Knob-and-Tube Wiring Replacement Los Angeles
Dangerous knob-and-tube wiring is a fire hazard and an insurance liability. Our licensed electricians replace outdated K&T with modern Romex NM-B — bringing your home up to current NEC code.
Knob-and-Tube Wiring Is a Serious Risk for Older LA Homes
Knob-and-tube was the standard electrical wiring method from the 1880s through the 1940s. If your home was built before 1950, there's a good chance some or all of it still has K&T wiring.
🔥 Fire Hazard
Rubber and cloth insulation degrades over time, exposing bare copper. K&T wiring is the #1 cause of electrical fires in pre-1950 homes.
⚡ No Grounding
No grounding conductor means you cannot install GFCI or AFCI protection. Modern appliances require grounding for safe operation.
📋 Insurance Issues
Most carriers will not write new policies with K&T present, or will exclude fire damage. Replacement typically reduces premiums by 10-20%.
📉 Home Value
Homes with K&T wiring sell at a 5-10% discount. Buyers and their inspectors will flag it, and you may need to replace before closing.
How We Replace Knob-and-Tube Wiring
Thermal Inspection
We use thermal imaging to identify which circuits are active K&T and which have been partially updated.
Permits & Planning
We pull the electrical permit with LADBS, create a circuit map, and schedule the work to minimize disruption.
Rewire
New Romex NM-B is routed through attic, crawl spaces, and wall cavities. Old K&T is disconnected and removed where accessible.
Inspection & Sign-Off
LADBS inspector verifies the work. You receive a signed permit and inspection certificate for your records.
Knob-and-Tube Replacement FAQ
What is knob-and-tube wiring and why is it dangerous? +
Knob-and-tube (K&T) wiring was the standard from the 1880s through the 1940s. It uses individual hot and neutral wires routed through porcelain tubes and held by ceramic knobs. The insulation is rubber or cloth that degrades over time, creating fire and shock hazards. There is no grounding conductor, which means no GFCI or AFCI protection is possible.
How much does knob-and-tube replacement cost in Los Angeles? +
Replacement costs depend on the size of the home, accessibility of the wiring, and how many circuits need to be updated. A typical LA home with 15-20 K&T circuits may run $8,000-$18,000 for a full rewire. Partial rewiring of high-risk areas (kitchen, bath, attic) starts around $3,000-$6,000. We provide free on-site estimates with a written scope of work.
Will my insurance company require knob-and-tube replacement? +
Many insurance companies will not write new policies or will cancel existing coverage if knob-and-tube wiring is present. Even if they do write a policy, they may exclude electrical fire damage or charge significantly higher premiums. Replacement with modern Romex NM-B wiring typically resolves these requirements.
Do you offer financing for knob-and-tube replacement? +
Yes, we partner with several financing providers to offer flexible payment plans. Many homeowners also use home equity lines of credit or 203(k) renovation loans. We can provide documentation for your lender. Call us to discuss your options.
How long does knob-and-tube replacement take? +
A full home rewire typically takes 3-7 days depending on the size of the home and accessibility of the attic and crawl spaces. Partial rewiring of specific areas can often be completed in 1-2 days. We work efficiently to minimize disruption to your household.
Do I need a permit for knob-and-tube replacement? +
Yes, Los Angeles requires an electrical permit for any rewire work. Our permit fee is included in your estimate. We handle the entire permitting process with LADBS, schedule inspections, and ensure everything passes. You receive a copy of the signed permit for your records.
Can you replace knob-and-tube wiring without tearing up my walls? +
In most cases, yes. We route new Romex through the attic, crawl spaces, and interior wall cavities using existing pathways. This minimizes drywall damage. For plaster-and-lath homes, we use specialized fishing techniques. Any small access holes are patched and ready for your painter.
Get Your Free Knob-and-Tube Assessment
We'll inspect your home, identify all K&T circuits, and provide a written estimate — no obligation.
Call (818) 302-5614