If your home was built prior to 1950, there’s a good chance it still has knob and tube wiring in its walls. This type of wiring consists of ceramic knobs that hold wires in place and tubes that protect the wiring. One unique thing that sets knob and tube wiring apart from modern installations is that it has only two wires: a hot wire and a neutral wire. Because there is no ground wire, electrical shorts are not stopped by the wiring system and extra charge is not provided when needed.
To make their knob and tube system safer, many homeowners choose to have an electrician install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Though they are not technically grounded, GFCIs are effective at blocking the electrical current when needed to prevent electrical issues.
Are You a Candidate for Bucks County Knob and Tube Replacement?
While adding GFCIs to a home with knob and tube wiring can counteract some of the problems associated with this type of installation, there are still many other issues that can arise. Homeowners with knob and tube wiring are at risk for:
- Shorts and fires. In knob and tube systems, the insulation is made of rubber rather than modern-day plastic. Over the years, the rubber degrades and leaves the wires exposed, leading to a greater chance that a short will occur or a fire will start.
- System overloads. Because they were designed at a time when electrical needs were generally much smaller, knob and tube installations usually aren’t equipped to handle powering the many appliances of today’s families. To make the system more capable, many contractors add new circuits to the installation. While this may fix the problem temporarily, it can also overload the system quite easily, thus causing a larger issue.
- Insurance issues. Because knob and tube wiring can be dangerous, many insurance companies charge homeowners with this type of installation higher premiums, and some refuse to provide coverage at all unless the wiring is upgraded. Therefore, doing away with knob and tube wiring can save you money and make it easier to get insured.
Considering the risks associated with antiquated knob and tube wiring, we here at Wes Carver Electric highly suggest getting a knob and tube replacement in Bucks County. And if you aren’t sure whether there is knob and tube wiring “hiding” in your walls, hire us to perform a wiring inspection.
Why Choose Wes Carver for Bucks County Knob and Tube Replacement?
If you’re ready to upgrade your home’s electrical system with a knob and tube replacement in Bucks County, it’s important to select a trustworthy and qualified electrician for the job. That’s where Wes Carver Electric comes in! Here are a few reasons why our customers consider us to be the best in the business:
- We’ve been locally owned and operated since 1999
- We provide a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee with every job
- We can complete custom projects of all sizes and types
- We’re experts in all kinds of electrical repairs
- We specialize in residential work
Need more incentive to make Wes Carver Electric your contractor for Bucks County knob and tube replacement? Give us a call today at 215-855-3340 or visit us on the web for more information on our company. Plus, check out our recent blog post to learn about why you’ll love under-cabinet kitchen lighting. We look forward to showing you why we’re the knob and tube replacement electrician Bucks County depends on!