Is knob and tube wiring safe if it's not disturbed?

No, it is generally unsafe regardless of disturbance. The rubber insulation naturally decays and flakes off, exposing live wires to rodents or combustible framing. Worse, the system lacks a ground wire, and since it relies on open air to cool, covering it with building insulation causes dangerous overheating.

How long does it take to rewire an old house?

A complete rewiring project typically takes between one and three weeks. The timeline depends on whether the walls are plaster or drywall and if the house is occupied. We must fish new wires through ceilings and floor joists, which often requires cutting and patching access holes.

What is the average cost to replace 60 amp service with 200 amp?

In Ontario, expect to pay between $3,500 and $5,500 CAD. This price covers the new meter base, the grounding system, and the 200-amp breaker panel. Find out more about electrical panel upgrades.

Does the service include a new electrical panel?

Yes, upgrading to 200-amp service always includes a new panel. The old 60-amp fuse box is undersized and incompatible with modern safety breakers. Even for a general house rewire, the panel is almost always replaced to handle the increased number of dedicated circuits.

Is there knob and tooth wiring in Ontario?

No, knob and tube or K&T is the correct term, (it may have been misheard as "tooth"). Knob and tube is very common in Owen Sound and Grey County homes built before 1950. It was the standard installation method for decades. If you own a Victorian or Edwardian home that has not undergone a major renovation, it likely contains this wiring.

Knob & Tube Wiring Replacement to Modernize & Protect Your Home

At Mazur 2 Electrical, we provide professional knob and tube wiring services to help homeowners and property managers safely modernize their electrical systems. Our experienced electricians assess, repair, and replace outdated wiring to bring your property up to current electrical code and improve safety, efficiency, and reliability.

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From assessing existing knob & tube wiring to complete modern rewiring - serving Owen Sound and surrounding areas.

What Is Knob & Tube Electrical Wiring?

Knob and tube electrical wiring (or “K&T wiring”) is an early type of wiring system used in homes built before the mid‑20th century. It consists of separate conductors supported by ceramic knobs and insulated only by cloth and rubber. While this system was a breakthrough in the late 1800’s, it lacks proper grounding, insulation, and capacity for modern electrical demands.

Why Is Knob & Tube Electrical Wiring Dangerous?

Old systems lack a ground wire, this creates a massive risk for sensitive electronics and increases the chance of electrical fires. The wiring relies on asphalt-saturated cotton or rubber for its electrical insulation. After eighty years, this material turns to dust.

Gravity & Sagging

Gravity and sagging cause wires to pull away from their porcelain supports. When wires droop, they may contact wood framing or other circuits.

Rodent damage

Rodent damage is a hidden killer. Squirrels and mice love chewing the soft, organic insulation, which leaves hot wires exposed inside your walls.

Excessive heat

Excessive heat occurs because these wires were designed to dissipate heat into open air. If you have more modern insulation, the wire overheats.

The system was built for a few light bulbs. It was never meant to power a refrigerator, a computer, and a microwave at the same time. Overloading the thin copper leads to brittle points and fire hazards. Because of this, many insurance providers require evaluation or removal of knob and tube electrical wiring before issuing or renewing coverage.

Over 100 years ago is was already a dead technology. Here an excerpt from the first edition of “American Electrician’s Handbook” (1913), already discourages the use of it.

Why You Need Professional Knob & Tube Wiring Services

Updating or replacing knob and tube wiring is not a DIY project. Working with outdated electrical systems without proper training can be dangerous and lead to fire hazards, shock risk, or damage to your home’s electrical infrastructure, as well as needing the appropriate permitting.

At Mazur 2 Electrical, our licensed technicians have the expertise to safely evaluate your system, recommend the best solution, and complete the necessary work to code.

Our knob and tube wiring services include a full inspection, testing, and a customized plan for your home’s needs. We take into account your electrical usage, current wiring condition, and future plans to create a safe and efficient solution.

Knob & Tube Wiring Replacement

One of the most common services we provide is knob and tube wiring replacement. This involves removing outdated wiring and installing modern, grounded electrical wiring that complies with current safety standards. Replacement not only improves safety but also increases your home’s electrical capacity to support today’s appliances, electronics, and HVAC systems.

During the replacement process, we ensure that all new wiring is properly insulated, grounded, and connected to your home’s electrical panel. We follow strict safety protocols and building codes, and provide documentation to help with permit approvals and insurance inspections.

Updating Knob & Tube Wiring for Safety & Performance

For some homes, a complete removal may not be immediately necessary. In those cases, we can help with updating knob and tube wiring by extending circuits, adding grounded outlets, or isolating and capping unsafe sections of wire. Regardless of the scope, our priority is to enhance safety and functionality while minimizing disruption to your home.

Updating knob and tube wiring can help:
Reduce fire risk and electrical hazards

Improve compatibility with modern appliances

Meet requirements of home insurance providers

Enhance overall electrical system performance

Our team clearly explains your options and provides a transparent estimate before any work begins.

Our Knob & Tube Wiring Process

1. Inspection & Assessment

We perform a thorough evaluation of your existing knob and tube wiring to identify risks, code violations, and capacity constraints.

2. Customized Plan

Based on the assessment, we recommend the best option. Whether it’s replacement, partial updating, or a combination of solutions.

3. Safe Electrical Work

Our certified electricians complete the agreed‑upon work to code, using modern materials and safety‑tested practices.

4. Final Testing & Documentation

Once the work is complete, we test the system and provide all necessary documentation for permits, inspections, or insurance.

Frequently asked questions

It is difficult and usually requires higher premiums. In Ontario, many homeowners are being forced to rewire by companies including CAA, Desjardins, and Intact. Some companies offer a "30-day binder," which grants you temporary insurance on the condition that you hire a contractor to replace the wiring immediately. We handle the entire ESA permit and inspection process from start to finish. You get the peace of mind (and the certificate for your insurance) without the headache.

Why Choose Mazur 2 Electrical

Mazur 2 Electrical offers reliable, experienced, and efficient knob and tube wiring services. We prioritize safety, clear communication, and high‑quality workmanship. Whether you are preparing your home for a sale, updating outdated systems, or responding to an insurance requirement, we are here to make the process smooth and stress‑free.

Licensed & insured electrical professionals

Customized solutions tailored to your home’s needs

Transparent pricing & thorough explanations

Safety‑first approach & code‑compliant installations

Removing outdated wiring is essential for your property's safety and your ability to easily secure home insurance. Bringing these old circuits up to code almost always requires modernizing your breaker box, which we handle seamlessly through our electrical panel services. Once the interior of your vintage home is safely rewired and fully powered, consider protecting its historic exterior from severe winter weather with our automated roof & gutter de-icing.

Contact Us for Knob & Tube Wiring Replacement

If you suspect your home still has knob and tube electrical wiring or need professional guidance on updating or replacing it, contact Mazur 2 Electrical today. Our team is ready to help improve the safety and performance of your electrical system.