Excellent examples

RenovateDSM — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 22:35:35 -0700

Thanks for posting these photos! When I wrote this article, I had already torn out all the knob and tube in my own renovation. These photos show both the "knobs" (used to turn corners with the wiring) and the "tubes" (which serve as a sheath to protect the wire when it penetrates through studs and joists).

Electric Rough - Let There Be Light

RenovateDSM — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 22:26:22 -0700

Many older homes are outfitted with “knob and tube” wiring where individual wires are supported (and kept from touching each other and the building) by ceramic fittings. This method of wiring is not inherently dangerous unless the fittings or wires are damaged - as is often the case during renovation. Knob and tube wiring also has no provision for the “grounding” wire required for three-prong outlets. Today’s technology consists of an insulated cable that contains three or more wires including at least a “hot” wire, a “neutral” wire, and a ground wire. In BX-type cables (armored cable), required in some situations, the wires are contained within a metal sheathing that provides additional protection. This insulated wire is easy to install and provides a high degree of safety. All new wiring must meet the current electrical code.

Installation

A licensed electrician must install all wiring for outlets, fixtures, switches, and appliances. Anyone may install telephone, cable, and structured data lines. You can save some money on electric by running these wires yourself – phone lines may be “chained” together, but each cable and structured data outlet should have a “home run” to the basement where they can be managed individually or hooked into a home automation system.

The rough-in phase for your electrical system includes running all the wiring and installing all the junction boxes necessary to implement your electrical concept plan. The wires will terminate at the breaker box, but will not be made "live" until the electric finish later on in the process.

It is sometimes useful to walk through the building with the electrician who will be performing the installation. This will give you a chance to make any last-minute corrections or additions.

The electric system is the most flexible of the three major systems. While your electrician must follow applicable codes that dictate where wires may run, it is generally possible to get a fixture or outlet pretty much anywhere you want. It is much easier, however, to place fixtures and outlets in frame walls than it is to place them in masonry walls. If you must have an outlet in a masonry wall, the brick has to be chipped out to allow space for the wiring and the outlet or fixture. Then the wall is repaired to hide the wiring. I generally discourage surface-mounted wiring and fixtures, even when allowed by code, unless there is not other alternative.

RenovateDSM.com - Electric Rough - Let There Be Light - Comments

Excellent examples

Photos of knob and tube wiring in my house

Electric Rough - Let There Be Light

Installation