Many older homes throughout New England still have knob and tube wiring, an antiquated, outdated, and unsafe wiring method.
What is 'Knob and Tube' wiring? It consists of three items: First there is the 'knob', which is a ceramic peice that was mounted on to the wood joists and studs. The wire was wrapped around it and was supported by it.
Second, there is the 'tube', which is basically a sleeve for the wire to pass through when going through wood, or into a switch box.
Third, there is the actual wire that carries the current.
Why is this type of wiring so unsafe?
1) Because there is no method of grounding, so there is no protection against being shocked.
2)The conductors are not encased in any protective sheathing like romex or metal clad wiring. The only thing between you and the wire is a thing layer of insulation that breaks down over the years.
3) These wires can be subject to physical damage very easily because they stick up on the knob and are not protected.
Finally, they are not supposed to be cover with insulation or they will heat up.
Removing it is the only safe thing to do, and if anyone tells you otherwise, remember, I am a retired professional fire fighter, and a licensed master electrician, so I do know what I am talking about.
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