9

gfrost

Technical - Vocational - Education

Industrial Arts

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
& MAINTENANCE
Quarter 2 Module 5
LAYOUT AND INSTALL ELECTRICAL
WIRING USING KNOB AND TUBE
METHOD
TLE/EIM – Grade 9
Quarter 1 – Module 5: LAYOUT AND INSTALL ELECTRICAL WIRING USING KNOB
AND TUBE METHOD
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education

Development Team of the Module

Writer : ALEXANDER B. JUBILO, REE
Editor : RUTH ELIZER ALCAZAR
Reviewer : ALPHA PALCONIT
Illustrator : ALEXANDER B. JUBILO, REE/ RUTH ELIZER ALCAZAR
Layout Artist : ALEXANDER B. JUBILO, REE/ RUTH ELIZER ALCAZAR
Management Team : JOSEPHINE L. FADUL
: MELANIE P. ESTACIO
: CHRISTINE C. BAGACAY
: LORNA C. RAGOS
: ALPHA PALCONIT

Printed in the Philippines by

Department of Education – Region XI

Office Address: Energy Park, Apokon, Tagum City, 8100

Telefax: (084) 216-3504

E-mail Address: tagum.city@deped.gov.ph

Technical - Vocational - Education
9
Industrial Arts

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
& MAINTENANCE
Quarter 2 Module 5
LAYOUT AND INSTALL
ELECTRICAL WIRING USING
KNOB AND TUBE METHOD
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
Welcome to the EIM-9 Self-Engaging Module (SEM) on lay outing and
installing electrical wiring using knob and tube method!
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by
educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or
facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12
Curriculum while overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints
in schooling.
This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to
help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.
In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that will
help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage
and assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

For the learner:

Welcome to the EIM-9 Self-Engaging Module (SEM) on layouting and install
electrical wiring using knob and tube method!

ii
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time.
You will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while being
an active learner.
This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Let us Learn! This will give you an idea of the skills or

competencies you are expected to learn in
the module.

Let us Try!
This part includes an activity that aims to
check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip
this module.

This includes a brief drill or review to help

Let us Study you link the current lesson with the
previous one; various ways of introducing
a new lesson such as a story, a song, a
poem, a problem opener, an activity or a
situation; and a brief discussion of the
lesson. This aims to help you discover and
understand new concepts and skills.

Let us Practice This comprises activities for guided

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

iii
 This comprises activities for independent
Let us Practice More practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

This includes questions or blank

Let us Remember sentence/paragraph to be filled in to
process what you learned from the lesson.

This is a task which aims to evaluate your

Let us Assess level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.
In this portion, another activity will be
Let us Enhance given to you to enrich your knowledge or
skill of the lesson learned.
This part contains the closing note related
Let us Reflect to the lesson. It will help you reflect the
importance of the concepts you have
learned in this module and its relevance to
real-life situation.
This contains answers to all activities in
Answer Key to the
the module.
Activities

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in

developing this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module.

iv
2. Don’t forget to answer Let Us Try! before moving on to the other
activities included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with
it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you
are not alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

v
 Let Us Learn!

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help
you master how to install bulb controlled by 1 SPST. The scope of this module
permits it to be used in many different learning situations. The language used
recognizes the diverse vocabulary level of students. The lessons are also
arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course. But the order in which
you read them can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now
using.

This module has one lesson:

 Lesson 1- Layout and Install Electrical Wiring using Knob and Tube
Method.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Identify electrical materials needed to layout and install electrical wiring
using knob and tube method;
2. Sketch wiring diagram of layouting and installing electrical wiring using
knob and tube method.

Let Us Try!
Identify what is being ask.

1. What are some advantages of the Knob and Tube wiring?

 _______________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________
2. Problems Associated with K&T Wiring:
 _______________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________

Lesson LAYOUT AND INSTALL

 ELECTRICAL WIRING
4 USING KNOB AND TUBE
METHOD
Day 1

Let Us Study

Skill: Identifying electrical materials on layout and install electrical wiring

using knob and tube method.

Read the Information Sheet below.

