ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Electrical Nostalgia More Old Wiring!

A little off topic, Harvey Hubbell received the patent for the pull chain type switched lampholder Aug 11, 1896.

Not to be bothersome, but is that a broken knob in Pic #2?

Hi there Hemingray,
Welcome to ECN!.
Looks only half broken to me.

[This message has been edited by Trumpy (edited 04-21-2005).]

lol, you're right. it IS half broken, the top half that is.

[This message has been edited by Hemingray (edited 04-21-2005).]

Could someone explain american 'knot and tube' wiring to me? I see a lot of references to this in posts.
Alan

"Knob & Tube" is the wiring method used (for the most part) in these photos. One of the older wiring methods, it was widely used from about 1919 until the late '50's.
In this method, the "hot" and "neutral" wires are strung separately along different framing members (appx a foot apart). Only at the device box do the two wires ever get close to each other.
When run parallel to the stud or joist, spliced, or changing direction, the wires are held in place by porcelain "knobs". When passing through, the wires are passed through porcelain "tubes." Likewise, when entering boxes, the wires are further protected by woven cloth tubes, called "looms."

And if you watch old Tom & Jerry cartoons, you'll often see a depiction of K&T wiring on those scenes of Jerry's pad inside the walls......

Paul, I haven't watched cartoons since I was knee-high to a grasshopper.....you've given me a reason to start again!

We in Maine always called those transitions from BX to K&T "Endo's"

K&T wiring also is a fairly good rat exterminator -- but does get the lights to dimming on their own a bit