Knob and tube wire

[Otto]

I looked into knob & tube wiring insulation containing asbestos a while ago. From what I can recall, it was only required in places like theaters and not residential applications. It makes sense because it would have been more expensive than the standard non-asbestos containing version. If I come across it, I just burn a small (2 - 3 inch) section to see if there is any white asbestos fiber left with the ash. So far, I haven't come across any containing asbestos, but I don't deal with it every day.

[Hypoman]

I looked into knob & tube wiring insulation containing asbestos a while ago. From what I can recall, it was only required in places like theaters and not residential applications. It makes sense because it would have been more expensive than the standard non-asbestos containing version. If I come across it, I just burn a small (2 - 3 inch) section to see if there is any white asbestos fiber left with the ash. So far, I haven't come across any containing asbestos, but I don't deal with it every day.

I once pulled out the old knob and tube wiring from a house built in the early 40's. It had asbestos for insulation. I stripped it and then tried to burn it. Asbestos does not burn, this did not burn. Called my best friend (journeyman electrician....residential.... for 12 years) and asked him about it. He said it was asbestos and that they used in those old houses and it shouldn't be stripped. Just take it in as is. Don't know what else to say about it.



They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin

[Otto]

Thanks for that Hypoman. Confirms my caution in testing it first before stripping it. It's messy stuff to deal with though. I haven't come across a lot of it so far (a few scraps here and there). If I did get a larger amount, I'm not sure if I would bother stripping it because of the mess.