I always thought those old cloth-wrapped wires were just a nuisance until I saw the original 1920s knob-and-tube still running a chandelier in a Seattle mansion.

The homeowner insisted it was fine because 'it's never been a problem,' but seeing those brittle, cracked sheaths inches from ornate wood trim completely changed my view on how urgently some historical wiring needs to be addressed, so what's the oldest functional system you've been asked to leave alone?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_oscar2d ago

That "never been a problem" line is how fires start.

kim_west2d agoTop Commenter

You're right about that line, @the_oscar. I had a client who said the same thing about their old wiring. They called it "vintage charm" until a socket sparked and scorched the wall. I made them check every outlet that week. Found two more with cracked plates and loose connections. It's never a problem until you're smelling smoke.