Knob and tube wiring
An early type of electrical wiring found in some pre-1950 homes. Insurers often decline to cover homes with active knob and tube, so it usually needs to come out before closing.
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See how it worksWhere this comes up: under contract
Part 1 of 4
Why a seller cares
Active knob-and-tube in a pre-1950 home can stop a buyer's insurance, and no insurance means no loan. It is one of the few inspection findings that can end a financed sale rather than reprice it.
Part 2 of 4
A simple example
The inspector finds active knob-and-tube in the attic of your 1928 home. The buyer's insurer declines to write a policy until it is replaced.
| What is found | What tends to follow |
|---|---|
| Active knob-and-tube | A rewire before closing, or a buyer who cannot get insurance |
| Old wiring left in place but disconnected | Usually fine, with an electrician's letter |
| Rewired years ago with permits | A selling point, and a question answered before it is asked |
Knob-and-tube is an insurance problem before it is an electrical one.
Part 3 of 4
What people get wrong
That it is only a concern if it looks damaged. Insurers decline it on sight, damaged or not.
Part 4 of 4 · where to read next
Where it appears in the sale
What a definition is, and what it isn't
Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.
Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish
In your Room, this word explains itself where it appears.
Your Room defines knob and tube wiring in the step you meet it in, beside the document or the date it belongs to. Free to set up, with an agent or on your own.
Organize my saleFree to set up. Pay once when you list: $89 or $189. 7-day refund.