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Many homes built before the 1950s still contain knob & tube wiring. This antiquated electrical system lacks grounding, uses brittle insulation, and often fails to meet modern electrical demands, leading to serious fire and shock risks. Beyond safety, insurers may refuse coverage or impose high premiums if knob & tube wiring is present, and many buyers shy away from unpremeditated properties.
Our licensed, bonded, and insured electricians specialize in knob & tube remediation and historic home rewiring throughout the Portland metro area. From minor fixes to full-scale electrical upgrades, we deliver safe, code-compliant, and insurance-approved solutions—trusted by homeowners across the Portland Metro Area.
📞 Contact us today to keep your home powered safely and efficiently!
At Electrical Control Services, we provide a full range of electrical solutions, including repairs, maintenance, new installations, upgrades, and safety inspections for residential and commercial properties
Knob and tube wiring is an early method of electrical wiring installed in homes built between the 1880s and 1940s. It uses ceramic knobs to anchor the wires and tubes to protect them as they pass through framing. While it was innovative at the time, it lacks grounding, has poor insulation by today’s standards, and is not designed for the electrical loads of modern appliances.
Yes. Knob and tube wiring poses several safety concerns:
It lacks grounding, increasing the risk of electrical shock.
The insulation becomes brittle over time, making it vulnerable to cracks and shorts.
It’s often modified improperly by unlicensed work over the years.
It’s not rated for modern electricity usage, which can lead to overheating and fire risks.
While not automatically illegal, it is considered obsolete and potentially hazardous.
Common signs include:
Wires running through white ceramic knobs or tubes in your attic or basement
Cloth-covered wires
Two-pronged (non-grounded) outlets
Flickering lights, blown fuses, or tripped breakers with minor usage
If your home was built before 1950 and hasn’t been fully rewired, there’s a good chance it contains some knob and tube wiring.
A licensed electrician can confirm this through a detailed inspection.
The process typically includes:
A thorough inspection of your current electrical system.
Creation of a rewiring plan that meets local codes and electrical needs.
Safe removal or disabling of the old knob and tube wiring.
Installation of modern grounded wiring and updated outlets.
Repair and patching of any wall, ceiling, or floor access points.
The goal is to provide a clean, safe, modern system while minimizing disruption to your home.
Not usually. In most cases, you can stay in your home during the project. Power may be temporarily shut off in certain areas while work is performed, but we take care to coordinate with you to minimize disruption to your daily routine.
Yes. We take care of all necessary permits, coordinate with city inspectors, and ensure your new wiring is fully code-compliant. You’ll receive documentation confirming the completed work, which is useful for future insurance needs or when selling your home.
At Electrical Control Services, we bring over 15 years of trusted experience to homes and businesses across the Greater Portland Metro area. We’re a locally owned and operated electrical company dedicated to delivering safe, efficient, and code-compliant electrical solutions.