Electrical wiring replacement and repairs Peterborough ON
Between the end of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, knob and tube wiring was the main electrical wiring system found in homes and buildings. When buying an older dwelling, some homeowners may have some questions such as:
Is knob and tube wiring dangerous? The wires themselves are not dangerous, but it’s their sheathing that when comes in contact with modern insulation that may create a fire risk. Should you buy a house with knob and tube wiring? Yes, there is no reason to avoid buying an older home with k&t wiring, but it is important to hire a skilled licensed electrician to replace old wiring system with a new one. How much does it cost to remove knob and tube wiring? Knob and tube wiring replacement cost in Ontario depends on the complexity of the project and whether walls or ceilings need to be opened for rewiring and repairs. So the price can vary widely from the low thousands to over $10,000. It’s of course better to get a more accurate quote based on your dwelling’s specific situation. |
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Can you replace knob and tube wiring yourself?
The main danger here is that there is a risk that not all wires behind the walls will be located. If that is the case, any exposed wires not removed can create a risk of electrocution. So knob and tube wiring replacement is a project that should never be attempted by anyone other than a licensed electrician.
Can I get homeowners insurance with knob and tube wiring?
Different insurance companies have different insurance criteria. Some will insure k&t wiring but at a higher rate, and some altogether won’t.
In homes built from the 1960s to the late 1970s, aluminum wiring was likely used. Although it is a myth that this type of system is no longer used in interior wiring systems (the Ontario Electrical Safety Code still allows aluminum wiring to be installed), many insurance companies may not insure the dwelling if the necessary repairs or aluminum wiring replacement have not been done by a licensed electrical contractor.
So this begs a few questions:
What’s the problem with aluminum wiring?
The wires themselves don’t pose a risk, but it’s their higher potential faulty connections that can cause a fire risk, compared to modern day copper wiring.
Should I replace my aluminum wiring? Is it bad to have aluminum wiring?
As mentioned earlier, aluminum wires themselves are not inherently bad. However, here are some considerations when deciding on whether or not to replace them:
The cost to replace aluminum wiring Ontario residents often ask about is an expensive endeavour, the majority not from materials, but from the actual labour, and can range from $7,000 to $15,000 for an entire house. If that price is out of your budget, ask us if your home’s wiring is eligible to be pig-tailed to reduce cost.
No matter which decisions you make regarding electrical wiring repairs and replacements, it is highly advised to involve a licensed electrician who has extensive experience in this area. Our Peterborough electricians can handle these jobs with confidence and reliability.
The main danger here is that there is a risk that not all wires behind the walls will be located. If that is the case, any exposed wires not removed can create a risk of electrocution. So knob and tube wiring replacement is a project that should never be attempted by anyone other than a licensed electrician.
Can I get homeowners insurance with knob and tube wiring?
Different insurance companies have different insurance criteria. Some will insure k&t wiring but at a higher rate, and some altogether won’t.
In homes built from the 1960s to the late 1970s, aluminum wiring was likely used. Although it is a myth that this type of system is no longer used in interior wiring systems (the Ontario Electrical Safety Code still allows aluminum wiring to be installed), many insurance companies may not insure the dwelling if the necessary repairs or aluminum wiring replacement have not been done by a licensed electrical contractor.
So this begs a few questions:
What’s the problem with aluminum wiring?
The wires themselves don’t pose a risk, but it’s their higher potential faulty connections that can cause a fire risk, compared to modern day copper wiring.
Should I replace my aluminum wiring? Is it bad to have aluminum wiring?
As mentioned earlier, aluminum wires themselves are not inherently bad. However, here are some considerations when deciding on whether or not to replace them:
- Homes built before 1972 have wires that are more susceptible to connection problems, and therefore are the ones that more urgently warrant a replacement.
- If a major renovation is planned where the walls and ceilings will be opened, this would be the best time to replace aluminum wiring as it would be more cost effective.
- If the home’s future value and ease of insurability are concerns, consider replacing the aluminum wires.
The cost to replace aluminum wiring Ontario residents often ask about is an expensive endeavour, the majority not from materials, but from the actual labour, and can range from $7,000 to $15,000 for an entire house. If that price is out of your budget, ask us if your home’s wiring is eligible to be pig-tailed to reduce cost.
No matter which decisions you make regarding electrical wiring repairs and replacements, it is highly advised to involve a licensed electrician who has extensive experience in this area. Our Peterborough electricians can handle these jobs with confidence and reliability.
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