KNOB AND TUBE

Knob and tube wiring is a kind of electrical wiring that consists of

copper wiring, one hot and one neutral, being run through porcelain knobs
and tubes. The wiring is covered in insulation. The knobs hold the wire in
place, often in contact with a component of the house, such as wooden
beams. The tubes, on the other hand, are used to protect the wire from
fraying or being in contact with wood or drywall – anything that would start
a fire from overheating even with the insulation around the wiring.
The open or exposed wiring method is sometimes referred to as the
Open Wiring on Insulators. (PEC section 212) It uses cleats, knobs (split or
solid), porcelain tubes and mica tubing for the support and protection of
insulated conductors run in or on buildings. It may be used in working
either outside or inside building in dry or wet locations. It shall not be used
in the following locations:

1. Commercial Garages
2. Theaters
3. Motion Picture Studios
4. Hoist ways
5. Hazardous Locations

Found in Old Buildings

Knob and tube wiring was considered innovative technology during
the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It was a cost-effective
setup that did its job in meeting the energy needs of the people of that time.
However, it did have its drawbacks and is considered a safety hazard in
today’s electrical codes. For example, the insulation around the wiring wears
easily, which can leave the wires exposed and loose.
There are several reasons why knob and tube wiring can be dangerous,
including:
 Age
Though that old knob and tube wiring may have been “working” in
your home for a while, today’s homes draw much more electricity than
the average 1940s home. Knob and tube wiring was popular before
refrigeration, TVs, and other modern conveniences became standard
household items. Thus, knob and tube is frequently overloaded,
posing a fire hazard. Also, the rubberized cloth used to coat the wires
can break down over time, exposing wires and, in some cases,
corroding copper wire due to insulation additives. Knob and tube can
also come into contact with surrounding flammable or conductive
building materials, resulting in serious fire and electrical hazards.

 Building Changes Affect Safety Knob and tube wiring was designed to
remain suspended in the air and protected by heavy ceramic tubes.
Certain changes to the house, however, can disrupt this structure,
including:
o Added Insulation
Adding insulation in attics and wall cavities can lead to the
overheating of knob and tube wires, which were designed to
remain suspended in open air. Covering them also commonly
leads to damage from wires being unknowingly walked on by
persons moving around in the attic.
o Improper Connections
Knob and tube wiring is a simple, often accessible system. This
has led many homeowners to believe they can alter the wires
themselves. Improper connections and splices, including taping
and soldering additions without the use of junction boxes,
greatly compromise safety. Modifications and extensions such
as these are not permitted by most building and electrical
codes.

 Lack of Ground Wire

Knob and tube lacks a ground wire, making it incompatible with
modern three-prong appliances and devices. This puts electronics at
 increased risk of damage and your family and home at greater risk for
shock and fire.

 Incompatibility with Moisture

Knob and tube is not rated for use in moist environments. This makes
knob and tube exceedingly dangerous when used in wet areas, such
as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry and utility rooms, and outdoors.

 Tendency to Be Overlooked
Knob and tube was designed to dissipate its heat freely into the air.
However, due to home renovations that may have been completed over
the years, knob and tube is frequently covered with insulation and
pushed into contact with building materials. The National Electric
Code (NEC) requires knob and tube to not be covered by insulation or
used in the hollow spaces of walls, ceilings, or attics where insulating
materials can come into contact with the wiring and conductors.

 Compounding Damage (and Dangers) with Age

Knob and tube wires are wrapped in rubberized cloth. Over time, that
sheath becomes brittle, cracks and falls off, leaving wires exposed to
create both a shock and fire hazard. Exposure to water leaks and
animal damage further compound the wire exposure safety issue.

 Frequent Improper Modifications

Improper DIY modifications are frequently found with knob and tube
wiring due to increased opportunity because it’s easy to access for
splicing. Amateur modifications to knob and tube wiring are so
common, in fact, that connections made with masking or Scotch tape
(instead of electrical tape) are frequently encountered. Worse,
untrained homeowners frequently install fuses with amperage too
high for knob and tube wiring, overloading the circuit and greatly
increasing fire risk.

 Limited Amperage
One of the downsides of knob and tube wiring is the limited amperage.
Back when knob and tube wiring was popular, people did not use as
much electricity as we do today. Knob and tube wiring can handle, at
most, around 60 amps, whereas today the service panels of most
houses today crank out at least 150 amps
PRINCIPLES of KNOB and TUBE

In the open or exposed wiring method, the wires are visible and are
supported by the knobs. These knobs may be a split or solid type. This is
shown in figure 1.

https://www.cottageindustriesinc.com/need-know-knob-tube-wiring-main-line-home/

Split knobs are used to support wires smaller than No. 8. Solid knobs
are used to support or anchor wires as big as No. 8 or even bigger. Screws or
nails may be used to fasten the knobs. When a nail is used a leather washer
should be placed between the nail head and the insulator to form cushion
and protect the insulator from breaking. See figure 2.

