong receptacles. Since there is no ground wire, there is an increased chance of shock and injury, especially around water.

60 Amp Service

Knob-and-tube uses a 60 amp service, whereas today it is recommended that homeowners use a 100 amp service/ breaker panel.

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We offer same-day repair and next-day installation services. The expert electricians at Kelly Electric will arrive on time, give you clear options, and treat you and your home with respect. Our technicians are highly-trained, background checked, and drug tested. You can always trust that you're in good hands at Kelly Electric.

What Our Residential Clients Say

Kelly did two great jobs for us. They replaced the last of the old knob and tube wiring in our hallway (two stories). The work was done quickly and cleanly. Shortly after this, we contracted with Kelly to install a whole-house generator - a huge job. The entire crew - closely supervised by the owner - was knowedgeable, hard-working, and courteous. They obtained the permits, consulted us about details, worked hard, and completed the job They also cleaned the site up carefully when the installation was complete. These are consummate professionals and we recommend Kelly highly..

Sandra Malard

Kelly Electric showed up on time and was very responsive throughout the entire time their team was working at our house. All of the fixtures they installed work perfectly and they left our house as clean as it was before they began doing work. The technician who we worked with made sure to verify where we wanted our fixtures installed before he began doing work and gave us honest recommendations for everything we were considering changing in our house. I would absolutely recommend them and will use them again if a need arises.

Devin Fox

I have now used Kelly electric for several major projects (installation of whole house generator, electrical upgrade in condo renovation, and rewiring of basement lights) and have been impressed each time with their responsiveness, professionalism and quality workmanship. Their prices are very reasonable. Would not hesitate to use then again in the future for other projects.

David Lin

Kelly Electric removed our knob and tube wiring. I called on a Thursday, Sean Mullan came the next day and gave me an estimate that afternoon, and work started the following Monday. They get an A+ for responsiveness! The men who did the work were great, too. It's not an easy job but they made it as painless for us as possible.

Susan Stewart

Gareth and his team are top notch! They performed a very large, very complicated job in my home, which included removing old knob and tube wiring. They then wired a complicated kitchen with every possible appliance. They are prompt, hard workers, clean, and efficient. Gareth is easy to contact, and manages his work teams well. I would highly recommend Kelly Electric.

Denise Gotsdiner

I've used Kelly Electric a couple of times since moving to Havertown, and have been very impressed - found them to be friendly, responsive, and reasonably priced. I would definitely use them again, and recommend them to others.

Elisabeth Flynn

Fantastic response time and service! Nick came out within an hour of when I called to set up an appointment and did an outstanding job troubleshooting our problem. Thanks!

Sean McIlhargy

I recently used Kelly Electric for the addition of a new outlet to accommodate a new tank-less water heater. Sean and his team were responsive, courteous and professional. Theirs was the most competitive bid for the work, and they were in and out in an hour or so.

I would recommend them without hesitation, and will definitely use them again when the need arises.

A. McGrath

We had Kelly rewire our house and remove the old knob and tube wiring. Not an easy job in a close to 100 year old house. They made some holes in the walls and ceilings to fish the new wires (as they said they would have to do), but they patched them, protected the floors and furniture from debris, and cleaned up daily. Their price was fair and they did a professional job. We can recommend them without reservation.

John Bryan

Installed a generator at my home. Was professional, on time and did a fantastic job. It wasn't an easy job but they were courteous and made sure to leave my home free of trash and even brought up my trash cans! I would definitely use them again.

Kim Colaprete

We recently had Kelly Electric evaluate and repair an error made by a previous electrician. Mr. Kelly provided courteous and detailed answers to my questions and had our problem fixed quickly. I highly recommend Kelly Electric!

Jesse Flavin

Great experience throughout, from initial call to estimate to scheduling of the job. The guys were pleasant around the house and worked hard for the day they were here. NO hesitation in recommending Kelly Electric again!

Iain McClements

Our Service Areas

Regardless of which commercial or residential electrical service you’re in need of, the electricians at Kelly Electric provide an array of interior and exterior electrical services in PA. We’re dedicated to providing cost-effective solutions for any sized project. Below is the list of Pennsylvania Counties and towns we serve. If your area is not listed below, please call us at 484-454-5494 to see if we can help you.

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(484) 454-5494

Since 2001, Kelly Electric has been providing quality, affordable electrical services to clients in the greater Philadelphia and New Jersey area. We love working with commercial and residential clients. From pool and hot tub wiring, to full home electrical projects, we do it all.