Critical: Safe Knob and Tube Wiring Removal

Knob and Tube (K&T) is an active fire hazard and must be professionally replaced. We provide comprehensive, code-compliant removal and modern wiring installation.

The Hidden Dangers of Retaining K&T

Active Fire Risk

K&T insulation is brittle, prone to cracking, and often covered by insulation materials, leading to overheating and high fire danger.

Insurance Denial

Most Canadian home insurance providers will refuse coverage or raise premiums significantly until K&T is professionally removed.

Failed Home Sale

K&T wiring almost always fails home inspections, making it a major negotiation point or a deal-breaker for buyers.

Removal and Replacement of Outdated Knob-and-Tube Wiring in Canada

Knob-and-tube wiring is an obsolete electrical system used in Canadian homes from the early part of the 20th century. This wiring is not dangerous under conditions of ideal design, installation and maintenance, however the age, insulation and ability to provide a grounding wire and the inability to accommodate more modern electrical uses poses high risks for potential fire and shock hazards. K&T in a home can cause significant problems with obtaining home insurance since insurance companies either do not want to insure these homes due to high risk or will charge high premiums.

Legally, there is no specific law in Canada that mandates the removal K&T wiring, but by law, anytime a change or addition is made to an electrical system a complete replacement makes it a legal necessity. The price of replacement will vary but is viewed as an important investment because it provides increased safety and value of the property. It must be performed by an electrician who has a license and that follows all legal permits and inspections for complete safety of the project.

Knob-and-tube wiring, often referred to simply as K&T, was a standardized approach to electrical wiring in buildings that gradually became standard in North America and Japan starting in the 1880s. It mainly survived till the end of the 1940s in Canada and the United States, whereas it stayed till the early 1960s in Japan. Being simple and cheap then, this system was an integral part of the electrical infrastructure of the older houses. Nevertheless, its inability to meet the new power demands of modern homes, coupled with the safety issues it had already created, marked it for extinction. The main aim is to deliver the correct and useful data to the homeowners, potential buyers, and real estate agents so that they are able to make decisions that are informed and safe. Some references maintain that K&T wiring is “not necessarily dangerous” if it has been well maintained and has not been altered, whereas, deeper insight reveals that the ideal conditions for such a wiring system are hardly ever found in houses that are several decades old. This paradox indicates the need for and the importance of a comprehensive investigation of the causes of wear-and-tear and illegal alterations, as it is a matter of safety that replacing this system should be the first step taken towards a long-term safe environment.

Overall System Parts and Function

The Knob-and-Tube wiring system consists of three main parts, which are how it derives its name:

Porcelain Knobs: These cylindrical porcelain or ceramic chunks were nailed directly into studs in walls or floor joists, and served to support the wires to be suspended in air. If the wires were wrapped around the knob, it was held securely in the knob and thus the wire could not touch the wooden structure.
Porcelain Tubes: These tubes were set into holes drilled through wood joists or studs protecting the wires as they passed through. This kept the wires from being compressed by the wood as the house settled, and kept the wires from touching the wood.
Loom: This was a woven, flexible insulating sleeve that was slipped over the insulated wires to afford another layer of protection where the wires entered boxes or devices.

In this system, the two conductors (the hot wire and the neutral wire) were run separately, and spaced apart in open air, to allow for heat generated as a result of an electrical current to dissipate easily. Splices and connections to wires were often made by soldering and using rubber and friction tapes, that do not comply with modern standards.

Inherent Dangers and Risks of K&T Wiring K&T wiring was, even though, a safe and efficient system during its time, its aging and not being able to meet modern needs made it a serious risk for today’s houses.