In installing an electrical wiring system with the exposed knob and

tube wiring method, the distance between conductors should be maintained
at a minimum distance of 6 cm. (2 ½ inches) apart. The knobs must have a
30 cm (1 foot) distance apart. Figure 4 illustrates this provision of PEC.
 Whenever wires pass through studs, rafters, floor joists or any wooden
part of a building, the wires are inserted in porcelain tubes or flexible mica
tubing. Porcelain tubes and mica tubing are also provided whenever wires
cross each other. It gives the wire extra protection from injury.

Some advantages of the Knob and Tube wiring:

1. It is used in temporary installation, such as construction jobs.

2. It has economical when properly installed.
3. It has a lower operating temperature because of ventilation brought by
distances of the installation.
Problems Associated with K&T Wiring:
 Unsafe modifications are far more common with K&T wiring than they
are with Romex and other modern wiring systems. Part of the reason
for this is that K&T is so old that more opportunity has existed for
improper modifications.
 The insulation that envelopes the wiring is a fire hazard.
 It tends to stretch and sag over time.
 It lacks a grounding conductor. Grounding conductors reduce the
chance of electrical fire and damage to sensitive equipment.
 In older systems, wiring is insulated with varnish and fiber materials
that are susceptible to deterioration.

Safety reminders when installing knob and tube wiring

1. Apply enough pressure on the gimlet when driving it to the wood board.
Never hammer it.
2. Have the auger brace oiled regularly especially the ratchet type.
3. Have your electrician’s knife sharpened enough in order not to nick the
wire.
4. Use the appropriate screw driver for the screw.
5. Be sure that the conductors in contact with the wiring surface are
enclosed in mica tubing.
6. Be sure that your teacher has checked your work before testing.
7. Be sure that the safety switch is off before making any connection. Apply
tape on all joints/splices.
8. Do not drive the split-knobs completely before the conductors or wires are
run or inserted along the grooves of the knobs.

Knob and Tube should be replaced when:

K&T wire probably should be replaced if easily accessible such as in an attic

or basement, or if the walls or ceilings are opened for other reasons.

It is highly recommended and K&T wire should be replaced if:

 if any of the circuits are erratic or intermittent.

 if the K&T wires or joints were every over heated,
 if the K&T wires ever stepped on or otherwise impacted or damaged,
 if the K&T rubberized fabric covering is brittle and fractured with age,
 if the K&T wire was ever submerged or extensively soaked
 if the K&T wire is going to be surrounded by insulation. Any
insulation completely changes the fire rating and safety of the K&T
wiring.
Old K&T is legal in the sense that it has been grandfathered in. Codes do
not mandate retroactive replacement. However, it is absolutely not permitted
or legal to install [new knob and tube circuits] today, and in many or most
locations, it cannot be extended or modified.

K&T wiring is probably okay if:

 If the K&T wire is fully contained within a wall or joist cavity where
it is fully protected from being stepped on, being accidently pulled
or displaced, or otherwise damaged,
 if the K&T wire insulation is still intact,
 if the K&T wire has not been overheated.
 [if the K&T wiring has not been subjected to flooding or soaking] -

Building Insulation on Knob and Tube Electrical Circuit Safety

Adding building Insulation changes the knob and tube wire game:
The fire safety of knob and tube wiring relied on the fact that the wires were
generally routed through the air, suspended by knobs and protected by a
heavy ceramic tube where passing through wood.

https://inspectapedia.com/electric/Knob_and_Tube_Wiring431-DFs.jpg

Safety & Electrical Code Concerns with Knob and Tube Electrical
Circuits that Have Been Extended or Spliced-into or otherwise modified
or disturbed.

Model electrical codes do not prohibit the presence or use of knob and tube
wiring circuits in buildings, but you will want to be sure that the specific
knob and tube wired circuits in your
building are in good condition, safe to
use, and that the circuit has not been
improperly modified.

https://inspectapedia.com/electric/Knob_and_Tube_Wiring431-DFs.jpg

Facts About Knob-and-Tube Wiring:

 It is not inherently dangerous. The dangers from this system arise
from its age, improper modifications, and situations where building
insulation envelops the wires.
 It has no ground wire and thus cannot service any three-pronged
appliances.
 While it is considered obsolete, there is no code that requires its
complete removal.
 It is treated differently in different jurisdictions. In some areas, it must
be removed at all accessible locations, while others don't, but inspect
it for safety reasons. It is not permitted in any new construction.

