Best electricians near Cedar Knolls, NJ

It can be safe to buy or live in a house with knob and tube (K&T) wiring, but only if the system is in good condition, functional, and has been thoroughly inspected and approved by a licensed electrician. Never purchase a home with K&T wiring without getting a professional electrical inspection first.

Key considerations include:

• Safety and Condition: An inspector will verify that the wiring is safe and has not deteriorated. Over time, the insulation can wear away, leaving exposed wires that pose a significant fire or shock hazard.

• System Capacity: The electrical service should be at least 60 amps. However, even at this capacity, K&T systems often struggle to handle the demands of modern appliances and electronics.

• Lack of Grounding: Knob and tube wiring is an ungrounded system, which is a safety concern for many modern devices.

• Ongoing Maintenance: If you live in a home with K&T wiring, it's recommended to have it inspected by an electrician every one to two years to ensure it remains in safe working order.

Ultimately, any inspection or modification of a knob and tube system should always be performed by a certified professional.

You will need a permit for any electrical work that involves installing or replacing wiring, moving or installing new fixtures, switches, or outlets, hardwiring appliances or HVAC equipment, installing subpanels, and upgrading electrical service. You typically don’t need a permit to have an electrician replace an existing light fixture or electrical box. You can always call your local building department to see if your project needs a permit, but a professional electrician will be able to tell you. In most cases, your professional will pull the permits for you.

You can install a dimmer switch on almost any light as long as the switch, bulb, wiring, and wattage are compatible. Check what kind of light you have, the type of light bulb, and the total wattage of the bulbs to ensure your dimmer is a match. You’ll want to choose a non-neutral wire dimmer if you don't have neutral wiring. Homes built before 1985 that don't have updated electrical systems may not have neutral wiring.

Typically, a local home energy auditor is responsible for performing energy audits. A home energy auditor will conduct one of three energy audits designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to determine the energy efficiency of your home. The auditor often provides analysis that can help guide changes and improvements to your home for better energy efficiency, giving recommendations as necessary.