Knob-and-Tube Wiring & Home Insurance in Newnan, GA
Knob-and-tube wiring was the standard way to wire homes in the early 1900s, and some older homes in Newnan, Grantville, Senoia and across Coweta County still have it. When homeowners try to buy insurance, refinance or sell, knob-and-tube often becomes a problem. Many insurance companies ask about it, and some will not write or renew a policy until it is replaced. Shocking Electric Solutions, Inc. inspects and replaces knob-and-tube wiring for homeowners and buyers across the area.
How to Recognize Knob-and-Tube Wiring
- Ceramic knobs nailed to joists or rafters in the attic or basement, with single wires wrapped around them
- Ceramic tubes where wires pass through framing
- Individual cloth- or rubber-insulated wires run separately, instead of a single sheathed cable
- Two-prong outlets and few outlets per room
- A fuse box, or a newer panel fed partly by old circuits
Some homes have a mix: newer wiring in kitchens or additions and original knob-and-tube in the rest of the house. Only an inspection tells you how much is still in service.
Why Insurers Ask About It
Knob-and-tube was not designed for modern loads. It has no ground wire, its original insulation becomes brittle with age, and over decades many systems have been modified, spliced or buried under attic insulation, which keeps the wires from shedding heat. Insurers treat it as higher risk, so many ask for an electrician’s evaluation or require replacement before they will write a policy. Requirements vary by company, so ask your agent exactly what they need in writing.
What an Electrician’s Evaluation Covers
- Where knob-and-tube is still energized, and where it has already been abandoned
- The condition of the wiring, connections and insulation
- Splices between old and new wiring
- Whether insulation is covering the old wiring
- The panel or fuse box feeding it
- A written summary you can share with your insurance agent, lender or buyer
Replacing Knob-and-Tube Wiring
The long-term fix is replacing the old circuits with modern grounded wiring. We plan the work to limit wall and ceiling openings, add grounded outlets and the GFCI and AFCI protection current code calls for, and often replace an old fuse box or undersized panel at the same time. Learn more about our complete home rewiring in Newnan and fuse box replacement.
Buying or Selling a Home With Knob-and-Tube
If a home inspector flags knob-and-tube, buyers usually want to know how much is active and what replacement involves before closing. We can evaluate the system and provide a written estimate. See our guide to electrical inspections for buying or selling a home.
Related Electrical Services
- 7 signs your home needs rewiring
- Two-prong outlets in older homes
- Aluminum wiring safety
- Electrical panel upgrades
Why Homeowners Choose Shocking Electric Solutions
- Georgia Class II Unrestricted electrical contractor license EN216120
- Serving Newnan and Coweta County since 2008, with IBEW Local 613 training behind our work
- Free estimates, so you know the plan before any work starts
- A 2-year warranty on our workmanship
- A 4.9-star rating on Google
- Same-day and next-day appointments often available
- Our motto: Done Right The First Time.
Serving Newnan and Nearby Communities
We serve homeowners throughout Newnan and Coweta County, plus Sharpsburg, Senoia, Moreland, Grantville, Turin, Peachtree City, Tyrone, Fayetteville, Palmetto, Carrollton and other towns within about 40 miles. Our office is at 1002 Highway 16 W, Suite A, Newnan, GA 30263.
Insurance Company Asking About Knob-and-Tube?
We will evaluate the wiring and give you a written plan and estimate. Free estimates.
Call (678) 552-9399 or text (470) 516-7261. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
Learn more about Shocking Electric Solutions, your Newnan, GA electrician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover a house with knob-and-tube wiring?
It depends on the company. Many ask about it, and some require an evaluation or replacement before writing a policy. Ask your agent for their requirement in writing.
Is knob-and-tube wiring illegal?
Existing knob-and-tube is not automatically illegal, but it lacks a ground, is often decades old and is commonly flagged by inspectors and insurers.
Can you replace only part of it?
Yes. Some homeowners replace the active circuits in stages. We will tell you what is still in service and help you prioritize.
Can you give me a letter for my insurance company?
After an evaluation, we can provide a written summary of what we found and what we recommend or replaced.
Do you need a permit to rewire?
Yes. Rewiring requires a permit and inspection, which we pull through the City of Newnan or Coweta County.
Are estimates free?
Yes. Call (678) 552-9399 or text (470) 516-7261 to set up a free estimate.
Watch: Knob-and-Tube Wiring in an Old Home
Sparky Jr. explains what knob-and-tube wiring is and why older homes often need a rewire.