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 $249,900
103 - 80 GRIER STREET, Belleville, Ontario

103 - 80 Grier Street

Belleville, Ontario

2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 700 - 799 ft2
RE/MAX Quinte Ltd.
For sale $649,900
120 STANLEY STREET, Belleville, Ontario

120 Stanley Street

Belleville, Ontario

4 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 700 - 1,100 ft2
RE/MAX Quinte Ltd.
For sale OPEN HOUSE $499,900
304 - 14 MEADOWCREEK DRIVE, Brighton, Ontario

304 - 14 Meadowcreek Drive

Brighton, Ontario

2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,000 - 1,199 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $449,900
11 - 1798 OLD HIGHWAY 2, Quinte West, Ontario

11 - 1798 Old Highway 2

Quinte West, Ontario

2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,400 - 1,599 ft2
RE/MAX Quinte Ltd.
For sale $2,379,900
363 FRONT STREET, Belleville, Ontario

363 Front Street

Belleville, Ontario

5,800 ft2
RE/MAX Escarpment Realty Inc.
For sale $299,900
12 - 205C NORTH PARK STREET, Belleville, Ontario

12 - 205c North Park Street

Belleville, Ontario

3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,000 - 1,199 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale OPEN HOUSE $629,900
11 SPRINGBROOK CRESCENT, Belleville, Ontario

11 Springbrook Crescent

Belleville, Ontario

5 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $1,099,000
767 MELVILLE ROAD, Prince Edward County, Ontario

767 Melville Road

Prince Edward County, Ontario

4 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 1,500 - 2,000 ft2
Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited
For sale $599,900
2878 COUNTY ROAD 15, Prince Edward County, Ontario

2878 County Road 15

Prince Edward County, Ontario

1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 0 - 699 ft2
RE/MAX Quinte Ltd.
For sale $1,199,900
116 PRINYERS COVE CRESCENT, Prince Edward County, Ontario

116 Prinyers Cove Crescent

Prince Edward County, Ontario

3 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 2,500 - 3,000 ft2
Peak Realty Ltd.
For sale $2,379,000
2528 COUNTY RD 3, Prince Edward County, Ontario

2528 County Rd 3

Prince Edward County, Ontario

6 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 1,500 - 2,000 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale OPEN HOUSE $450,000
23 HYDE PARK AVENUE, Belleville, Ontario

23 Hyde Park Avenue

Belleville, Ontario

5 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 700 - 1,100 ft2
The Nook Realty Inc.
For sale OPEN HOUSE $495,000
88 WATER STREET, Quinte West, Ontario

88 Water Street

Quinte West, Ontario

2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
RE/MAX Hallmark First Group Realty Ltd.
For sale $1,295,000
1690 WALLBRIDGE LOYALIST ROAD, Quinte West, Ontario

1690 Wallbridge Loyalist Road

Quinte West, Ontario

3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
Exit Realty Group
For sale $1,295,000
1690 WALLBRIDGE LOYALIST ROAD, Quinte West, Ontario

1690 Wallbridge Loyalist Road

Quinte West, Ontario

2 Bathroom 20 Acres
Exit Realty Group
For sale OPEN HOUSE $675,000
19893 LOYALIST PARKWAY, Prince Edward County, Ontario

19893 Loyalist Parkway

Prince Edward County, Ontario

3 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
Keller Williams Energy Real Estate
For sale $528,900
6 EAST MARY STREET, Prince Edward County, Ontario

6 East Mary Street

Prince Edward County, Ontario

3 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited
For sale OPEN HOUSE $359,800
205 - 350 FRONT STREET, Belleville, Ontario

205 - 350 Front Street

Belleville, Ontario

2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 1,000 - 1,199 ft2
Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd.
For sale $699,900
254 RAGLAN STREET, Brighton, Ontario

254 Raglan Street

Brighton, Ontario

4 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 1,100 - 1,500 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty
For sale $1,499,000
2992 COUNTY RD 7 ROAD, Prince Edward County, Ontario

2992 County Rd 7 Road

Prince Edward County, Ontario

4 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 1,500 - 2,000 ft2
Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd.
For sale $407,000
57 PRINCE OF WALES DRIVE, Belleville, Ontario

57 Prince Of Wales Drive

Belleville, Ontario

2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom 700 - 1,100 ft2
Exit Realty Group
For sale $4,950,000
1866-1874 COUNTY RD 12 ROAD, Prince Edward County, Ontario

1866-1874 County Rd 12 Road

Prince Edward County, Ontario

RE/MAX Quinte Ltd.
For sale $1,149,900
25 STANLEY STREET, Prince Edward County, Ontario

25 Stanley Street

Prince Edward County, Ontario

4 Bedroom 3 Bathroom 2,500 - 3,000 ft2
Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited
For sale OPEN HOUSE $514,900
215 HAIG ROAD, Belleville, Ontario

215 Haig Road

Belleville, Ontario

3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 700 - 1,100 ft2
Royal LePage Proalliance Realty