Knob and Tube Wiring
If your home was built before 1950, there’s a real chance it still has knob and tube wiring somewhere in the walls, attic, or basement. This system was standard for its time, but it was designed for a fraction of the electrical load a modern home puts on a system. And over 70 or 80 years, the insulation around those wires has had plenty of time to deteriorate.
Knob and tube wiring is one of the most common reasons homeowners get denied coverage or face significantly higher premiums from insurance companies. It’s also frequently flagged in home inspections, which can complicate or kill a sale. If you’ve been living with it and putting this off, now is the right time to address it. Watts Up Electric removes knob and tube wiring completely and replaces it with modern, code-compliant wiring.
What’s Included:
- Full knob and tube identification and assessment
- Complete removal and modern wiring replacement
- Panel upgrades if required for the new circuits
- Code-compliant installation with permits and inspection
Why Insurance Companies Flag Knob and Tube
The core issue with knob and tube wiring isn’t just that it’s old, it’s that the system has no ground wire, which means no protection against electrical faults. Modern appliances and electronics are designed to use that ground connection as a safety buffer. Without it, faults have nowhere to go. On top of that, knob and tube wiring relies on open-air cooling, which means insulating over it (as many attics have been over the decades) creates a real fire risk.
Insurance companies know this, which is why many refuse to write new policies on homes with active knob and tube wiring, or charge steep premiums for those that do. Getting it removed isn’t just about safety, it can meaningfully affect what you pay for coverage and what your home is worth when it’s time to sell. Our crew has done this work throughout Southeast Wisconsin and we know how to do it right without tearing your home apart to do it.
24-Hour Emergency Services Available
Some electrical issues can’t be scheduled for next week. If you’re dealing with a tripped main breaker, a burning smell, sparking outlets, or a complete loss of power, the Watts Up Electric team is available around the clock for emergency service calls across Southeast Wisconsin. We’ll send the same skilled team that handles our standard work, not a rotating on-call stranger.
Simple Process,
No Surprises
Free Estimate
Our team comes out, looks at the job in person, and gives you a straight answer about what it needs, no upselling, no surprises.
Scheduled Service
We schedule the work at a time that fits your life and show up when we say we will. Paul and the crew are on-site, not strangers you’ve never met.
Job Done Right
The job is done to code, inspected if required, and backed by our lifetime workmanship commitment. You’ll know exactly what was done and why.
Knob and Tube Removal FAQs
Is knob and tube wiring dangerous?
It can be, depending on its condition and what’s been done to it over the years. The biggest risks are deteriorated insulation, improperly added circuits, and insulation installed over the wires in attics. Paul will assess the actual condition of what you have rather than giving you a blanket answer.
Will my insurance company cancel my policy if I have knob and tube wiring?
Many insurers will not write new policies on homes with active knob and tube wiring, and some require removal within a set timeframe once it’s discovered. It’s worth contacting your insurer directly. We can provide documentation of the removal once the job is done.
How do I know if my home still has knob and tube wiring?
It’s most common in homes built before 1950. If you can see into your basement or attic and notice ceramic knobs attached to framing with wires running through them, that’s knob and tube. If you’re not sure, Paul can take a look during a free estimate.
Does knob and tube removal require opening up my walls?
Sometimes, but not always. The amount of wall work depends on the layout of your home and where the runs go. We use techniques to minimize damage where possible, and any wall work needed will be clearly explained before we start.
How long does knob and tube removal take?
It varies based on the size of the home and how much knob and tube is present. A partial removal might take a day or two. A full removal in a larger older home can take a week. We’ll give you an accurate timeline during the estimate.
What our customers Are Saying
Here’s what homeowners and business owners across Southeast Wisconsin say about working with the Watts Up Electric team.
5.0 Stars
on Google, Angi & Home Advisor
Ready to Get the Job Done Right?
Whether you know exactly what you need or just have a question, Paul’s easy to reach and happy to talk it through. No pressure, no runaround.