Knob & Tube Wiring - Smiley Electric, Inc.

Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement in Portland, Oregon

Safe Electrical Upgrades for Older Homes

Many beautiful homes across Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and surrounding communities were built between the late 1800s and the 1940s. These homes often contain a historic wiring system known as knob and tube wiring. While knob and tube wiring was once a reliable electrical system, it was never designed for the power demands of modern homes. Today’s appliances, electronics, and heating systems require far more electricity than this wiring was meant to handle. If your home still has knob and tube wiring, replacing it is one of the most important safety and value upgrades you can make. Smiley Electric provides professional knob and tube wiring replacement in Portland and the surrounding areas, helping homeowners modernize their electrical systems safely and efficiently.

What Is Knob and Tube Wiring?

Knob and tube wiring is an early electrical wiring system used in homes built roughly between 1880 and
1940. The name comes from the porcelain components used in the system: porcelain knobs that
attached wires to wooden framing members, and porcelain tubes that protected wires when passing
through wood. This system used single insulated copper conductors instead of the modern cable
assemblies used today.

Why Knob and Tube Wiring Is a Problem Today

Aging and brittle insulation that can crack and expose wires.
No grounding protection, which limits modern electrical safety features.
Overloaded circuits due to modern appliances and electronics.
Unsafe modifications performed over decades of repairs or DIY work.
Conflicts with modern attic insulation that can cause overheating.

Signs Your Home May Have Knob and Tube Wiring

Your home was built before 1940.
Two■prong outlets instead of grounded three■prong outlets.
Fuse panels instead of modern breaker panels.
Visible porcelain knobs in the attic or basement.
Insurance companies requesting wiring replacement.

Benefits of Replacing Knob and Tube Wiring

Improved electrical safety and reduced fire risk.
Ability to handle modern electrical loads.
Increased home value and easier real estate transactions.
Better insurance eligibility.
Opportunity to upgrade to a modern 200■amp electrical panel.

Typical Project Costs in Portland

Costs vary depending on home size, wiring accessibility, and electrical panel condition. Most knob and
tube replacement projects in the Portland area range between $8,000 and $30,000 or more. Larger
historic homes may require more extensive rewiring.

Areas We Serve

Portland
Beaverton
Hillsboro
Cedar Mill
Bethany
Lake Oswego
Tigard
West Linn
Forest Grove

Our Complete Projects

Knob & Tube Wiring Removal in Portland

Knob & Tube Removal + Panel, New Outlets, & Light Fixture Installed

Schedule a Knob and Tube Wiring Evaluation

If your home still has knob and tube wiring, upgrading your electrical system is an important investment
in safety and long-term reliability. Smiley Electric provides professional knob and tube wiring
replacement services in Portland and surrounding communities. Contact us today to schedule an
inspection and learn more about upgrading your home’s wiring.