Knob and Tube Removal
#1
09-17-15, 09:00 PM
Join Date: Sep 2013
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Knob and Tube Removal
Hi all,
I've got a question about knob and tube removal. I've been told that "most" of the knob and tube was previously removed. However there is clearly 1 run left (live) which does this:
So firstly does this sound normal? Is that correctly done?
Second, if I were to effectively remove all the knob wire from wherever it goes (still to be investigated) and then connect a new (single) run of romex just to one breaker (rather than the two that are present now) as one typically does, would this work fine?
Third, is there anything else I should be aware of/keep in mind before I take this on?
Hope someone can help!
Thanks a bunch.
I've got a question about knob and tube removal. I've been told that "most" of the knob and tube was previously removed. However there is clearly 1 run left (live) which does this:
- HOT and Neutral run into a junction box beside my breaker panel.
- Then two Romex runs connect to it; one for each wire from the knob and tube. On one romex the neutral is cut away and only the hot is connected, and the same for the other except using the neutral wire with the hot cut away.
- I see both romex then go to the panel where the hot connects to breaker #1 and the neutral connects to breaker #2. So two breakers are being used.
So firstly does this sound normal? Is that correctly done?
Second, if I were to effectively remove all the knob wire from wherever it goes (still to be investigated) and then connect a new (single) run of romex just to one breaker (rather than the two that are present now) as one typically does, would this work fine?
Third, is there anything else I should be aware of/keep in mind before I take this on?
Hope someone can help!
Thanks a bunch.
#2
09-17-15, 09:19 PM
Group Moderator
Mike....
You need to investigate that carefully. You are telling us that your K & T does not connect to neutral but instead connects to two circuit breakers that are side by side.
That would be a first that I've seen K & T used for a 240v circuit.
There is no valid reason to use two romexs to connect the junction box to the panel.
What you need to determine is what exactly is on the K & T yet. That can be done by shuttung that circuit off and see what no longer works.
You need to investigate that carefully. You are telling us that your K & T does not connect to neutral but instead connects to two circuit breakers that are side by side.
That would be a first that I've seen K & T used for a 240v circuit.
There is no valid reason to use two romexs to connect the junction box to the panel.
What you need to determine is what exactly is on the K & T yet. That can be done by shuttung that circuit off and see what no longer works.
#3
09-17-15, 09:51 PM
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Hey PJmax,
Thanks for the quick reply.
The panel was already mapped via turning off and on and seeing what gets effected. It would be just regular outlets and a few lights.
I've realized since writing this that I must be confused. Your right if they are both connected to breakers then this would be 240v. I'm going to be doing some more investigation tomorrow and will hopefully have more details.
Cheers!
Thanks for the quick reply.
The panel was already mapped via turning off and on and seeing what gets effected. It would be just regular outlets and a few lights.
I've realized since writing this that I must be confused. Your right if they are both connected to breakers then this would be 240v. I'm going to be doing some more investigation tomorrow and will hopefully have more details.
Cheers!
#4
09-17-15, 10:57 PM
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Wet side of Washington state.
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The panel was already mapped via turning off and on and seeing what gets effected.
Your right if they are both connected to breakers then this would be 240v.
#6
09-18-15, 09:06 AM
It is not unusual for hot to run up the front wall, hot to run up the back wall, and neutral to run down the middle of the house.
In this case, a white in a Romex cable must not be connected to a hot knob and tube wire.
What probably happened is that a portion of K&T wiring wanted to be re-energized after another another portion of K&T was decommissioned and removed causing the first portion to become orphaned. Whoever did it used separate Romex cables with just one conductor in each being connected.
At the very least it needs to be found out whether the two hots in question share a neutral in which case the two hots need to be on opposite sides of the 120/240 volt service.
In this case, a white in a Romex cable must not be connected to a hot knob and tube wire.
What probably happened is that a portion of K&T wiring wanted to be re-energized after another another portion of K&T was decommissioned and removed causing the first portion to become orphaned. Whoever did it used separate Romex cables with just one conductor in each being connected.
At the very least it needs to be found out whether the two hots in question share a neutral in which case the two hots need to be on opposite sides of the 120/240 volt service.
#7
09-20-15, 08:24 PM
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Hey all,
Thanks for your responses. It turns out that the "second" breaker was just wired to nothing. No clue what the person was thinking but I found the neutral and hot connected to the panel but the hot on the other end was covered with a marrette while the neutral was still connected...
I've managed to switch over one of the knob runs and all seems good so far with that breaker out of the picture. I will leave it off until I find a reason to do otherwise.
All should be good I believe.
Thanks for your responses. It turns out that the "second" breaker was just wired to nothing. No clue what the person was thinking but I found the neutral and hot connected to the panel but the hot on the other end was covered with a marrette while the neutral was still connected...
I've managed to switch over one of the knob runs and all seems good so far with that breaker out of the picture. I will leave it off until I find a reason to do otherwise.
All should be good I believe.
#8
09-20-15, 08:31 PM
Group Moderator
