Knob and tube wiring was the standard residential electrical installation method from the 1880s through the 1940s. If your home was built before 1950 and has never had its wiring replaced, there is a significant chance knob and tube wiring is still present inside your walls. This wiring has no ground conductor, uses cloth insulation that becomes brittle and crumbles with age, and lacks the overcurrent protection that modern wiring provides. Knob and tube wiring also cannot safely handle the electrical loads of modern appliances and electronics. At Wise Choice Remodeling (CSLB #1104186), we remove and replace knob and tube wiring with modern copper wiring, eliminating the safety hazards and bringing your home’s electrical system to current California code.
Signs Your Home May Have Knob and Tube Wiring
Here are the most common indicators that your home may have knob and tube wiring:
- Home was built before 1950 and has never had a full electrical update
- Two-prong ungrounded outlets throughout the home
- Ceramic knobs or tubes visible in the attic or basement
- Cloth-covered wiring visible in the attic or electrical panel
- Flickering lights or breakers that trip under normal loads
- Home inspection flagged knob and tube wiring as a concern
- Insurance company refused coverage or significantly increased your premium due to wiring
Knob and tube wiring is increasingly difficult to insure. Many carriers will not write new policies on homes with active knob and tube wiring.
Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement Services We Provide
We handle the full scope of knob and tube wiring removal and replacement.
Complete Knob and Tube Rewire
Full removal of all knob and tube wiring and replacement with new copper wiring throughout the home. This is the only permanent solution and the only approach that brings the home fully to current electrical code.
Partial Knob and Tube Replacement
For homes where only specific areas or circuits retain knob and tube wiring, we replace those circuits while leaving modern wiring in place. A phased approach when full replacement is not immediately feasible.
Knob and Tube Documentation for Insurance
If your insurance carrier requires documentation of your wiring’s condition, we provide a written assessment that accurately describes what is present and what work has been done.
Panel Upgrade with Rewire
Homes with knob and tube wiring typically also have undersized panels that need to be replaced as part of the rewiring project. We coordinate both as a single project.
Knob and Tube vs. Modern Wiring Comparison
Understanding the differences confirms why knob and tube wiring replacement is a safety necessity rather than an optional upgrade.
| Factor | Knob and Tube Wiring | Modern Copper Wiring |
|---|---|---|
| Ground conductor | None — two wires only | Three wires including ground |
| Insulation | Cloth — brittle with age | Modern plastic — durable |
| Overcurrent protection | Limited | Full circuit breaker protection |
| Capacity | Insufficient for modern loads | Sized for current demand |
| Insurability | Difficult — many carriers decline | No issues |
| Code compliance | Non-compliant | Current California code |
Our Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement Process
Wiring Assessment
We inspect your attic, basement, and electrical panel to confirm the presence and extent of knob and tube wiring and identify any immediately dangerous conditions.
Rewiring Plan and Estimate
We provide a written plan and detailed estimate before any work begins. No vague line items, no surprise charges.
Permit Application
Full rewiring requires a building permit and electrical inspections in all California jurisdictions. We handle the permit process.
Knob and Tube Removal and Rewire
Our licensed electricians systematically remove knob and tube wiring and replace it with modern copper wiring throughout the home.
Panel Upgrade
If your existing panel needs to be replaced as part of the project, we coordinate it as part of the rewiring work.
Final Inspection and Sign-Off
We coordinate all required electrical inspections and provide final sign-off documentation before closing the project.
Get a Free Knob and Tube Wiring Assessment and Estimate
If your home was built before 1950 or you have been told it has knob and tube wiring, contact Wise Choice Remodeling to schedule your free assessment. We will confirm what is present and give you a clear written plan for replacement.
How Long Does Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement Take?
A full knob and tube rewire typically takes five to ten days depending on the size of the home and the extent of the wiring. Older homes with complex layouts may take longer. We give you a clear timeline during the estimate phase.
Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement Cost — What to Expect
Knob and tube rewiring is a significant investment due to the scope of work involved. Costs vary based on home size, the extent of the wiring, access conditions, and whether a panel upgrade is needed.
We provide detailed written estimates at no charge. The cost of rewiring needs to be weighed against the insurability issues and safety risks of leaving knob and tube wiring in place.
Will Replacing Knob and Tube Wiring Fix My Insurance Problem?
Yes. Most insurance carriers that declined coverage or charged a premium surcharge due to knob and tube wiring will write a standard policy once the wiring has been replaced and the work has been inspected and signed off. We provide inspection documentation for submission to your carrier.
Why Choose Wise Choice for Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement
Licensed and Insured
We carry full general liability and workers compensation coverage.
Experience with Older Homes
We have experience working in older Southern California homes where knob and tube wiring is present, including the access challenges they present.
Permit Handling Included
We handle the full permit process and coordinate all required inspections.
Panel Upgrade Coordination
We coordinate panel replacement as part of the rewiring project when needed.
Workmanship Guarantee
We stand behind every installation. If something is not right after we leave, we come back and fix it.
Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement Services Across Southern California
Wise Choice Remodeling provides professional knob and tube wiring replacement services to homeowners across Southern California. We serve Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, San Diego County, and the Palm Desert area. Our licensed crew delivers the same level of care and quality on every job regardless of location.
Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement
Questions Answered
Yes. Many Southern California homes built before 1950 still have original or partially original knob and tube wiring. It was not required to be replaced when newer wiring methods became standard, so it often remains in place until a major renovation or rewiring project is undertaken.
No. Knob and tube wiring cannot be safely repaired to current code standards. The only compliant solution is full replacement with modern copper wiring.
Insurance carriers view knob and tube wiring as a significant fire risk due to its age, lack of ground conductor, and cloth insulation that deteriorates over time. Many carriers will not write new policies on homes with active knob and tube wiring.
No. California electrical code does not permit new circuits to be connected to knob and tube wiring. Any new electrical work requires new wiring from the panel.
For a full rewire you can typically stay in your home though there will be periods without power to sections of the house during work. We coordinate power shutoffs to minimize inconvenience.
Yes. Wise Choice Remodeling holds CSLB License #1104186 and carries full general liability and workers compensation coverage.