What Is Knob-and-Tube Electrical Wiring in Plymouth, MA?

The Mayflower pilgrims who came to the “New World” founded Plymouth, Massachusetts, known as “America’s Hometown,” in 1620. This town is one of the oldest municipalities in the U.S., so Plymouth has its fair share of older homes. If yours isn’t the Richard Sparrow House, first built in 1640, but it is getting on a bit, it may still contain knob-and-tube electrical wiring.

What is knob-and-tube electrical wiring? It’s dangerous old electrical wiring that needs replacement as soon as possible!

Keep reading to find out why this electrical wiring is a problem, and then schedule electrical services in Plymouth, MA, through Crowe Electric.

Defining What Knob-and-Tube Wiring Is

Once upon a time, knob-and-tube wiring — or K&T wiring — was a popular option for those installing electrical wiring systems in homes in Plymouth and elsewhere in Massachusetts. If you fall into the category of homeowner and your electrical system seems old enough to have arrived on the Mayflower itself, you should find out whether you have this type of wiring as soon as possible. 

What is knob-and-tube electrical wiring? Knob-and-tube refers to one of the many outdated wiring methods — like cloth-covered wiring and aluminum wiring — that electricians can no longer use in homes for safety reasons. These knob-and-tube systems rely on individual copper insulated wires that receive support from porcelain knobs and actual tubes. They aren’t bundled together like the wires in modern electrical systems.

Electricians installed K&T wiring in homes between the late 1800s and the 1940s in Plymouth. It largely fell out of favor in the 1950s due to electrical safety concerns. It’s important to check if you suspect this is the electrical system your home has in place.

Identifying Various Knob-and-Tube Hazards

While knob-and-tube wiring enjoyed a successful run throughout the first half of the 20th century, it didn’t last. Home builders, electricians, and homeowners quickly found faults. For example:

Grounding

It lacked a grounding wire, which is now a key safety feature within modern-day electrical systems. Without this wire, homes in Plymouth, MA, have always been at a greater risk of fires and electrical shocks.

Insulation and Fires

K&T presents insulation problems. The insulation tends to become brittle over time, cracking and exposing live wires that can ignite fires.

Low Capacity

Those with knob-and-tube electrical wiring in Plymouth, MA, might also face other possible pitfalls. For example, it handles lower electrical loads. Modern homeowners might overload K&T systems by trying to use modern appliances and electronics. 

Moisture

These systems are susceptible to moisture damage. Shocks can occur when water seeps into your home and comes into contact with the old wiring.

Figuring Out If Your Plymouth, MA, Home Relies On Knob-and-Tube Electrical Wiring

Discovering its dangers might make you wonder, “Do I have K&T wiring in my home?” Anyone in a Plymouth, MA, home that was built before the 1950s should aim to answer this question as soon as possible.

What is knob-and-tube electrical wiring going to look like? Here are a few steps to check your electrical wiring:

• Inspect your basement and attic, where K&T wiring was typically installed.
• Pay close attention to joists and studs, where ceramic knobs were placed.
• Look for the holes found in framing, where tubes were often located.

Now, inspect the electrical system in your home. Signs of deteriorated insulation could indicate the presence of K&T wires. Ignoring the possibility of having knob-and-tube wiring in your home may expose you to hazards without you even realizing the full scope of the problem.

Deciding What To Do If You Have Knob-and-Tube Wiring in Plymouth, MA

If you believe your home has knob-and-tube wiring in Plymouth, MA, contact a trusted electrician immediately to prioritize home wiring safety. An experienced electrician from Crowe Electric can inspect your home’s electric system safely.

If they find it, consider replacing it with a more modern option. It’s the only surefire way to eliminate the knob-and-tube hazards while upgrading your electrical system.