Los Angeles is full of architectural charm—Craftsman bungalows, Spanish-style cottages, and historic homes that tell the story of the city’s past. But behind those beautiful facades often lies a hidden risk: knob and tube wiring. Installed in homes built before the 1950s, this early electrical system wasn’t designed to handle modern electrical loads, appliances, or safety standards.
At Clear View Electrical Services, we specialize in working with older homes. We know how to assess, navigate, and upgrade outdated systems without compromising your home’s character. If your property still has knob and tube wiring, here’s what you need to know about the risks, your options, and how to make your home safer—today.
What Is Knob & Tube Wiring?
Knob and tube (K&T) wiring was the standard in American homes from the 1880s through the 1940s. It uses ceramic knobs to support wires and tubes to protect them as they pass through wooden framing. It was revolutionary at the time but lacks the grounding, insulation, and protective features required by modern electrical code.
In LA, many homeowners don’t even realize their house still has knob and tube wiring until they experience electrical issues or undergo an inspection. If your home was built before 1950 and hasn’t had a complete rewire, there’s a good chance this outdated system is still in place—even if some upgrades were made later.
Why Knob & Tube Wiring Is a Safety Concern
While knob and tube wiring isn’t illegal, it is considered a significant safety risk due to:
- Lack of Grounding: Modern systems include a ground wire for added protection. K&T does not, increasing the risk of shock or electrical fire.
- Overheating: K&T was designed for a time before air conditioners, microwaves, and dozens of devices per room. Overloading can lead to overheating.
- Deteriorated Insulation: The cloth or rubber insulation used on old wiring breaks down over time, creating fire hazards.
- Incompatibility with Insulation: K&T wiring must be kept away from thermal insulation. Adding insulation in attics or walls can trap heat and cause failure.
- Spliced Repairs: DIY fixes or partial upgrades often create unsafe connections between old and new wiring.
Signs Your Home Might Still Have K&T Wiring
- Your home was built before 1950 and has never had a full rewire
- You notice warm outlets, dimming lights, or frequent breaker trips
- There are fuses instead of modern circuit breakers
- You see exposed ceramic knobs in your basement or attic
- Your insurance company flags your electrical system during a renewal
Why Insurance Companies Don’t Like It
Many insurers consider knob and tube wiring a high liability. Some refuse to insure homes with active K&T systems, while others increase premiums or require a complete rewire to issue a new policy. If you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a home with K&T wiring, this can delay or block the transaction altogether.
What Are Your Options?
- Schedule a Full Safety Evaluation
The first step is to assess how much knob and tube wiring remains and what condition it’s in. At Clear View, we perform comprehensive evaluations, using thermal cameras and decades of experience to track what’s behind your walls without tearing up your home. - Partial or Full Rewire
Depending on the extent of K&T and your electrical needs, you may choose a full or phased rewire. We provide clear, flat-rate pricing and three levels of solutions so you can choose what works best for your safety, budget, and timeline. - Upgrade Your Panel
If your home still has a fuse box or undersized panel, we recommend upgrading to a modern breaker panel. This not only improves safety but ensures your system can handle today’s electrical demands. - Add Dedicated Circuits
Even if a full rewire isn’t possible today, adding dedicated circuits for high-demand appliances (like HVAC, kitchen, or office equipment) can offload strain and improve safety.
Respect the History. Upgrade the Safety.
At Clear View, we understand the value of preserving a historic home’s integrity. That’s why we take a respectful, minimally invasive approach to electrical upgrades. We don’t just tear things out—we diagnose, explain, and provide modern solutions that honor the past while protecting your future.
Make Your Home Safer Today
If your home still has knob and tube wiring, don’t wait for a scare to take action. Schedule a same-day safety check with Clear View Electrical Services. We’ll show you exactly what’s going on behind the walls and give you honest, affordable options to move forward—safely.Book your electrical safety check now at https://clearviewelectricalservices.com. Clear View Electrical Services: Trusted by homeowners. Built for LA’s oldest homes.