These risks are usually classified into three major groups: the deteriorated insulation and fire hazard, the absence of a ground wire, and the circuit overloading. Deteriorated Insulation and Fire Hazard K&T wires were originally insulated with rubber or asphalt-saturated cloth materials, which, over time and with heating, turned hard and eventually cracked. The process of aging strips the live and uninsulated copper wires, which is a potential risk for short circuits and fires. Moreover, wires in the K&T system were in the air for free movement around them to get rid of the heat. In due course, changes in the house and making it modern, such as putting thermal insulation (e.g., foam or rock wool) in walls, ceilings, or attics, covered these wires. This covering makes it impossible for the heat to go out, so the wires might overheat very quickly, thereby greatly increasing the risk of fire. Because of this, many insulation contractors do not accept jobs in places where K&T wiring is present.

Absence of a Ground Wire

The biggest defect and danger associated with K&T wiring is the absence of a ground wire. Modern wiring systems rely on a ground wire to safely redirect excess current due to faults or leaks. When there is a current leak present in the K&T system, there is no alternate path for the electricity to safely disperse. This practice creates a higher risk of electric shock and fire. This safety deficiency is critical when installed in areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Additionally, the absence of a ground wire not only results in the use of two-pronged outlets, but it also results in the inability to safely use prongs in modern appliances that require a three-pronged plug.

Overloading and Unauthorized Connections The K&T system was not intended to be used in a way that it would have to bear the electrical load of modern homes. When the system was installed, the electrical load was minimum as there were not many electrical devices, but now with many high power consuming devices like air conditioners, microwaves, and computers etc., the old circuits are very easily overloaded. Overloading generates heat in wires to an extent that faster insulation deterioration occurs and thus, a fire risk is created. Additionally, over the years, many people have done unprofessional alterations and even splices to K&T wiring by themselves or contractors to get power to new outlets or lights. These unauthorized connections, often done with poor soldering and no junction boxes, are the major causes of fire related to this type of wiring. The location of these unprofessional connections is often behind walls, which makes them hard to spot. However, the situation is such that even though the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) in Ontario and other safety authorities have declared that K&T wiring is safe if it is well maintained, the reality is that in most cases the system is not in ideal condition because of its age and many modifications. Given this circumstance, a complete changeover instead of maintenance becomes the best and only reliable solution for long-term safety.

Our Guaranteed 4-Step K&T Replacement Process

01

Comprehensive Safety Inspection & Mapping

We use non-invasive techniques to locate all K&T runs, map out new circuits, and secure all necessary local permits before touching the walls.

02

Installation of Modern Copper Wiring (NMD90)

Our licensed electricians install new, grounded copper wiring through walls, attics, and basements, completely bypassing and disconnecting the old K&T.

03

Complete Removal and Panel Upgrade

We remove all accessible K&T wiring and upgrade the main electrical panel to a 100A or 200A modern service to meet current load demands.

04

Restoration and Final ESA Certification

We minimize wall damage and ensure professional patching. The final step is the mandatory ESA inspection to certify your home's new wiring.

  • Feature
  • Ground Wire
  • Load Capacity (Amps)
  • Insulation Type
  • Connection Method
  • Installation Location
  • Primary Risk
  • Code Compliance
  • Knob-and-Tube (K&T) Wiring
  • Absent
  • Low (30-60 amps)
  • Asphalt-saturated cloth/rubber (brittle)
  • Soldering and tapes (in open air)
  • Wires in open air (for heat dissipation)
  • Fire, electric shock, overloading
  • Obsolete; not permitted for new construction
  • Modern Wiring (Canadian Standard)
  • Present (copper or green wire)
  • High (100-200+ amps)
  • Flexible and durable plastic
  • Connections in metal/plastic boxes
  • Wires inside protective cables (in walls)
  • Much lower; code compliant
  • Compliant with Canadian Electrical Code

Regulatory Framework and Legal Requirements in Canada:

In Canada, the legal and regulatory framework regarding electrical wiring is based on the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) and provincial regulatory authorities, for instance, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) in Ontario. Although these authorities more or less have the same attitude towards K&T wiring, the details and stress vary from province to province.

