Picture of old knob and tube wiring
Knob & Tube / Rewiring
Has this ever happened to you?
You hire an electrician to hang up a new light fixture, one to replace that hideous light fixture that came with the house. He takes it down only to find Knob and Tube wiring connected to the light fixture. But wait – that can’t be true, you were told by your home inspector that your home has no Knob and Tube. This scenario is something that I’ve seen take place time and time again.
You see, if you were to remove the switch that controlled that light, you would find new modern wiring. Most likely your home inspector performed this check. Considering that, along with all the new wiring present at the panel and no Knob and Tube present in the ceiling of your unfinished basement, he likely deemed that your house must have been rewired properly. But why the Knob and Tube at the light?
Unfortunately, there are a lot of contractors out there who are illegally attaching newer wiring to the old Knob and Tube wiring that leaves the switch box and runs to the light. Next they stuff this “open splice” connection in your wall and install a new switch box with the new wiring in it. So yes, when the home inspector opens that switch box all he sees is new wiring. And no, he is not going to pull out his ladder to remove that antique light fixture to insure that its new wiring all the way through.
Why do they do this? I’m not sure. I couldn’t even imagine doing something like this to someone, compromising not only their home but the safety of their family. The only reason I could think of is that they made a promise not to make any holes in your walls?
The reality is that when you re-wire your Knob and Tube filled home, you will most likely have holes in your walls. NO – not stud to stud, floor to ceiling holes if your electrician knows what he is doing. We make very small holes and yes we can provide an option to even patch our holes ready for paint.
We will also take out a permit with the Electrical Safety Authority (E.S.A.) and you will receive a certificate of inspection upon completion.
Where to go from here?
Don’t despair! Call us today and receive a free quote to rewire your home.
Kawartha & Harcourt
Durham Region
GTA