Knob and tube wiring was common in Rhode Island homes built before the 1950s. At the time, it worked well for basic lighting and a few outlets. It was never designed for the electrical demands of modern homes.
Today’s houses run air conditioning, kitchen appliances, computers, televisions, and EV chargers all at once. Old wiring systems were not built for that kind of load. If your home still has knob and tube wiring, it can create safety concerns and limit what your electrical system can safely handle.
At Melone Electric, we help Rhode Island homeowners replace outdated knob and tube wiring with modern electrical systems so their homes are safer, more reliable, and ready for today’s power needs.
Professional knob and tube rewiring in Rhode Island
What Is Knob & Tube Wiring?
Knob and tube is one of the earliest electrical wiring methods. It can often be identified by ceramic knobs, ceramic tubes, and cloth covered wires that run through framing and open spaces.
While it was advanced for its time, it does not include modern grounding and insulation. It was never intended to support high demand devices like air conditioners, microwaves, heat pumps, or EV chargers.
Why Knob & Tube Wiring Is Unsafe Today
Homes with knob and tube wiring face several real risks.
Fire risk
Cloth insulation can break down over time, leaving live conductors exposed.
Overloaded circuits
Older wiring was not designed for modern electrical loads, which can lead to overheating.
Insurance challenges
Many insurance companies hesitate to insure homes with active knob and tube wiring.
Resale concerns
Buyers often avoid homes with outdated wiring or request electrical upgrades before closing.
Warning Signs of Outdated Wiring
If you notice flickering lights, frequent blown fuses, warm outlets, or discolored receptacles, these can be signs that your electrical system is struggling to keep up.
Benefits of Rewiring Your Home
Replacing knob and tube wiring helps bring your home up to modern electrical standards.
Improved safety for your family and property
Reliable power for modern appliances and devices
Greater flexibility for future upgrades
Increased home value and easier resale
At Melone Electric, we handle the entire process, from careful removal of old wiring to installing new circuits, dedicated lines, and code compliant panel connections.
Trusted Rhode Island Electricians
We have helped homeowners across Providence, Cranston, Warwick, Johnston, and surrounding towns modernize their electrical systems.
Licensed and insured electricians
Experienced with older Rhode Island homes
Clean, safe, and professional workmanship
Clear pricing and written estimates
Ready to Upgrade Your Home Wiring?
If your Rhode Island home still has knob and tube wiring, it is worth having it evaluated before it becomes a problem. Contact Melone Electric to schedule an inspection and discuss your options for upgrading your electrical system.
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