Does anyone have a canned comment for a sparky to further evaluate knob and tube wiring to see if it’s safe?
Thanks,
Chris
Here’s one I picked up from the bulletin board awhile back. It’s a little too wordy for me but I haven’t tried to use it or condense it yet:
This property has some “knob and tube” wiring, which was commonly installed prior to 1950. It is ungrounded, and considered less safe than today’s standards. Over time, the wire’s insulation may become brittle and fall apart or wear thin, resulting in exposed conductors and a risk of shock and/or fire. This wiring is also easily damaged and creates a fire hazard by covering it with insulation (a common practice), and incorrectly tapping new wiring into it.
Some energized knob and tube wiring was found during the inspection. It is not within the scope of this inspection to determine what percentage of this properties wiring is of the knob and tube type, or to determine what percentage of the knob and tube wiring is energized vs. abandoned. A qualified electrician should evaluate this wiring and make repairs or replace wiring as necessary.
Note that some insurance companies may be unwilling to offer home owners insurance for properties with knob and tube wiring. I recommend that the client consult with their insurance carrier regarding this prior to closing.
Note that some insurance companies may be unwilling to offer home owners insurance for properties with knob and tube wiring. I recommend that the client consult with their insurance carrier regarding this prior to closing.
That sounds good. If I use this, are you going to sue me for plagerizing?
Thank you both…
Chris
Yes, of course I will, make sure your insurance is paid up. 
"It is ungrounded"
It is most certainly ‘grounded’.
Canned response.
From Mike Parks OH ESI#1820
" Knob and tube is not unsafe. But I have never seen a knob and tube installation, still in use today, that was either code compliant or safe. Knob and tube MUST be inspected by a licensed or certified professional."
Does that help?
You may quote me and use this.
Well, one certainly can’t argue with that from a technical standpoint. I think the original author was attempting to describe the fact that K&T doesn’t provide for the 3rd grounding prong at the receptacle without getting too technical for the client.
Well, no not really. The 1st sentence says "Knob and tube is not unsafe" and the 2nd says “… have never seen a knob and tube installation…that was either code compliant or safe.” Well, which is it?
Even though this is about 10x longer than any of my other canned comments how about this then?:*This property has some “knob and tube” wiring, which was commonly installed prior to 1950. It does not provide for the common equipment grounding prong used on many of today’s appliances and is considered less safe than today’s standards. Over time, the wire’s insulation may become brittle and fall apart or wear thin, resulting in exposed conductors and a risk of shock and/or fire. This wiring is also easily damaged and creates a fire hazard by covering it with insulation (a common practice), and incorrectly tapping new wiring into it.*Some energized knob and tube wiring was found during the inspection. It is not within the scope of this inspection to determine what percentage of this properties wiring is of the knob and tube type, or to determine what percentage of the knob and tube wiring is energized vs. abandoned. A qualified electrician should evaluate this wiring and make repairs or replace wiring as necessary.
Note that some insurance companies may be unwilling to offer home owners insurance for properties with knob and tube wiring. I recommend that the client consult with their insurance carrier regarding this prior to closing.
Knob and tube wiring present. Recommend further evaluation by a licensed electrician.
I have found that trying to educate your client, realtor, or others involved in the inspection process is way too difficult. It took you years to learn what you know (hopefully it’s correct), so why would you want to try and explain all the reasons behind your observations? You have been hired because of your professional knowledge, and if you need to, explain the basics.
Sort of like trying to teach them to pronounce your last name correctly, huh? …just kidding! 
They just call me Tommy…
Knob & Tube Wiring (K&T)
- Knob and Tube wiring present.
- Recommend further electrical review of the wiring system by a qualified contractor with repairs made as needed.
While I certainly understand the sentiment, I do not agree with it.
I take every opportunity to educate my clients as I go. It helps me manage their expectations, provide some background information (which they generally appreciate) and conveys that I care enough to take the time to help them understand their home and its components. Often, it helps my clients feel more confident in their decisions regarding the huge investment they are making and any immediate or upcoming costs that may be associated.
No, we do not HAVE to do this…but I always do. It doesn’t take much longer (sometimes it does) but it always makes the clients feel like I am there to answer all their home-related questions and that I care.