In Manitoba and Winnipeg older homes were retrofitted with electricity primarily for electric lights. The only appliances found in most homes at that time were small appliances such as tea kettles or toasters. As refrigerators, televisions, and other devices came along with increasing electrical demands, Winnipeg homes often received a patchwork of modifications to their wiring as each new device was added. Many of these modifications were improperly done, resulting in shock and fire hazards. If you have a home built before 1960’s (including neighbourhoods such as River Heights, Crescentwood, Wolseley, St. James, and more) you could have knob and tube wiring somewhere in your home.

Knob and tube wires are insulated with a rubberized cloth or a fibre that can deteriorate over time, necessitating their removal, as well as lacking compliance with modern safety standards such as a ground line. While owning a home with knob and tube wiring is still legal in Manitoba, insurance companies are increasing penalizing homes with active knob and tube in the house with increased premiums. As well, homes with knob and tube wiring are becoming increasingly detrimental to the value of your home.

How can you tell if you have knob and tube wiring in your home?

First thing is to check the basement for obvious wiring signs such as insulators in the joists. If your wall switches are push buttons, that would be another indication of knob and tube wiring. Another sign to look for is If your receptacles do not accommodate a grounded plug. Sometimes there may have been modifications that have updated electrical receptacles, switches, and even junction boxes but left the knob & tube wiring in place inside the walls.

Unfortunately, sometimes the only way to know for sure is to open up a wall or look into the attic behind the insulation. Not all knob and tube wiring is live or connected to your panel and doesn’t have to be removed if this is the case, but you will have to have an electrician in to determine if it needs to be removed.

How much does knob and tube removal cost?

Costs vary considerably depending on the setup and your home. We would come to your house to inspect the situation and give you an estimate. The bad news is that there might be surprises an initial inspection won’t be able to see. It may also necessitate the opening up of walls and ceilings to gain access to where the know and tube are located.

The GOOD news is knowing that you have done what is necessary to protect your house for your safety and to preserve the resale value of your home as well.