The lights in your Big Island home have a way of flickering when the microwave is on? Or perhaps you have put down to a slight burning odour by an outlet. Then there is the matter of an older property you are in the market for and what it has behind its walls.
Homeowners tend to underappreciate the import of such things, but more often than not it is a case of antiquated wiring. We at Big Island Electric, Inc. have been in Northwest and West Hawaii since 2004 and we still come across knob-and-tube wiring in Kailua-Kona, Waimea, Kohala and elsewhere. If the following signs ring a bell, pick up the phone and give us a call at (808) 480-7080.
For homes of a certain vintage, say pre-1950, knob-and-tube was the norm. Ceramic knobs would hold the wires in place and ceramic tubes were used to run them through the framing. A perfectly adequate system in its day, but one that was not put to account for the electrical requirements of today. Yet a number of older properties on the Big Island make do with it, and from a safety standpoint it is something to be concerned about.
In What Way Is This Knob-and-Tube Wiring?
You will not find a ground wire in this type of wiring as you would in a contemporary system; it offers no defence from the faults and surges modern appliances are prone to. The air around the wires is what keeps them from running hot, and that is compromised if one is to put insulation in a wall or attic.
Then there is the matter of time. The cloth or rubber insulating the wires will eventually crack and go brittle. When that layer gives way, you have exposed conductors that can overheat, spark and even ignite. For those in an older home, it is best to be on the alert for any warning.
Telling Signs of Knob-and-Tube
A few of the indicators are plain to see, others less so. You should be on the lookout for:
- Any ceramic knobs or tubes in the crawlspace, basement or attic
- Outlets with only two prongs, lacking the third for grounding
- Dimming or flickering of the lights upon turning on a sizeable appliance
- An outlet plate that is discoloured or warm to the touch
- Fuses blowing and breakers tripping with some frequency
- Extension cords and power strips in evidence due to a paucity of outlets
- A hot or burning smell in the vicinity of a fixture or switch
Should you see these, we would advise not to put it off. Call (808) 480-7080 and let us have a look.
The Hawaii Factor
Climate is part of the equation on the Big Island. In coastal locales like Kawaihae or Kailua-Kona the salt air and humidity will hasten the deterioration of old insulation. Renovations are common here too and in the process new insulation may have been put in around wiring not intended to be covered.
And there is the lead-based paint in many of the older stock; any work on the walls risks putting lead dust in the air. Being EPA Lead-Safe certified, our team knows how to treat an old home with the proper respect.
What to Steer Clear Of
One might be inclined to a quick fix, but knob-and-tube is not for the do-it-yourselfer. Do not make the error of:
- Putting new fixtures or outlets on an old circuit
- Insulating over the wiring in the attic
- Letting modern appliances put too much of a load on an old circuit
- Overlooking an outlet that is warm or a breaker that keeps tripping
- Hiding the wiring with a coat of paint rather than dealing with it
Such things will only compound the problem. Leave it to a professional to put forward a plan.
Make It a Point to Get a Professional’s Opinion
An inspection is prudent if the wiring has not been seen to in a home built prior to 1950. More so if a sale or renovation is in the offing. Insurance carriers will want to know about knob-and-tube before they issue a policy, so it is good to be informed.
We have over 20 years of experience in the trade and put that to work in every residential and commercial job we do in Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Waikoloa, and the rest of the West Hawaii area. We also take on apprentice electricians to ensure the island has skilled hands for the future. Our doors are open Monday to Friday from 7:00am until 3:30pm.
Have you any reason to think you have knob-and-tube in the home? Or have you observed the signs we have mentioned? Contact Big Island Electric, Inc. at (808) 480-7080 for a free estimate and to set up a time for us to come out. We will put you in the picture as to what lies behind your walls and how to proceed.
