Knob/Tube and FHA

[JoseMiguel72]

Hello everyone. I'm working on an FHA appraisal and while inspecting the attic I came across what appears to be knob and tube wiring (the home was built in 1916). I've uploaded some pictures.

What concerns me is what appears to be exposed grounding that runs through the insulation.

Electrical is not my strong suit so I'm not sure if this wiring is even active. I did not look at the electrical box so I don't know what the amperage is. Yes, I know I probably should have looked at that in retrospect.

Nonetheless, given that there is what appears to be knob and tube wiring would it be recommendable to call out for an electrical cert?

Thanks for any constructive comments/advice you can offer.

 

[CANative]

http://www.mlrealtyne.com/buy-house-knob-tube-wiring/

Financing a Home with Knob and Tube Wiring

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) states that home appraisers should examine the electrical box to ensure there are no broken or frayed wires. They don’t usually examine whether the home has knob and tube wiring.

Major selling guides (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac & FHA) are ok with knob and tube wiring as long as it functions, is safe, in good condition and is a minimum of 60 amps.

What concerns me is the requirement for adequate service and this may be a problem with old houses and new appliances.

I think I might condition on an electrical inspection with the assumption that all is okay and no changes are needed. CB4?

It wouldn't take much for someone on the forum to convince me otherwise.

 

[Vermonter]

That looks like modern romex and modern wire nuts....so not sure what's going on there. Romex should be stapled, secured or threaded thru framing and wire nuts are only supposed to be in junction boxes.

So looks like you've got old and new electrical issues.

 

[ctapraser]

I do see a white electrical wire next to it, house could have been updated. You can tell at the box and basement if the house was updated. Sometimes they just leave the old K&T after they disconnect. Maybe another trip to inspect box and see if its all ok or even updated???

 

[CANative]

That looks like modern romex and modern wire nuts....so not sure what's going on there. Romex should be stapled, secured or threaded thru framing and wire nuts are only supposed to be in junction boxes.

So looks like you've got old and new electrical issues.

From that link I posted:

One of the most common issues with knob and tube wiring is with incorrect modifications. Because it is easily accessible, some homeowners make their own repairs and do not splice the wire correctly or they make inadequate, unsafe modifications. Always hire a licensed electrician to make changes or updates to knob and tube wiring.

 

[JoseMiguel72]

Thanks

Thanks everyone for the great replies. Very informative. I'm heading back out there tomorrow to see the fuse box.

 

[Tom Woolford]

That looks like modern romex and modern wire nuts....so not sure what's going on there. Romex should be stapled, secured or threaded thru framing and wire nuts are only supposed to be in junction boxes.

So looks like you've got old and new electrical issues.

Exactly. I would call for inspection.

 

[Mr Rex]

The problem with knob and tube is what you see here, referred to as "flying taps" where additional circuits are tapped "on the fly" to the knob and tube. This can result in over loading the circuit or causing an imbalance in the loads on the transformer which is a whole 'nuther can of worms. As some one else noted, all wire splices should be inside a junction box, wire nuts partially buried in what appears to be cellulose insulation is a recipe for a fire. Of course the insulation may have asbestos, potentially eliminating the fire hazard, but again a whole nuther can of worms...

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

That would scare me.

 

[Pat Butler]

It's always amazed me that HUD has all sorts of picky property requirements but then allows knob & tube wiring.

It's well beyond the time for homeowners to have replaced it, as well as no longer allowing anything less than 100amp service too.