Project Overview: Full Knob-and-Tube Removal
We’re currently working on a full-house knob-and-tube wiring removal in Portland’s Elliott neighborhood. This is a large, multi-level home with wiring dating back over 100 years — including remnants from the era when gas-powered lighting was still in use.
This project involves:
• Removing all active knob-and-tube wiring
• Installing new, grounded electrical circuits
• Adding proper electrical boxes for fixtures and switches
• Preparing the home for inspection, drywall repair, and paint
What Knob-and-Tube Wiring Looks Like
Throughout the home, knob-and-tube wiring was found:
• In ceilings and wall cavities
• At light fixtures with no electrical boxes
• Behind push-button switches
• Spliced improperly with modern wiring
In several locations, the wiring was:
• Exposed
• Touching insulation
• Spliced using unapproved methods
• Floating without proper junction boxes
These conditions significantly increase fire risk.
A Unique Discovery: Old Gas Lighting Lines
One of the more interesting finds on this project was an old gas pipe running alongside electrical wiring — a relic from the time when gas lighting predated electricity.
When we encounter this:
• We pause electrical work
• Coordinate with a plumber
• Confirm gas lines are inactive and capped
This is common in very old Portland homes and must be handled carefully.
The Removal Process
Knob-and-tube removal is labor-intensive and methodical. Our process includes:
1. Tracing the Path
Before removing anything, we:
• Identify where each circuit starts and ends
• Trace wiring through walls, ceilings, and floors
• Leave wire ends accessible for testing
2. Careful Demolition
This home features lath and plaster, not drywall — which means:
• Cutting takes significantly more time
• Specialized tools and blades are required
• Openings must be strategic to minimize damage
3. Installing Modern Wiring
We replace old wiring with:
• Grounded NM cable
• Proper electrical boxes
• Code-compliant switches and outlets
Some areas of the home already had updated wiring — those sections were preserved.
Basement & Panel Findings
In the basement, we found:
• An improperly located electrical panel with clearance issues
• Old splices hidden behind walls
• Knob-and-tube circuits feeding multiple levels
These unsafe splices were removed and corrected as part of the upgrade.
Timeline: How Long Does Knob-and-Tube Removal Take?
For a home of this size and complexity:
• Electrical work: ~15 working days
• Drywall & mud: 2–3 days
• Painting & cleanup: several additional days
Because walls must remain open until the rough-in inspection, drywall repairs happen after inspection approval.
Insurance Issues & Safety Concerns
In this case, the homeowner’s insurance company refused coverage until the knob-and-tube wiring was removed.
Common insurance concerns include:
• Wiring touching insulation
• Ungrounded lighting circuits
• Fire hazards behind walls
Even though some outlets had newer wiring, switches and lighting circuits were still knob-and-tube, which posed a serious risk.
Preserving the Home’s Character
The homeowner wanted to keep:
• Original push-button switches (where possible)
• Historic architectural details
• Wood ceilings and built-ins
We worked around these features by:
• Routing wiring through walls instead of ceilings
• Minimizing visible damage
• Coordinating drywall repairs carefully
Why Knob-and-Tube Wiring Must Be Removed
Knob-and-tube wiring:
• Is not grounded
• Cannot safely handle modern electrical loads
• Degrades over time
• Is a common cause of house fires
• Often voids insurance coverage
There’s no safe way to “patch” it — full removal is the only real solution.
Knob-and-Tube Removal Experts in Portland
Smiley Electric specializes in:
• Knob-and-tube wiring removal
• Old home rewiring
• Electrical upgrades for insurance compliance
• Historic Portland homes
We proudly serve Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, and surrounding neighborhoods — including Elliott.
📞 If your home still has knob-and-tube wiring, contact Smiley Electric for a professional inspection and clear plan forward.