If you've ever bought or lived in an older home, chances are you’ve heard of knob-and-tube wiring. This vintage electrical system was standard in homes built from the 1880s through the 1940s—and while it was innovative in its day, it raises some serious concerns today. So, what exactly is knob-and-tube wiring, and is it something you should be worried about? Let’s break it down. ⚙️ What Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring? Knob-and-tube (often abbreviated as K&T) is a method of electrical wiring that uses ceramic knobs to hold wires in place and ceramic tubes to guide them through wooden beams. Unlike modern wiring, it has: No grounding wire Separate hot and neutral wires, run individually Cloth or rubber insulation (which can deteriorate over time) While it worked well for the lower electrical demands of early 20th-century homes, it wasn’t designed for today’s energy-hungry appliances or safety standards. 🚩 Why Knob-and-Tube Wiring Is a Concern Many homeowners ask us: “Is knob-and-tube wiring dangerous?” The answer? It can be. Here’s why: No Ground Wire Modern wiring includes a ground wire for safety. K&T lacks this, which increases the risk of shocks and fire—especially when used with today’s electronics. Insulation Breakdown The cloth insulation used in knob-and-tube systems becomes brittle over time, exposing live wires that can arc or overheat. Modified or Improperly Repaired Wiring Many homes with K&T have had "DIY fixes" over the years—mixing old wiring with modern components. These mismatched setups often violate code and pose safety hazards. Overloading the System Homes built with K&T were never designed to handle the load of modern HVAC systems, microwaves, EV chargers, or multiple electronics. 🏡 Can You Sell or Insure a Home with Knob-and-Tube Wiring? Many insurance companies are reluctant—or outright refuse—to insure homes with active knob-and-tube wiring. Even if you find coverage, expect higher premiums. Some mortgage lenders may also deny loans until the wiring is updated. If you’re selling a home, outdated wiring could be a deal-breaker for buyers. 🔧 What Should You Do if You Have Knob-and-Tube Wiring? If your home has knob-and-tube wiring, here are your options: ✅ Schedule a professional inspection – to assess condition, safety, and potential upgrades ✅ Consider a full or partial rewire – especially in high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms ✅ Avoid insulating over it – it needs space to release heat, and insulation can become a fire hazard ✅ Don’t plug modern high-wattage devices into older outlets – they may not be safe or up to code ⚡ Ready to Upgrade? We Can Help. At KrisLee Electric, we specialize in evaluating and replacing knob-and-tube wiring with modern, safe, and code-compliant electrical systems. Whether you’re renovating, buying, or selling an older home, we’ll guide you every step of the way. 📞 Contact us today for a professional inspection or estimate—because when it comes to electrical safety, what you don’t see can hurt you.

Storm season is no joke—high winds, lightning, heavy rain, and power outages can do serious damage to your home’s electrical system. But with a little preparation and help from the pros, you can protect your home, your appliances, and your family’s safety. Here’s how to get your electrical system storm-ready: Install Whole-Home Surge Protection Lightning strikes and power fluctuations during storms can send dangerous surges through your electrical system. These spikes can damage: TVs and computers Refrigerators and HVAC systems Smart home devices 🔌 A whole-home surge protector installed at your electrical panel adds a crucial layer of defense, reducing the risk of expensive damage. Secure and Inspect Your Outdoor Electrical Components Storms bring wind and water—two things you don’t want messing with your electrical setup. Be sure to: Check that your outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected and weather-sealed Inspect exterior wiring, conduits, and boxes for damage or wear Secure loose electrical fixtures, lights, and wiring to prevent them from becoming storm debris 💧 Water + electricity = danger. Keeping everything sealed and elevated helps prevent shorts and shock risks. Consider a Backup Generator When the power goes out, a backup generator can keep the essentials running—lights, refrigerator, medical equipment, even your Wi-Fi. There are two main types: Portable generators – good for short outages, but must be operated outside with proper ventilation. Whole-home standby generators – kick on automatically and power large portions of your home. We install stand by generators! Read this blog about investing in a standby generator. ⚠️ Generators must be installed with proper transfer switches to prevent backfeeding into the grid—a serious safety hazard. Know Your Electrical Panel Your breaker panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. In a storm: Know how to safely shut off power if needed Ensure all breakers are clearly labeled Have the panel inspected if it’s older or frequently tripping 🛠️ A storm is not the time to discover you’ve got an outdated or undersized panel. Schedule a Professional Electrical Inspection Before the storm season ramps up, have a licensed electrician inspect your: Panel and grounding system Surge protection setup Outdoor connections and GFCIs Backup power sources A proactive check-up can prevent dangerous surprises during severe weather. Stay Safe, Stay Powered 🌧️ Storms are unpredictable—but your electrical system doesn’t have to be. At KrisLee Electric, we help homeowners prepare for whatever Mother Nature throws their way. 📅 Book your storm prep inspection today and protect what matters most.