Knob and tube wiring is widely stigmatized in residential homes as an unsafe electrical system that poses a significant fire hazard. If you’re considering a home with knob and tube wiring, or own a home with this type of wiring, here’s everything you need to know to understand what it is and its risks.

Knob and tube wiring was a popular method of electrical wiring in residential properties from the 1880s to the 1940s. The system consists of ceramic knobs or tubes that are used to support and protect the electrical wires as they are routed throughout the home. While this type of wiring was once considered state-of-the-art, it has since been largely replaced by more modern and safer electrical wiring systems, such as copper or even aluminum wiring.

One of the primary risks associated with knob and tube wiring is that it is not grounded. This means that in the event of a short circuit or electrical surge, the electrical current has nowhere to go and can potentially cause a fire. Additionally, the insulation on the wires can deteriorate over time, leaving the bare wires exposed and increasing the risk of electrical shock or fire.

This type of wiring was created at a time when homes were consuming a minimal amount of electricity. Plugging in a light was the extent of most homes’ electric use. Knob and tube wiring was not designed to handle the electrical loads of modern appliances and electronics. As a result, homeowners with knob and tube wiring may find that their electrical system cannot keep up with their power demands, leading to circuit overloads and potentially dangerous situations.

Another issue with knob and tube wiring is that it is often hidden behind walls and ceilings, making it difficult to detect problems or perform maintenance. This means that homeowners may only be aware of the potential risks associated with their electrical system once it is too late.

If you own a home with knob and tube wiring, it is important to have it inspected by a licensed electrician to determine if it is safe to continue using. In some cases, it may be necessary to completely rewire the home to ensure the safety of the electrical system. This can be a costly and time-consuming process, but it is an essential investment in the safety and value of your home.

It can be difficult to insure a home with knob and tube wiring as well. It is important to contact your insurance provider and receive a quote or proposal if you are planning to purchase a home with knob and tube wiring. Some insurance companies will give a specific time period to remediate the issue (rewire the home), and others will say the property is not insurable until the work is done. Without home insurance, it is not possible to get a mortgage with an A lender.

Knob and tube wiring is an outdated and potentially dangerous electrical wiring system that should be replaced if found in a residential property. While it may have been state-of-the-art in the past, the risks associated with this type of wiring far outweigh any potential benefits. If you own a home with knob and tube wiring, it is crucial to have it inspected and, if necessary, updated to a modern and safer electrical system.

Newest MLS listings in Quinte and PEC

Browse the most recent MLS houses for sale in the Quinte area and Prince Edward County. Search real estate listings to find exactly what you’re looking for and narrow results. Ready to book a showing? Fill out the form on the listing page or email hello@quinteliving.com.

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For sale $649,900
141 LESTER ROAD, Quinte West, Ontario

141 Lester Road

Quinte West, Ontario

4 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $449,000
100 WHITES ROAD N, Quinte West, Ontario

100 Whites Road N

Quinte West, Ontario

2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 700 - 1,100 ft2
Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd.
For sale $595,000
46 BARKER STREET, Prince Edward County, Ontario

46 Barker Street

Prince Edward County, Ontario

4 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd.
For sale $739,000
33 KINGSLEY AVENUE, Brighton, Ontario

33 Kingsley Avenue

Brighton, Ontario

5 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 3,000 - 3,500 ft2
Royal Heritage Realty Ltd.
For sale $652,900
35 FOREST VALLEY DRIVE, Quinte West, Ontario

35 Forest Valley Drive

Quinte West, Ontario

4 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $799,000
1015 COUNTY 2 ROAD, Prince Edward County, Ontario

1015 County 2 Road

Prince Edward County, Ontario

4 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 2,500 - 3,000 ft2
Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd.
For sale $665,000
22 BUTLER STREET W, Brighton, Ontario

22 Butler Street W

Brighton, Ontario

5 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $279,999
UNIT C - 209 NORTH PARK STREET, Belleville, Ontario

Unit C - 209 North Park Street

Belleville, Ontario

3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,000 - 1,199 ft2
Intercity Realty Inc.
For sale $949,000
39 SUMMER BREEZE DRIVE, Quinte West, Ontario

39 Summer Breeze Drive

Quinte West, Ontario

4 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 2,000 - 2,500 ft2
RE/MAX Community Realty Inc.
For sale $109,800
486 CTY RD 18 - 20 DRAGONFLY LANE, Prince Edward County, Ontario

486 Cty Rd 18 - 20 Dragonfly Lane

Prince Edward County, Ontario

2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 700 - 1,100 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $4,525,900
37 BELLAVISTA DRIVE, Prince Edward County, Ontario

37 Bellavista Drive

Prince Edward County, Ontario

6 Bedroom 5 Bathroom 5,000 - 100,000 ft2
Real Broker Ontario Ltd.
For sale $1,690,000
33 CARRYING PLACE ROAD, Quinte West, Ontario

33 Carrying Place Road

Quinte West, Ontario

10 Bedroom 8 Bathroom 5,000 - 100,000 ft2
Exit Realty Group
For sale $1,495,000
911-913 COUNTY ROAD 13, Prince Edward County, Ontario

911-913 County Road 13

Prince Edward County, Ontario

4 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 2,000 - 2,500 ft2
RE/MAX Quinte Ltd.
For sale $550,000
56 CORTLAND CRESCENT, Quinte West, Ontario

56 Cortland Crescent

Quinte West, Ontario

2 Bedroom 4 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
RE/MAX Quinte Ltd.
For sale $1,295,000
108 MURRAY STREET, Quinte West, Ontario

108 Murray Street

Quinte West, Ontario

4 Bedroom 4 Bathroom 2,500 - 3,000 ft2
Sandbanks Realty Ltd.
For sale $399,900
604 - 344 FRONT STREET, Belleville, Ontario

604 - 344 Front Street

Belleville, Ontario

2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,000 - 1,199 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $299,900
337 COLEMAN STREET, Belleville, Ontario

337 Coleman Street

Belleville, Ontario

4 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,500 - 2,000 ft2
RE/MAX Quinte Ltd.
For sale $499,900
322 COLEMAN STREET, Belleville, Ontario

322 Coleman Street

Belleville, Ontario

4 Bedroom 4 Bathroom 2,500 - 3,000 ft2
RE/MAX Quinte Ltd.
For sale $124,000
13 BEACH VIEW LANE - 486 COUNTY ROAD 18, Prince Edward County, Ontario

13 Beach View Lane - 486 County Road 18

Prince Edward County, Ontario

3 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 700 - 1,100 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $2,695,000
229 MAIN STREET, Prince Edward County, Ontario

229 Main Street

Prince Edward County, Ontario

4 Bedroom 4 Bathroom 5,000 - 100,000 ft2
RE/MAX Quinte Ltd.
For sale $499,000
99 BUCHANAN STREET, Prince Edward County, Ontario

99 Buchanan Street

Prince Edward County, Ontario

3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
RE/MAX Realty Services Inc.
For sale $779,000
476 HISCOCK SHORES ROAD, Prince Edward County, Ontario

476 Hiscock Shores Road

Prince Edward County, Ontario

6 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,500 - 2,000 ft2
Royal LePage Quest
For sale $398,900
41 WALLACE STREET, Quinte West, Ontario

41 Wallace Street

Quinte West, Ontario

3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,500 - 2,000 ft2
Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd.
For sale $525,000
16 DAYTON COURT, Prince Edward County, Ontario

16 Dayton Court

Prince Edward County, Ontario

2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd.