0
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.
Still curious? Ask our experts.
Chat with our AI personalities
Ross
Blake
FranIf 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.
See related links below.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Can you add outlets to old knob and tube wiring?
It is not recommended to add outlets to old knob and tube wiring as it may create a fire hazard. It's best to consult with a licensed electrician to assess the condition of the wiring and determine the safest and most appropriate solution for adding outlets.
When wiring a house do you have to use the black wire as the hot wire?
No, the black wire is typically used as the hot wire in residential electrical wiring, but it is not a requirement. It's essential to follow local electrical codes and standards when wiring a house to ensure safety and proper functioning of the electrical system.
Is the striped or the solid wire hot?
In standard residential wiring, the black wire is typically the hot wire, regardless of whether it is striped or solid. The white wire is the neutral wire, and the green or bare wire is the ground wire. It is important to consult a professional electrician or local electrical codes for specific wiring configurations.
What is brown wire?
A brown wire in electrical wiring typically represents the live or hot wire that carries current to a device or outlet. It is important to follow guidelines and safety protocols when working with electrical wiring to avoid accidents or damage.
Which is the Hot wire and which is the Neutral wire if the wires you see are a Brown a Blue and a Yellow Green wire?
In electrical wiring, the live or "hot" wire is typically brown or red, the neutral wire is typically blue or black, and the ground wire is yellow or green. So, in this case, the brown wire is likely the hot wire, the blue wire is the neutral wire, and the yellow green wire is the ground wire.
