Insuring Knob and Tube

[James Walker]

Meloche-Monnex insured our house with 6 circuits on knob and tube.

[dcook1]

Yeah???? but will they insure this??? Picture taken today.

[mdiplock]

Had the same thing the other week. Client couldn't get insurance because of the K&T. Can't understand why?

[Charles R. N. Crooker]

Originally Posted by jskrypka

I've also heard of insurers giving some grace if there is a minor amount of K+T in the house. Just can't remember the names of the insurance companies.

I've also heard that if the exposed K+T in the basement is replaced and properly spliced to the K+T inside the walls, the insurers can also show some leniency. It still would have to be inspected by a licensed electrician or the ESA, who will often suggest the installation of GFCI's on these ungrounded K+T circuits.

Knob and Tube is very common in the older parts of Hamilton - I find it almost weekly. Unfortunately, when I find it in basements, the wires and insulation are typically deteriorated through physical abuse. I've seen it used as a clothes line, or as a nice support to hang skis across (I'm serious).

Joe that is twice you said you could not remeber the companies, or did you forget?

[Joseph D. Skrypka]

Did I say that?

[Jae Williams]

Originally Posted by rcooke

I always write it up in my report .
I also write Recommend immediate complete upgrade by qualified person to the Homes electrical system.
I say to the client ourchasing a home is to find out who has the Insurance on the home now and ask if the new purchaser can continue on with the Home insurance.
I say if you get an argument with the insurance company to ask for coverage and that you will have it upgraded immediately ask for 90 day coverage hoping to get 60 day coverage and settle on 30 day coverage .
I have not had any of them call to say they did not get coverage .
Please keep us posted how this works out
...... Cookie

Roy, this part of what I sometimes put into th report...look familiar???

This property has some "knob and tube" wiring, which was commonly installed prior to 1950.
There is nothing inherently wrong with knob and tube wiring – so long as there’s nothing wrong with it. It is ungrounded, and generally considered unsafe by today's standards.

It’s like a 1938 Chevrolet -- a great car back then. Mechanical brakes were not so bad in those days. Today you would never use one to go on holidays or drive across country .

That is what your knob and tube, with its old dried out wire insulation, is like -- it is not capable of handling today’s equipment.

Over time, the wire's insulation may become brittle and fall apart or wear thin, resulting in exposed conductors and a risk of shock and/or fire. This wiring should not be covered with attic insulation (a common practice) where it may overheat and become brittle, nor should it be used hollow spaces of the walls. New wire incorrectly tapped into it can also be dangerous.





I get a lot of good responses for this...