OT: Electrical Question

Slowpoke

Well-known Member
While working with Knob & Tube wiring between the first and second floor I found a different type of wire.
It's two wires, twisted, cloth covered green with small red identifiers. Each wire is about the same outer size as the 14ga K&T, but is soft and flexible.
Small insulated staples are used every few feet. I don't know where it originates or ends. One wire was cut open and soldered and taped to another twisted pair to go off somewhere. The remaining wire remained intact and the excess was just looped out of the way.
It is energized, but I don't know the voltage. I don't have a picture yet.
Any thoughts as to use and voltage?
Thanks
 
Door bell for sure, one to the front one to the back, one end at the bell where the power (15 volts AC usually) is supplied. It could also be a thermostat, but much less likely. Jim
 
I agree the wire should be changed even if it isn't lamp cord. What made the knob and tube wiring safe is the wires were separated by about a foot. What ever kind of cord it is it's bound to be rotten by now and the wires are not separated.
 
Slowpoke,
I am surprised you still have the old knob and tube wiring.

20 Years ago I removed the knob and tube wiring from a house built in 1939. All the wire used was 10g copper. All splices were soldered too.

The first question my insurance company asked is, has the wiring been upgraded to minimum 100 amp load center with circuit breakers?

I know a man who is going to sell a house that has the old screw in fuses. He will have to upgrade load center and upgrade wiring before he can sell it.

If I were you I would be planning on rewiring house. I've never seen knob and tube wiring have a ground wire.
 
Sounds what was typically used for doorbell, phone, or thermostat. Maybe poke it with a voltage tester to see what is actually on it.
 
I second that. Insurance companies take a dim view of knob & tube. Back in my days as an insurance inspector, virtually every inspection form I worked with asked if there was any knob & tube wiring.

Their logic is that knob & tube is not grounded, plus age is deteriorating the wiring.
 

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