Day 2

Let Us Practice

Read the statement carefully. Write TRUE if the statement is correct

and write FALSE if it is FALSE.

1. Knob and tube is not rated for use in moist environments.

2. Knob and Tube has a ground wire for safety purpose.
3. It was an oldest residential wiring.
 4. Knob and tube was designed to dissipate its heat freely into the
air.
5. The National Electric Code requires knob and tube to be used in
a residential wiring in this time.
6. DIY modifications are necessary for knob and tube.
7. One of the downsides of knob and tube wiring is the limited
amperage.
8. It has a lower operating temperature because of ventilation
brought by distances of the installation.
9. K&T wiring only uses two-prong outlets, meaning that many of
today’s appliances are compatible.
10 . It is considered obsolete, there is no code that requires its
complete removal.

Let Us Practice More

1. What are the disadvantages of using Knob and tube?

2. Give the different characteristics of a good knob and tube wiring.
3. What are the safety precautions in installing knob and tube?
4. What are the potential problems of knob and tube wiring?
5. Knob and tube should not be used in what location locations?

Let Us Remember

Awesome! Now, let us gather what we have learned.

Identification: Supply the missing word/term to complete the

cluster.

1. One of the downsides of knob and tube wiring is the__________.

2. It has no ground wire and thus cannot service any_____________.
3. Knob and tube residential wirings is not permitted in any ______
construction.
4. It is suspended by knobs and protected by a _________ where passing
through wood.
5. Knob and tube should be replaced when the_____ was ever submerged or
extensively soaked.
Day 5

Let Us Enhance

Identify the correct term by writing the letter of the correct answer that
describe each item:

1. Whenever ____________ pass through studs, rafters, floor joists or any

wooden part of a building, the wires are inserted in porcelain tubes or
flexible mica tubing.
a. Wires c. Metal
b. System d. Voltage

2. Porcelain _____________ and mica tubing are also provided whenever

wires cross each other. It gives the wire extra protection from injury.
a. Tubes c. Cup
b. Insulation d. knob

3. Surface ______________ is a one-piece, non-metallic, adhesive backed

latching raceway designed to aesthetically organize and route low voltage
communications cables.
a. Raceway c. Wires
b. Insulation d. Tubing

4. It features a low-profile ________________ which blends into any

environment whether it is new construction or a renovation.
a. Design c. Style
b. Method d. Picture
5. It is easy to cut and trim and is also printable with a latex based ____.
a. Paint c. Gallon
b. Brush d. Box

Let Us Reflect

Congratulations! Let us ponder to this thought!

Direction: Write your answer on the space provided.

Do you consider using knob and tube in your

home? Why?
 ____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________

Answer key to Activities

Let Us Let us Practice more!

Practice! 1
 It is used in temporary installation, such as construction jobs.
1. True  It has economical when properly installed.
2. False  It has a lower operating temperature because of ventilation
brought by distances of the installation.
3. True
4. True
2.
5. False
6. False  If the K&T wire is fully contained within a wall or joist cavity
where it is fully protected from being stepped on, being accidently
7. True pulled or displaced, or otherwise damaged,
8. True
9. false  if the K&T wire insulation is still intact,

10. true  if the K&T wire has not been overheated.

 [if the K&T wiring has not been subjected to flooding or soaking] -

3.
Let us  Apply enough pressure on the gimlet when driving it to the wood
remember board. Never hammer it.
 Have the auger brace oiled regularly especially the ratchet type.
 Have your electrician’s knife sharpened enough in order not to
1. Limited nick the wire.
amperage  Use the appropriate screw driver for the screw.
2. three-  Be sure that the conductors in contact with the wiring surface
are enclosed in mica tubing.
pronged
 References

 Institute of Electrical Engineers in the Philippines Inc., (2017)

Philippine
o Electrical Code, Volume 1.
 Espineli, Noel M., delos Santo, Gina C., Building Wiring Installation
NC II, 2008, pp. 10-13.
 https://inspectapedia.com/electric/
Knob_and_Tube_Wiring.php#Damaged_Knob_Tube
 https://www.cottageindustriesinc.com/need-know-knob-tube-wiring-
main-line-home/
 https://www.coynecollege.edu/knob-tube-wiring/
 https://www.nachi.org/knob-and-tube.htm
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Division of Tagum City

Office Address: Energy Park, Apokon, Tagum City, 8100

Telefax: (084) 216-3504

E-mail Address: tagum.city@deped.gov.ph