The General Position of the Canadian Electrical Codes:

K&T wiring is not prohibited nor required to be replaced by homeowners, according to any law in the Canadian Electrical Code. Legally, providing the system is not changed in any way, is maintained properly and is in its original condition, it can be used. However, its use is completely banned for new constructions. The main issue is that any modification, repair, or addition to this wire system has to be done according to today’s wiring standards. This regulation indirectly results in homeowners replacing K&T wiring during any remodeling or electrical upgrade project since the outdated system cannot be intermingled or extended with new wiring. Such a scenario leads to a fascinating legal situation. The law does not impose a direct replacement; however, the associated requirements for renovations make it a mandatory issue. Hence, this is a good illustration of the fact that the force behind the replacement of K&T is not an outright legal command but rather the practical needs and regulations tied to any modifications of property. This roundabout way of dealing with the issue forces owners of the old system to conduct a safety project which is essential.

Requirements and Regulations in Key Provinces:

Ontario: According to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) in Ontario, K&T wiring can be considered safe as long as it is maintained properly and has not been altered. Nevertheless, the ESA suggests that the wires should be replaced in case they are damaged, deteriorated, or modified in any manner. Moreover, the ESA is particularly clear that thermal insulation is not to be put on this type of wiring. Any new electrical work must meet the requirements of the latest Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC), which indirectly implies K&T must be replaced.

British Columbia: The rules in British Columbia are even more strict. The BC Building Code does not totally erase K&T wiring from the list of wiring if it were to be undisturbed. However, the new electrical system needs to be up to the modern standards just like any renovation or addition to the electrical system. To be specific, K&T wiring cannot be connected or altered while it is being still active; only a complete replacement with modern systems is said to be compliant with the current code.

Alberta and Quebec: These provinces share almost the same regulations. In Alberta, there are strict codes for all electrical work, and due to the high risks posed by K&T, its replacement is highly recommended. In Quebec, the provincial Construction Code (Code de Construction du Québec) also encompasses electrical regulations that implicitly necessitate the replacement of outdated systems during renovation.

The Role of Permits and Specialized Inspections: The replacement of K&T wiring entails a significant undertaking that legally demands permits and necessitates multiple inspections. The permits, which are usually obtained by a licensed electrician from local or provincial authorities (for example, Manitoba Hydro or Nova Scotia Power), are the ones that ensure that the job is done safely and per local and national codes.

The project consists of different phases of inspection:

Initial Inspection: Local inspectors assess the existing condition before any work begins. Rough-in Inspection: An inspection is done during the installation of new wiring, before the wires are covered with drywall or insulation, so as to ascertain that the installation is correct and compliant with the code.

Final Inspection: A final inspection is done after the project is completely done and before the power is reconnected in order to confirm that the work has been completed successfully and up to the standard. This legal and regulatory procedure not only ensures the safety of both homeowner and occupants but also excludes unprofessional and unsafe work practices. Becoming guilty of not getting the required permits can lead to hefty fines and legal repercussions in the future.

Thinking About the Cost?

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Financial and Insurance Considerations for Replacement:

No matter how one looks at it, the removal of Knob-and-Tube wiring is a very pricey operation, but this cost concerns mainly the safety, property value, and insurance costs. In fact, this decision is very often more of a financial necessity and safety issue than just a simple choice. Impact on Home Insurance:

Insurance is by far the greatest challenge a homeowner has to face when residing in a house with K&T wiring. Because of the danger of fire and other problems, insurance companies in Canada are very reluctant to accept houses with this kind of wiring for insurance. Furthermore, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has also on its part recommended the outright replacement of K&T to minimize hazards. When an insurance company does agree to take the risk and provide coverage, it usually does so with severe restrictions and charges:

Higher Premiums: Owners have to pay very high premiums, which can turn out to be extremely expensive in the long run. Inspection Requirement: The insurer may demand that the entire wiring system be inspected by a qualified electrician before a policy is granted or renewed in order to evaluate the condition of the wiring.

