Replace Your Home's Outdated Wiring

by J&J on April 11, 2025

If you live in an older home in Northeast Ohio, there's a good chance your electrical system could be outdated and potentially hazardous. Two of the most common culprits? Fabric-wrapped wiring and knob-and-tube wiring. These legacy systems were standard in homes built before the 1950s, but today, they present serious safety risks.

At J&J Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we want you to understand the dangers of outdated wiring and how modern upgrades can protect your home and family.

What Is Fabric-Wrapped Wiring?

Fabric-wrapped wiring uses cloth insulation instead of the modern plastic or rubber insulation found in newer homes. Over time, the fabric deteriorates, becoming brittle, cracked, or even frayed. This exposes wires, increases fire risk, and can lead to electrical shorts or shocks.

Common signs of fabric-wrapped wiring:

• Faded or crumbling insulation around wires.
• A burnt smell near outlets or switches.
• Flickering lights or frequently blown fuses.

What Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring?

Knob-and-tube wiring (K&T) was common from the late 1800s through the 1940s. It features single-insulated copper wires run through ceramic knobs and tubes. While it was innovative for its time, it lacks grounding, making it incompatible with modern electrical needs.

Dangers of knob-and-tube wiring include:

• No grounding, which increases the risk of shock.
• Wires that overheat due to modern appliance loads.
• Insulation deterioration, leading to exposed wires.

Why Is Outdated Wiring a Problem?

Modern homes rely on significantly more power than homes built a century ago. High-demand appliances, smart home devices, and updated HVAC systems strain old wiring systems that were never designed to handle the load.

Additionally, outdated wiring may not meet current electrical codes and can make it difficult (or impossible) to obtain homeowner's insurance or pass a home inspection.

At J&J Plumbing Heating Cooling & Electric, we use only the highest quality equipment to ensure that your electrical code compliance upgrades are done right.

Northeast Ohio Homes Are at Risk

In cities like Akron, Cleveland, Canton, and the surrounding areas, many homes built in the early to mid-20th century still rely on outdated wiring. If you live in a home over 70 years old and haven't had your electrical system inspected recently, now is the time.

What You Can Do

An electrical inspection from J&J Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric will determine if your home uses unsafe wiring and what steps to take next. Our licensed electricians offer:

• Full home rewiring services.
• Electrical panel upgrades.
• Code-compliant wiring solutions.
• Safe removal of knob-and-tube systems.

Protect Your Home with J&J

Don't wait until there's a fire or an electrical failure. Trust J&J Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric - Northeast Ohio's trusted experts in home safety and upgrades. Schedule a wiring inspection today. Stay safe, stay current - with J&J.

We'll inspect your entire electrical system to identify any potential safety hazards, including overloaded circuits, outdated wiring, faulty appliances, and more.