Pro tip: check your attic for old knob and tube wiring before you start any electrical work

I was adding a new outlet in my 1920s bungalow in Portland and thought it would take an hour... ended up finding a whole section of live knob and tube hidden above the plaster. It took me three full weekends to safely rewire that part of the house. Has anyone else run into this and found a good way to trace it without tearing out walls?

3 comments

3 Comments

cameron4261mo agoMost Upvoted

Wait, aren't thermal cameras more for finding heat loss than live wires?

paulw632mo ago

My buddy had that happen in his old Seattle place. He used a thermal camera to find the hot spots without too much damage.

vera_lewis2mo ago

Smart move, unlike my usual plan of just guessing and poking holes.