Dangers of Thermal Insulation Installation with Knob & Tube Wiring

Can Insulation be installed with Knob & Tube Electrical Wiring?

NO! Despite the claims of many uniformed or overzealous insulation companies & salesman, Modern Thermal Insulation can NOT be laid on top of active Knob & Tube wiring

Why Knob & Tube Wiring is Hazardous with Thermal Insulation

Knob & Tube wiring utilizes an open air system to safely dissipate heat generated from electrical loads. Modern insulation traps the active Knob & Tube wiring, causing the wiring to overheat. Additionally, the interaction between the thermal insulation & the old brittle cloth insulation on the Knob & Tube wiring causes the cloth to deteriorate leaving exposed conductors & potentially energized insulation (See photo of energized fiberglass insulation we have came into contact with in homes in Shaker Heights & Cleveland)

While Knob & Tube wiring’s open air system was revolutionary system in its time, it was never meant to be used with modern insulation. As a result, insulation is explicitly not allowed to be installed directly on active Knob and Tube wiring in National Electric Code & many insurance providers and local building departments do not allow it.

How do I know if my home has active Knob & Tube Wiring?

Most homes built prior to 1960 in Greater Northeast Ohio including Cleveland, Lakewood, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights, University Heights, and Rocky River

What Should I do if I have insulation installed on top of active Knob & Tube wiring or am looking to have new thermal insulation installed?

Connected Electrical is Northeast Ohio’s Knob & Tube Rewire Experts. Give us a call or complete an online inquiry form today for a FREE evaluation of your home’s Knob and Tube wiring to provide options for partially or completely remediating it so that your home can safely have new thermal insulation installed.