Knob and Tube Wiring: What It Means for Your Insurance and What to Do About It

If you own a pre-1950s home in Ontario, there is a reasonable chance it has some knob-and-tube wiring. And if your insurance company has been asking questions about it — or raising your premiums — you are not alone.

What Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring?

Knob-and-tube (K&T) wiring was the standard electrical installation method from the 1880s through the 1940s. It uses ceramic knobs and tubes to route individual wires through walls and ceilings. There is no ground wire, and the insulation is often degraded after many decades. When properly maintained and not overloaded, K&T wiring can still function. The problem is that many K&T installations have been modified over the years, insulation has been blown in around the wires (trapping heat), and circuits are loaded well beyond their original design.

Why Insurance Companies Are Concerned

Insurance companies have taken notice of K&T wiring's limitations and risks. Many Ontario insurers now either refuse to cover homes with active K&T wiring, require a surcharge, or demand removal before issuing a new policy. This has become increasingly common as insurance companies update their underwriting standards.

The Solution: Professional Removal

The solution is removal. A licensed electrician (ECRA/ESA 7014730) removes the active K&T circuits, runs new copper wiring, and brings the home up to modern standards with grounded circuits and proper capacity. The ESA inspects the work and issues a Certificate of Inspection, which satisfies insurance requirements.

At KV Bear Electrical, we regularly handle K&T removal across Ontario — from century homes in Port Hope and Cobourg to older properties in Toronto and Peterborough. We assess the full scope, provide a detailed quote, and manage the ESA permit and inspection process.