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You may be wondering, Can I get Homeowners Insurance for my knob and tube wiring in Winnipeg? This wiring type is considered obsolete, so you may have to worry about unforeseen headaches. It is not insulated, so air must surround it to keep it cool. If you live in Winnipeg, you may want to look into getting a new circuit breaker panel installed to replace your knob and tube wiring.

Cost Of Installing A New Circuit Breaker Panel

A circuit breaker panel is a fundamental part of any electrical system, and many people do not consider it a necessary part of their home. However, it is crucial to your home’s efficiency and can increase your bottom line. Expert Electric is proud to provide electrical upgrades for Winnipeg homes, including circuit breaker panel installations. Expert Electric’s electrical contractors are highly trained and knowledgeable about electrical systems, so you can trust them to provide you with professional installation and repair.

The first step in replacing circuit breakers is assessing whether they’re GFCI or AFCI. These breakers cost around $100 to $250 each, but you’ll need to consider a range of prices before you decide which one to purchase. You can also choose to replace the fuse. Generally, replacement fuses and switches can cost anywhere from $5 to $10 each. You’ll likely need to order a subpanel if you’re adding more rooms.

Fire Hazard Of Knob And Tube Wiring

If you’ve ever wondered about the potential fire hazard of knob and tube wiring, you’re not alone. It’s actually illegal in many provinces and states to place insulation on top of knob and tube wiring. This is largely because knob and tube wiring conduct electricity, and foam insulation traps heat. Even worse, the wiring itself is dangerous. To avoid this issue, you’ll want to replace the knob and tube wiring with code-compliant versions.

The wiring used in homes prior to the 1950s is a prime example of this kind of danger. Not only is knob and tube wiring old, but it is prone to amateur upgrades and unsafe splices. One common source of trouble is the fuses. Many homeowners replace the original fuses with higher-resistance ones. While this may prevent blown fuses, it creates a circuit overload, which damages the wiring.

Cost Of Replacing Knob And Tube Wiring

Many older homes in Winnipeg are still equipped with knob and tube wiring. The Manitoba Electrical Code approves this wiring, but it’s widely used in the older housing stock. In fact, approximately 30,000 to 35,000 homes in Winnipeg still have this wiring. This wiring style is very common in older homes, as most houses were built before 1940. Fortunately, it’s easy to spot knob and tube wiring. To identify knob and tube wiring, check for two-prong outlets and no junction boxes for electrical devices. Contact an electrician at Expert Electric Ltd. in Winnipeg to find out if your home has this wiring style.

Changing wiring can make a big difference, as it will also affect the home’s insurability. Insurance companies will refuse to insure a home if its wiring is knob and tube. If you don’t know how much knob and tube wiring costs, it’s important to understand why. In some cases, the wiring style may be too old for your house. If you’re planning on making any changes to your home, consult a professional electrician first.