5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Knob-and-Tube Wiring in Your Home

Knob-and-tube (K&T) wiring was once state-of-the-art for homes built before the 1950s. But while it served families well nearly a century ago, it no longer meets modern safety or electrical standards. If your West Michigan home still has K&T, here are five signs it may be time to call a licensed electrician for an upgrade.

1. Frequent Blown Fuses or Tripped Breakers -- If you find yourself constantly resetting breakers or replacing fuses, your electrical system may be overloaded. Knob-and-tube wiring was never designed to handle today’s appliances, air conditioning units, and electronics. Repeated overloads aren’t just inconvenient, they’re unsafe.

2. Dimming or Flickering Lights -- Lights that dim when you turn on a vacuum, microwave, or other appliance signal that your wiring can’t support your home’s electrical demand. This is a common issue with K&T wiring, as it wasn’t built for multi-device households.

3. Visible Wear and Tear -- Frayed insulation, brittle wires, or exposed connections are all red flags. Many K&T systems used cloth insulation, which breaks down over time and leaves bare wires exposed to air, dust, and contact, raising the risk of shocks or fire.

4. Home Renovations or Additions -- Planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom upgrade, or finished basement? Modern building codes often require updated wiring to support new outlets, lighting, and appliances. If you’re remodeling, it’s the perfect time to replace old K&T with safer, more flexible wiring.

5. Insurance Company Concerns -- Many insurance carriers won’t cover homes with active knob-and-tube wiring – or they’ll raise your premiums significantly. Replacing your wiring isn’t just a safety investment; it can also make your home more insurable and attractive to future buyers.

Why Work With a Professional Electrician

Replacing knob-and-tube wiring isn’t a DIY project. It requires expertise, licensing, and a deep understanding of older homes. At Butler Electric, we’ve helped many homeowners in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan safely upgrade their electrical systems.

Cost Note: The cost to replace knob-and-tube wiring varies depending on your home’s size, layout, and project scope.

Ready to Upgrade Your Home’s Wiring?

Don’t wait until small signs become big problems. Whether you’ve spotted flickering lights, frayed wires, or you’re planning a remodel, Butler Electric is your trusted local partner for knob-and-tube replacement.

Contact us today for an inspection and customized estimate.