The Ol Knob and Tube

[Daniel Walton]

So after multiple days of researching this topic I’ve seen very few investors agree on keeping knob and tube wiring. I understand the additional safety concerns it can possibly bring as well as possible inefficiencies in a property. However I have now had 2 local and licensed electricians walk my property under contract and tell me to leave the knob and tube alone, “Don’t even think about redoing it, there’s nothing wrong with it and it’s not worth the trouble”. The wires seem to be in tact, there’s no insulation dangers present, etc. I know this goes against not only all of the discussions I’ve seen in the forums but EVERY YouTube video and google search I’ve ran in the last 48 hours. But can anyone justify this or defend this position?

Thanks!

[Don Petrasek]

I’ve had a half dozen electricians tell me the same thing.  If they are doing work in the house and are OK with leaving it as is.....its fine.  Electricians will not risk their reputation/license by leaving anything that’s dangerous behind on a job.

For it to be up to code, its important that you have the ungrounded outlets on all circuits that have the knob and tube (the two prong type).  In my houses, I make sure kitchens and baths have all romex circuits (grounded) and then try & add one grounded circuit per room to supplement the ungrounded knob & tube.  Unless its very challenging and costly to do so.  My houses have basements with the panel in the basement so its usually pretty easy to run romex from the panel and then up a wall. 

Never had a problem with appraisers, insurance, or city inspectors following the above.