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I am assuming that you mean a drill compromised the integrity of the wiring used in K&T and the wire is now cut.
The best thing one can do with K&T, whenever it is practical, is remove it, or at the very least, disconnect it from the source and run a new circuit using Romex properly sized for the branch requirements. The use of Romex presumes that the installer is also changing the panelboard to at least 150 Amps., and preferably 200 Amps.
You need to know that insurance companies are turning away residences with any K&T, and won't underwrite policies unles it is removed. It can be perilous stuff, especially because it is so easy for a home owner to mess with it and unknowingly cause numerous code violations, and set the sstage for fire.
Having said the above, if the K&T is in good shape (it rarely is), and you are using it for a low ampere application, you may splice the wire in a plastic junction box. Be sure there is complete insulation on the K&T wire that enters the junction box, or you will have to scuttle the idea, and replace it with the aforementioned Romex. You can not hide the junction box and it must be accessible, and of course withy a plastic cover.
If you drilled into a knob (the device that secures the wire), and cracked it, it can be replaced. There are plenty of electrical professionals who remove K&T and will have parts on hand that they will gladly give you.
I certify that I am an electrician, electrical engineer and licensed electrical inspector with the State of Pennsylvania. I am conducting a course on K&T for a charitable organization this coming Saturday and scanned the web sfor some information to be used in my lecture.
Wiki User
∙ 16y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoIf it is a true knob and tube installation the hot wire would be the black coloured wire that uses the knob (stand off insulator) and the wire that goes through the tube (hot wire through joists and studs). The neutral wasn't considered a current carrying conductor but it also used the insulators. Most often the neutral was identified with a white insulation covering.
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Can you add outlets to old knob and tube wiring?
Yes, but keep in mind Knob and tube generally switches the neutral wire instead of the "Hot". You can strip back the insulation about an inch and solder your new wire in place. If you've never done it before you might want to consult an Electrician. It can be tricky.
When wiring a house do you have to use the black wire as the hot wire?
No, there are different occasions when the red of a three wire cable gets used as a hot wire. There also times when the white wire gets used as a hot but has to be re identified as a hot with marking tape. When wiring baseboard heaters the cable used is red and black with no white wire in the set.
In electrical terms what is the active or hot wire?
In household wiring the black or red is active, live, or hot.
How do you determine hot wire in old wiring?
Positive is a term that is associated with DC current and has nothing to do with house wiring unless it is run off of an inverter.
What is the brown wire on my house wiring?
If you live in Europe, then the brown wire is the line ('hot') conductor; a blue wire is the neutral conductor, and a yellow/green striped wire is the protective (earth) conductor.
Can you add outlets to old knob and tube wiring?
Yes, but keep in mind Knob and tube generally switches the neutral wire instead of the "Hot". You can strip back the insulation about an inch and solder your new wire in place. If you've never done it before you might want to consult an Electrician. It can be tricky.
Which is the positive wire between a white and black wire?
That depends if it is automotive or household wiring. On a car a black wire is almost always ground. On house wiring black is the supply (hot) wire.That depends if it is automotive or household wiring. On a car a black wire is almost always ground. On house wiring black is the supply (hot) wire.
Where can I find a wiring diagram for a 1979 Trans Am to find the hot wire color?
red is usually the hot wire.
When wiring a house do you have to use the black wire as the hot wire?
No, there are different occasions when the red of a three wire cable gets used as a hot wire. There also times when the white wire gets used as a hot but has to be re identified as a hot with marking tape. When wiring baseboard heaters the cable used is red and black with no white wire in the set.
What is black wire use for?
In household wiring it is the "hot" wire that carries current to the load.
In electrical terms what is the active or hot wire?
In household wiring the black or red is active, live, or hot.
When is white wire hot?
In residential wiring, if it is used as a switch leg or in 3 wire 240 volt circuits.
What color other than red can be a hot wire?
Automotive positive and negative wiring colors can be any color, blakc can be hot, white etc, you need a wiring diagram
What color is the hot wire of Toyota tundra fuel pump and where is it located?
The Toyota tundra fuel pump hot wire will be the color red. The fuel pump is located on the front of the fuel tank. The hot wire will be inside of a wiring harness.
Is it difficult to hot wire a car?
Yes it is difficult to hot wire a car, as well as dangerous and can cause damage to your vehicle. There is a large risk of electrical shock while attempting hot wiring and also hot wiring may not work. Some of the newer vehicles have the required wires or pieces hidden so they can not be easily hot wired.
What colors is radio wiring 1997 Chevrolet astro van?
is the orange wire always hot
Why wiring short circuit?
A "hot" positive wire has made contact with ground = short circuit.
