Frayed knob and tube wire in an attic filled with insulation.

Knob & Tube Rewiring in New Orleans: Trust Your Home to Experts

Why Knob & Tube Wiring Needs to Be Replaced

In many older homes across New Orleans, you’ll still find a relic of the past—knob and tube wiring. This outdated electrical system was once a standard in residential construction, but it presents serious safety risks in today’s homes. If your home has knob and tube wiring, it’s essential to have it replaced by a licensed electrician.

At Sheep Electrical Service & Solutions, we specialize in replacing old knob and tube systems with modern, safe, and efficient wiring. As a homeowner in New Orleans, you know that safety is paramount, especially in a city with such a rich history and unique architecture. Our team of expert electricians is trained to handle these older systems, ensuring that your home is up to code and safe for years to come.

KNob and tube wiring installed through floor joices.

What Is Knob and Tube Wiring?

Knob and tube wiring was commonly used in homes built before the 1950s. It gets its name from the ceramic knobs that were used to hold the wires in place and the ceramic tubes that allowed the wires to pass through walls and beams without direct contact with wood or other materials. While this system worked at the time, it doesn’t meet today’s electrical safety standards. Over time, knob and tube wiring becomes brittle, especially as it ages, which can lead to exposed wires and increase the risk of electrical fires.

Additionally, knob and tube wiring doesn’t have a grounding wire, making it less safe for modern appliances that require a grounded connection. If your home is still using this type of wiring, it’s time to consider an upgrade to modern electrical systems.

The Risks of Keeping Knob and Tube Wiring in Your Home

While knob and tube wiring was once considered state-of-the-art, it’s now a significant safety concern. Here are a few reasons why it’s crucial to replace knob and tube wiring:

1. Fire Hazard

Old wiring systems are prone to wear and tear, and the risk of electrical shorts or overheating increases as the system ages. The lack of grounding, combined with brittle insulation, increases the chances of sparks and fires.

2. Lack of Grounding

Modern electrical systems require a third grounding wire, but knob and tube wiring was designed before grounding was a standard feature. This makes it unsafe for newer electronics and appliances that rely on a grounded circuit for safety.

3. Incompatibility with Modern Electrical Demands

The electrical demand in homes today is much higher than it was when knob and tube wiring was installed. Many older systems simply can’t handle the load of modern devices without overheating or causing damage to your home’s electrical components.

4. Insurance and Safety Concerns

Insurance companies may refuse to insure homes with outdated electrical systems, or they may charge higher premiums for homes with knob and tube wiring. In the event of a fire or electrical accident, having an outdated system could complicate claims.

An old electrical panel fused with exposed copper bussbar in a wooden enclosure cabinet.

How We Replace Knob and Tube Wiring in New Orleans

At Sheep Electrical Service & Solutions, we understand that replacing knob and tube wiring is a big job. But we’re here to make the process as smooth and seamless as possible. Here’s how we handle your rewire:

1. Inspection and Assessment

We’ll start by inspecting your home’s electrical system. Our team will identify areas with knob and tube wiring and assess the overall condition of your current electrical system. We’ll provide you with a detailed report of what needs to be done.

2. Custom Replacement Plan

Once we’ve completed the inspection, we’ll work with you to create a customized plan that fits your needs. This includes the type of new wiring, fixtures, and any necessary upgrades to bring your system up to code.

3. Safe and Efficient Rewiring

Our licensed electricians will carefully remove the old knob and tube wiring and replace it with modern, safe, and code-compliant electrical wiring. We’ll ensure that everything is grounded and installed correctly to meet today’s electrical standards.

4. Final Inspection and Testing

After the rewiring is completed, we’ll conduct a thorough inspection and test the new system to ensure that everything is functioning properly. We’ll also provide you with a final inspection report for your records.

The Sheep Electrical Service & Solutions Advantage

We’ve been serving New Orleans homeowners for years, and we’re committed to providing safe, reliable electrical services. Our electricians are fully licensed and have years of experience working with older homes, including those with knob and tube wiring. We take pride in offering the best in customer service, and we’ll always take the time to ensure that your home’s electrical system is safe, functional, and up to code.

We understand the unique needs of New Orleans homeowners, from the historic homes in the French Quarter to the modern homes in Uptown. When you choose us for your knob and tube rewiring, you’re choosing a company that understands the specific challenges that come with New Orleans’ architecture and climate.

Get Your Knob and Tube Wiring Replaced Today!

Don’t put your home at risk with outdated knob and tube wiring. If you’re in New Orleans, call us at Sheep Electrical Service & Solutions today to schedule your consultation. Our licensed electricians are here to help with a safe, professional, and efficient rewire. We’re proud to serve the New Orleans community and ensure your home is equipped with a modern electrical system that meets all safety standards.

Contact Us Today for Your Knob and Tube Rewiring Estimate!