Replacement Deadline: A large number of insurers will tell homeowners that they have a certain period (normally between 60 days and 12-24 months) in which to replace the K&T or they will lose their insurance coverage. It is worth emphasizing that insurance companies do not fund the expense of the rewiring. That amount is a direct investment by the homeowner that, in the end, allows for better insurance terms and higher property value. Not informing the insurer about the existence of K&T wiring can lead to the cancellation of the policy and, furthermore, denial of all future claims.

The Practical Process of Replacement:

Knob-and-Tube wiring replacement is a task that is not only specialized but also complex, thus requiring a specific set of knowledge, tools, and experience. Due to the high risks of electric shock and fire, doing the job without proper training is highly discouraged and can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

The Necessity of Hiring a Licensed Electrician: It’s vital to hire a licensed electrician for this project.

Only a licensed electrician can: Guarantee Safety: Licensed pros are the ones that have been trained to do electrical work according to the strictest safety regulations. Obtain Legal Permits: It is the job of the licensed electrician to get all the permits from the local authorities and also to make sure the work is done according to the Canadian Electrical Code.

Provide a Work Warranty: The work done by licensed electricians usually comes with a warranty, and they take on the liability in case something goes wrong. Trying to do this job as a “DIY” project without the necessary license and knowledge not only puts lives at risk but can also result in heavy fines and problems with insurance.

Key Project Steps:

The process of replacing K & T wiring is a step-by-step procedure that requires careful planning:

Initial Assessment and Planning: The licensed electrician performs a comprehensive assessment of the existing system, determines the layout of the circuits, and creates a plan for the replacement. This step also helps to determine the timeline and cost estimate.

Obtaining Permits and Initial Inspection: The electrician is responsible for obtaining all required permits from local authorities.

Disconnecting and Removing Old Wiring: The electrician first completely shuts off the power and then carefully disconnects the old wiring from the electrical panel. In many cases, the old wires are left inside the walls and are simply disconnected from the power to reduce costs.

Installing New Wiring and Panel: At this stage, modern wiring with a ground wire, junction boxes, and new outlets and switches is installed. This project typically includes upgrading the electrical panel to a higher capacity system (100 or 200 amps) to meet modern demand. Final Testing and Official Inspection: After installation is complete, the electrician thoroughly tests the new system to ensure everything is working correctly. A local inspector is then called for a final inspection to confirm compliance with the codes.

Restoration and Cleanup: After final approval, the electrician or another contractor is responsible for repairing holes and damages created in the walls and ceilings and performing a final cleanup of the area.

Schedule for your project

Timeframe for replacement of K&T wiring
The duration of the process of replacing K&T wiring will vary depending on several factors, including the home’s size, the complexity of the wiring system, and the amount of access to interior space. A typical project duration could range from several days to a few weeks. The electrician will be able to provide a more precise timeframe for the work during the evaluation.

Recommendations for Stakeholders

For Home Buyers: If you want to buy a home constructed prior to the 1950s, you must enter the process with the expectation that K&T wiring will be present. If you move forward with a purchase, make sure to hire a licensed electrician to evaluate the electrical system and request a cost estimate for its replacement. You might be able to use this estimate to negotiate the purchase price for the home.

For Current Home Owners: If you are experiencing indicators of K&T wiring, such as flickering lights, strange burning smells, or that there are only two-pronged outlets, make immediate contact with an electrician. Do not attempt to modify the K&T service and for the moment, do not cover any wires with insulation.

For Property Sellers: If you are selling a home with K&T wiring, keep in mind that K&T wiring will make selling the home more difficult, and may force real estate agent(s) to require the wiring be replaced to avoid jeopardizing the acquisition of homeowner’s insurance and/or placing the price in jeopardy.

To summarize, replacing Knob-and-Tube wiring is fundamentally important for protecting individuals and property. In addition to eliminating a shock hazard, the project is also a wise investment that protects the value of the property, and provides a long-term return for your investment through the reduction of homeowner’s insurance premiums.