Knob and Tube Wiring in Lehigh Valley Homes

Many of the older homes in Lehigh Valley (pre 1920) were originally wired for electricity using Knob and Tube Wiring (K&T) connected to fuse boxes. K&T uses two separate insulated wires (hot and neutral) for electrical connections. Ceramic Knobs were used to direct the wires to their destination and Ceramic Tubes were used when wires needed to go directly through wood. 

Over time, the fuse boxes have been replaced by circuit breakers and the K&T replaced by ROMEX (3 conductor - hot, neutral, ground).

Even so, many of the older homes in Lehigh Valley that have been electrically updated may still have knob and tube wiring. I have been in many homes, with new wiring, that have an attic light that is using K&T wiring. The home owner didn't think it was worth updating a light seldom used.

This is okay as long as the wiring is deemed safe by a cerified licensed electrician. FHA allows K&T as long as the wiring is in good shape (not brittle or frayed) and there are no questionable junctions.

A property inspection should discover and question any knob and tube wiring. If needed, an electrician should be brought in to inspect the wiring. This may be required by the mortgage company or insurance provider.