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 $535,000
75 MILLS ROAD, Brighton, Ontario

75 Mills Road

Brighton, Ontario

2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 700 - 1,100 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $399,000
44 CATHARINE STREET, Belleville, Ontario

44 Catharine Street

Belleville, Ontario

3 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 2,000 - 2,500 ft2
Exp Realty
For sale $699,900
25 CEDAR PARK CRESCENT, Quinte West, Ontario

25 Cedar Park Crescent

Quinte West, Ontario

3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 700 - 1,100 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $449,900
66 KERR CRESCENT, Quinte West, Ontario

66 Kerr Crescent

Quinte West, Ontario

3 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 700 - 1,100 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $1,999,900
1472 COUNTY RD 7 ROAD, Prince Edward County, Ontario

1472 County Rd 7 Road

Prince Edward County, Ontario

4 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 2,000 - 2,500 ft2
Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited
For sale $649,900
35 MEAGAN LANE, Quinte West, Ontario

35 Meagan Lane

Quinte West, Ontario

3 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $499,900
207 CARMEL ROAD, Quinte West, Ontario

207 Carmel Road

Quinte West, Ontario

3 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $125,000
351 SIDNEY STREET, Quinte West, Ontario

351 Sidney Street

Quinte West, Ontario

RE/MAX Quinte Ltd.
For sale $2,699,888
115 VILLENEUVE DRIVE, Prince Edward County, Ontario

115 Villeneuve Drive

Prince Edward County, Ontario

4 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 3,000 - 3,500 ft2
RE/MAX Millennium Real Estate
For sale $730,000
12699 LOYALIST PARKWAY, Prince Edward County, Ontario

12699 Loyalist Parkway

Prince Edward County, Ontario

5 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
Keller Williams Energy Real Estate
For sale $749,900
1249 GLEN MILLER ROAD, Quinte West, Ontario

1249 Glen Miller Road

Quinte West, Ontario

4 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 2,500 - 3,000 ft2
Exit Realty Group
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $1,850,000
516 ALLISON ROAD, Prince Edward County, Ontario

516 Allison Road

Prince Edward County, Ontario

5 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 1,500 - 2,000 ft2
Keller Williams Energy Real Estate
For sale $325,000
48 KIDD AVENUE, Quinte West, Ontario

48 Kidd Avenue

Quinte West, Ontario

2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 700 - 1,100 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $800,000
8 ROSE STREET, Quinte West, Ontario

8 Rose Street

Quinte West, Ontario

3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,500 - 2,000 ft2
Exit Realty Group
For sale $769,000
595 ELMBROOK ROAD, Prince Edward County, Ontario

595 Elmbrook Road

Prince Edward County, Ontario

4 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 2,000 - 2,500 ft2
RE/MAX Quinte Ltd.
For sale $769,000
595 ELMBROOK ROAD, Prince Edward County, Ontario

595 Elmbrook Road

Prince Edward County, Ontario

4 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 69 Acres
RE/MAX Quinte Ltd.
For sale $1,500,000
36 EXETER COURT, Quinte West, Ontario

36 Exeter Court

Quinte West, Ontario

3 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 2,500 - 3,000 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $314,500
403 - 172 MAIN STREET, Prince Edward County, Ontario

403 - 172 Main Street

Prince Edward County, Ontario

1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 1,000 - 1,199 ft2
Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited
For sale $429,900
17 JAMES STREET, Quinte West, Ontario

17 James Street

Quinte West, Ontario

3 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 700 - 1,100 ft2
RE/MAX Quinte John Barry Realty Ltd.
For sale $4,200,000
375 BELL BOULEVARD, Belleville, Ontario

375 Bell Boulevard

Belleville, Ontario

260,131 ft2
RE/MAX Quinte Ltd.
For sale $399,900
119 DRUMMOND STREET, Brighton, Ontario

119 Drummond Street

Brighton, Ontario

2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 700 - 1,100 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $629,000
19185 LOYALIST PARKWAY, Prince Edward County, Ontario

19185 Loyalist Parkway

Prince Edward County, Ontario

3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 700 - 1,100 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $619,900
8 LOCKWOOD DRIVE, Brighton, Ontario

8 Lockwood Drive

Brighton, Ontario

2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
RE/MAX Impact Realty
For sale $649,900
52 CEDAR CREEK WAY, Quinte West, Ontario

52 Cedar Creek Way

Quinte West, Ontario

4 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty