Is Knob and Tube Electrical Wiring Safe?

Where these were installed in the correct manner, the knob and tube wiring were quite superior as compared to the current wiring methods. However, the only downside of these wiring methods is that they would rarely remain intact after being used for a period of 80 years or more. This is because there are certain issues that can occur after the original installation that can result in many issues.

 Electricians in Brisbane and Ipswich never use the knob & tube methods as this is believed to have a risk for home owners. Most of the older houses have the knob and tube wiring despite the fact even insurers consider it to be a major risk.. This makes it difficult to insure buildings and homes that make use of his method. So why is this method so dangerous that insurance companies do not want to insure it? Is there something that home owners should fear with this type of wiring?

Dangerous of the knob & tube wiring
If you live in a home that was constructed before the 50s, there are high chances that your structure contains what is known as the knob and tube wiring. This is due to the fact that during this time, this wiring method was considered to be the state-of-the-art wiring method. However, it is considered to be quite dangerous. But why is it dangerous? Here are top 5 reasons why knob and tube wiring is dangerous.

Two stranded. The wiring method is usually two-stranded-consisting of a neutral wire as well as a hot wire and doesn’t have the ground wire. This means that in case of a fault, there isn’t any protection. It is easy for fires and shocks to result from this form of wiring. The insulation is made of sheathing which tend to wear out with time. Since the wiring was used in the old buildings, this problem has been compounded. Nowadays we have wiring that makes use of a better insulation which is quite safer.

The electric systems have a 60 amp service with the fused wire being made of 15 amps. This can cause excess heat leading to a fire breakout as there will be more current flowing than the wire is able to handle. The older systems had less ampacity. The extra loads can cause the insulation to brittle and this can end up exposing the bare wire and can cause overheating. The older systems make use of the 2-prong receptacles ad this means that small kitchen appliances cannot be used. With no ground work, the chances of injury and shock increases.

Despite the dangers associated with knob and tube wiring, it is important to note that when these are installed in the right way, this wiring method can be superior to the current wiring methods. However, the method is no longer used by electricians due to the hidden risk to homeowners. If you are searching for the right home repair service in Brisbane to do your wiring, you should get in touch with Fizxit.