Knob-and-Tube Wiring Replacement · Boise, ID
Knob-and-Tube Wiring Replacement in Boise, ID
Knob-and-tube replacement removes early wiring (about 1880s to 1940s) that runs on ceramic knobs and tubes without a ground, and replaces it with modern grounded cable. It is commonly done before insulating, during renovations, or when an insurer requires it.
- Call now to check electrician availability in your area
- Independent, licensed electricians
- Serving North End, East End, Boise Bench and more
Why knob-and-tube wiring replacement comes up in Boise
Boise's North End and East End hold many homes from the 1890s to the 1930s, and knob-and-tube wiring still runs through some of their walls and attics. The North End is a historic district with design review for exterior changes. Owners adding insulation or heat pumps often replace knob-and-tube first.
Basements and attics give the electrician routes for new cable. Some East End homes still use geothermal heat from the city's historic system, which is worth noting during a rewire. Permits come from the City of Boise's Planning and Development Services, and Idaho Power coordinates service work.
- Older North End homes can still have knob-and-tube, small services and few outlets, while newer homes drive EV charger, shop and hot-tub circuits.
- Knob-and-tube and small services in North End homes.
- Bungalows and foursquares in Boise's North End and East End were built from the 1900s through the 1930s, and some still have knob-and-tube or cloth-insulated wiring tucked behind later updates.
- Boise's North End and East End hold many homes from the early 1900s, some with knob-and-tube or cloth wiring, while the Bench and mid-century neighborhoods have homes with small panels and ungrounded outlets.
- Permits in Boise
- Electrical permits inside city limits come from the City of Boise's Planning and Development Services; elsewhere in Idaho the state often handles electrical permits. Electricians are licensed through Idaho's Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.
- Electric utility
- Idaho Power
Signs to look for
- Ceramic knobs and tubes visible in the attic or basement
- Two-prong outlets throughout the house
- An insulation contractor or energy program requiring an assessment
- An insurer asking about wiring type
- Fuses or a small service alongside old wiring
How the work is done
1. Trace active circuits
The electrician identifies which knob-and-tube runs are still live and where they go.
2. Plan the routes
New cable routes are planned through attics, basements and walls to minimize openings.
3. Install new circuits
Grounded cable, boxes and devices are installed and the old wiring is disconnected.
4. Inspect and patch
Rough-in and final inspections are completed, and access holes are patched.
What moves the price in Boise
Electricians set their own prices. Older North End homes can still have knob-and-tube, small services and few outlets, while newer homes drive EV charger, shop and hot-tub circuits.
- How much knob-and-tube is still active
- Plaster versus drywall walls
- Attic and basement access
- Number of floors
- Panel upgrade at the same time
- Wall patching and painting
Knob-and-Tube Wiring Replacement in Boise: questions
Do I need a permit for knob-and-tube wiring replacement in Boise?
Usually, yes. Electrical permits inside city limits come from the City of Boise's Planning and Development Services; elsewhere in Idaho the state often handles electrical permits. Electricians are licensed through Idaho's Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. The electrician normally pulls the permit and schedules the inspection.
Is the utility involved in Boise?
If the work affects the meter or service, the electrician coordinates with Idaho Power, which owns the meter and service drop.
Is knob-and-tube wiring illegal?
Existing knob-and-tube is generally not illegal, but it cannot be extended, and many insurers and lenders treat it as a reason to replace.
Can knob-and-tube be insulated over?
It is not recommended, and many codes and insulation programs prohibit it, because the wiring relies on open air to cool.
How do I know if mine is still live?
An electrician can test it. Many homes have a mix of active and abandoned knob-and-tube.
How long does replacement take?
From a few days for a small home with good access to a few weeks for larger plaster-walled homes.
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