Seattle Knob and Tube Rewiring
Why Seattle Homeowners Should Replace Knob and Tube Wiring
Knob & Tube wiring (sometimes abbreviated K&T) is an early standardized method of electrical wiring in homes built from about the 1880s to the 1950s. It consisted of single-insulated copper conductors connected by porcelain “knobs”. Where conductors entered a wiring device such as a lamp or switch, or were pulled into a wall, they were protected by flexible cloth insulating sleeving called loom.
Knob & Tube wiring was eventually discontinued from interior wiring systems. This was due to the high installation costs and was eventually replaced with grounded, insulated wiring.
At Mirsky Electric, we specialize in upgrading Knob & Tube wiring to the latest standards. Modern non-metallic sheathed cables, Types NMB or “Romex”, consist of two to four wires covered with thermoplastic insulation, plus a wire for grounding, surrounded by a flexible plastic jacket. The additional grounded circuits will allow your electrical system to handle today’s higher loads.
Whether you’re looking to sell, renovate, or improve your home’s electrical infrastructure, we’re here to help.
Benefits of Upgrading Knob and Tube Wiring
Improved Safety
Outdated Knob & Tube wiring lacks proper grounding and insulation. Over time, the insulation can become brittle increasing the risk of electrical shorts or fires. NMB wiring has a conductor temperature rating of 90°C (194°F) while Knob & Tube is rated up to 60°C (140°F). Modern light fixtures and appliances are designed to be installed with wires rated for 90°C. When older wiring connects directly to modern fixtures without a junction box, the wires can overheat, potentially leading to electrical fires.
Increased Home Value and Insurance Compliance
Homes with modern electrical systems are far more appealing to potential buyers and sell faster. Plus, upgrading will help you qualify for homeowners' insurance since many companies refuse coverage for homes with Knob & Tube wiring.
Knob and Tube Rewiring Services We Offer in Seattle
Complete Knob and Tube Replacement
For homes with extensive knob and tube wiring, we offer complete replacement services. Our rewiring process is as follows:
Evaluate your home’s layout and the electrical panel, and find the easiest and most effective route to run the new wire and circuits.
Provide a detailed estimate on which we will include the scope of work and an allowance for labor and material.
Once accepted, and we receive your 50% down payment, we find an available date on our calendar that works best for you.
Upon arrival, our electrician will go over the scope and any additional details you may want to add.
We begin by protecting every room, furniture, and personal belongings with painters plastic and lay out tarps on the floor.
We will utilize the basement, crawl space, and attic to bring power to each floor and room.
We carefully plan the route in order to only drill holes as needed to fish new electrical wires.
Our licensed electricians will carefully install new wiring in compliance with all Seattle electrical codes and safety regulations.
We will decommission Knob & Tube wire and remove it where accessible.
Provide and install the new outlets, dimmers, and switches to your specifications.
Answer any questions that may arise.
Clean up and send the final work order to the office for review and final billing.
Partial Rewiring
In some cases, only sections of your home may need rewiring. We provide partial rewiring solutions, replacing the remaining Knob & Tube system while ensuring the rest of your electrical setup is safe and to code.
Why Choose Mirsky Electric?
For nearly 30 years, Mirsky Electric has focused on delivering top-notch electrical services with a commitment to complete customer satisfaction. We understand the common frustrations in the industry, and we’ve made it our mission to treat every client with care. Our licensed and bonded electricians have more than 100 years of combined experience and approach every project with honesty, integrity, and transparency. We’re passionate about our craft, prioritize eco-friendly practices, and offer competitive pricing that has earned us near-perfect feedback and a strong reputation that reflects our dedication to excellence and customer care.
Call to Receive a Free Quote Today
Ready to upgrade your home’s wiring system? Our team is here to provide a thorough assessment and offer the most effective solutions tailored to your home. Contact Mirsky Electric today to schedule a free consultation for your Knob & Tube rewiring project.
FAQs – Professional Knob and Tube Rewiring & Replacement in Seattle
How long does rewiring take?
It all depends on the size, access points, and layout of your home as well as the condition of the existing wiring. Typically, a complete rewiring project can take 4 to 14 days. We can provide an accurate time estimate once we’ve seen what we’re working with and will complete the work as quickly as possible while ensuring everything is done safely and to code.
Can I stay at home during the rewiring process?
Yes, in most cases you can stay in your home during the rewiring process. We may need to temporarily turn off the power in certain areas, but we’ll keep you informed throughout the process.
Does rewiring affect the aesthetics of my home?
We take special care to preserve the look of your home during the rewiring process. However, running new wires may sometimes require drilling into plaster or drywall. These holes provide access to “fish” wire through the wall. If any small openings are needed, we drill a 4” round hole which allows us to reach into the cavity or drill through a stud.
Do you patch and paint?
We can happily provide referrals to contractors who specialize in patching and painting.
What are the signs that my home still has knob and tube wiring?
Look for ceramic knobs or tubes in your basement or attic and two-prong outlets. If you’re unsure, our team can confirm during our consultation.
Is rewiring covered by homeowners insurance?
This may depend on your insurance provider.
Can knob and tube wiring be repaired instead of replaced?
We recommend replacement to ensure long-term safety and compliance with local electrical standards.