Like other homeowners across the United States, Delaware Valley residents use electricity to power many aspects of their lives. We trust our electrical systems to give us the energy output we need, and as technology grows, so does our reliance on our electrical infrastructures. But do you know what kind of wiring was used in your home?
Older Pennsylvania homes, especially those built before 1950, likely feature knob and tube wiring. This outdated electrical system was once immensely popular, but our power needs have grown. To ensure home safety and adequate electrical access, owners of older residential properties should replace their old knob and tube wiring. Fortunately, a local team of electrical technicians is right down the road and ready to help.
The Knob & Tube Replacement Specialists
Dream Team Home Services has replaced knob and tube electrical systems for over 20 years.
Knob and Tube Wiring was the first generation of electrical wiring ever used. Dream Team Home Services’ licensed electricians specialize in Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement.
We replace knob and tube quickly and efficiently, and provide a 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE for all knob and tube wiring replacement services we provide.
If you have an older home that was built between 1900 – 1940, you’re probably familiar with it or even have an existing knob and tube electrical system in your home.
Maybe you’ve had some electrical upgrades since then, maybe you haven’t. Although knob and tube was once deemed an electrical system of choice, by today’s electrical safety standards, it is no longer safe and should be replaced.
The name “knob and tube” is pretty self-explanatory: it’s named after the ceramic knobs that are used to support the ceramic tubes that encase the wires. The knobs hold the tubes in place as they pass through the wood framing of your home.
One of the biggest differences between modern wiring and knob and tube is that the knob and tube system runs white and black wires separately.
So what’s the problem?
Since the knob and tube system uses no ground wire, there’s no protection when a fault occurs. As a result, you increase your risk of shocks and fires.
Today these wires are bundled together with a ground wire in a single plastic sheathing cable.
It’s also important to mention that modern wiring is insulated with plastic, while knob and tube wire uses rubber. Breakdown of the rubber insulation is a common reason to have your knob and tube wiring replaced.
Degraded and Frayed Knob and Tube
If you have knob and tube wiring in your home, here’s why you need to upgrade your electrical:
- Degradation: Knob and tube wire will eventually break down. If your home has seen multiple homeowners, handymen and contractors, the mechanical abuse and inevitable wear and tear from decades of service will render a knob and tube system unsafe. Symptoms of old knob and tube electrical systems include cracked or broken tubes, sagging or frayed wires and broken sheathing that exposes live wires.
- Dangerous Combos: Dream Team Home Services has inspected many homes that have been wired with old knob and tube and modern wiring. This is extremely dangerous and against the electrical code. Think of it this way, you’re now using different materials that are contracting and expanding at different rates. If left in the wrong hands, altering your knob and tube system can lead to a fire hazard.
- Electrical Demand: With the rise of technology there is a higher electrical demand. Homeowners with knob and tube often overuse and abuse extension cords and power bars. There’s simply not enough power for modern-day living.
- Poor Connections: Problems with knob and tube wire can result from amateurish connections made after original installation.
- Weakness: The rubber insulation on knob and tube can become brittle; this usually happens in high heat areas like receptacles, fixtures and switches.
- Old Technology: Homes with knob and tube wiring will likely have two-prong receptacles. Since there is no ground wire, there is an increased chance of shock and injury, especially around water.
- 60 Amp Service: Knob-and-tube uses a 60 amp service, whereas today it is recommended that homeowners use a 100 amp service/ breaker panel.
Exposed Wires in Attics
Your older home has that character and charm that newer homes can’t live up to. That’s why it’s important to protect your investment from electrical hazards. There’s really nothing worse than fighting a fire that could have been prevented. Luckily there are ways to preserve your beautiful home without having to tear down your walls.
Simple procedures like upgrading your 60 amp fusible service to at least a 100 amp service, installing proper grounding, replacing old underground switches and receptacles with approved devices, or an electrical panel replacement to ensure your home meets today’s electrical demands – are all things we can do to make sure you and your loved ones are safe.
If you have an older home and are unsure if you have knob and tube in your older home check the attic and basement to see if you can find any. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to look through the walls to see if any of this type of wiring is hidden underneath. The only person who can detect these hazards behind your walls is a certified and trained electrician.
Why Dream Team Home Services?
At Dream Team Home Services, we’re proud to have over 20 years of experience providing electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services in the Delaware Valley. When you schedule knob and tube wiring replacement with us, you’ll benefit from:
- Price transparency: With Dream Team Home Services, you’ll receive an upfront rate for all services. You’ll have the freedom to plan your budget based on accurate pricing information and zero hidden fees.
- Timely service: We know the value of efficient service, especially when it comes to electricity. When you schedule an appointment with us, we’ll be there on time to provide a fast solution. We’ll bring everything we need to provide same-day service. If we determine it’s time for a knob and tube replacement, we’ll be back the next day to take care of it.
- Skilled technicians: Our technicians are certified and insured to handle any electrical problem, including knob and tube wiring replacement. Our specialists are highly skilled, and we vet them to ensure your comfort and safety during every appointment.
- Excellent customer service: Back at the office, our customer service representatives are highly knowledgeable and dedicated to helping you find the best solution for any electrical issue. We’ll help you troubleshoot common problems and make it easy to schedule a service appointment.
- 24/7 emergency availability: Electrical systems tend to malfunction at the most inconvenient times. When you need service fast, Dream Team Home Services is always here for you. Contact us for 24/7 emergency services to restore your power as fast as possible.
- VIP membership: Dream Team Home Services is proud to offer our VIP membership program for any customer in the Delaware Valley.
Schedule a Knob and Tube Inspection
At Dream Team Home Services, we’re committed to providing effective and affordable knob and tube wiring service in and around the Delaware Valley. With offices in Media, Havertown, and Newtown Sq., Pennsylvania, we’re a locally owned and operated business ready to update your home’s wiring to safely keep up with modern demand.
