Knob & Tube Wiring | Hanson, MA

Why Hanson Homeowners Are Choosing to Upgrade Knob and Tube Wiring

Nestled in the heart of Plymouth County, Hanson, MA is known for its historic charm, scenic neighborhoods, and tightly-knit community. Many of the homes here date back to the early 20th century, when knob and tube wiring was a standard in residential electrical systems. While these systems were considered state-of-the-art in their time, they are no longer safe or compliant with today’s building codes.

Homeowners in Hanson are becoming increasingly aware of the risks associated with outdated electrical systems, prompting a growing demand for professional knob and tube rewiring. Whether you live near Wampatuck Pond or along Main Street, ensuring your home’s electrical system is up to code is crucial for your safety, insurance, and peace of mind.

“In older towns like Hanson, knob and tube wiring is far more common than people think. Most homes built before 1950 still have some form of this system lurking in walls or attics. It's not just outdated—it’s a fire risk.” 

Expert Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement in Hanson, MA

Replacing knob and tube wiring isn’t just a matter of electrical performance—it’s about safety, insurance eligibility, and long-term home value. At SumZero Energy Systems, we specialize in comprehensive knob and tube wiring replacement for homes throughout Hanson and surrounding communities.

What Does Knob and Tube Wiring Look Like?

Identifying knob and tube is the first step towards a safer home. These systems consist of porcelain knobs that support wires and tubes that insulate the wires as they pass through framing members. Common signs your home may still use knob and tube include:

• Old-fashioned round switches or two-prong outlets
• Wires encased in ceramic knobs or tubes in attic spaces or basements
• Flickering lights or old home electrical issues like blown fuses

If your home exhibits any of these signs, it may be due for a home wiring upgrade.

Why You Should Replace Knob and Tube Wiring in Hanson Homes

There are several compelling reasons to replace knob and tube wiring, particularly in Hanson:

• Many insurance companies will not cover homes with active knob and tube systems
• The original insulation may be degraded, increasing fire risk
• It lacks a ground wire, which is standard in modern insulated wiring
• It isn’t rated for the electrical loads of modern appliances and systems

Given Hanson’s variety of older Capes, Colonials, and Craftsman-style homes, many residents unknowingly live with outdated electrical systems installed before modern safety standards were in place.

Massachusetts Electrical Code and Local Inspections

Hanson, as part of Plymouth County, follows the 2023 Massachusetts Electrical Code (based on the National Electrical Code). Current codes prohibit new installations of knob and tube wiring and require its replacement whenever renovations or additions are performed.

Local building inspectors in Hanson require wiring to be up to code for any major remodels, HVAC upgrades, or solar panel installations—another reason a home wiring upgrade may become urgent. We ensure all our work is not only safe and efficient but fully code-compliant.

“The Massachusetts Electrical Code is strict for a reason. With historic homes like those in Hanson, bringing wiring up to date isn’t just good practice—it’s the law in many upgrade situations.”

Why Hanson-MA Residents Should Upgrade Knob and Tube Wiring Now

Proactively choosing to upgrade knob and tube wiring helps avoid emergencies and enables homeowners to take advantage of various rebate and inspection incentives in Massachusetts.

Safety First: Preventing Fire and Electrical Problems

Knob and tube systems are not inherently dangerous, but their age, along with decades of modifications, often compromises their safety. In homes where insulation has been added over active knob and tube, there is an elevated risk of overheating and fire. Upgrading your wiring eliminates this risk.

Benefits of upgrading include:

• Improved safety and peace of mind
• Reduced risk of fire and electrical shock
• Increased circuit capacity for modern devices
• Fewer tripped breakers and old home electrical issues

Getting Insurance Coverage Again

Insurance companies are hesitant to underwrite homes with outdated electrical systems. That’s because knob and tube wiring is associated with increased claims for house fires and electrical damage. Replacing the system often qualifies you for improved rates or new coverage through many insurers serving Massachusetts.

If you're buying or selling a home in Hanson, this becomes even more urgent—realtors and inspectors alike will flag knob and tube wiring replacement as a must-do item before closing.

Rebates and Incentives in Massachusetts

Homeowners in Hanson can benefit from the Mass Save® program and other energy efficiency initiatives that may help subsidize part of the home wiring upgrade. If your project includes insulation, HVAC, or other energy-saving installations, your new wiring may be part of an eligible bundle.

Find more information from Mass Save’s official website.

“Replacing knob and tube wiring doesn’t just improve safety. It also opens doors to home improvement rebates and insurance discounts—especially valuable in towns like Hanson where older homes are the norm.”

Trusted Knob and Tube Rewiring Services by SumZero Energy Systems

SumZero Energy Systems is proud to be Hanson’s trusted choice for knob and tube rewiring. Our specialized electrical teams are experienced in historic home restorations and carefully remove old wiring and install new systems with minimal disruption to walls, ceilings, and structural details.

Our Process for Rewiring Historic Hanson Homes

Older homes require a uniquely careful approach. Our team evaluates the entire electrical system, ensures proper access without damaging architectural features, and provides a modern solution that respects your home’s original build.

Here’s what the process generally includes:

• Inspection and assessment of existing wiring
• Careful mapping of fixtures, outlets, and load points
• Safe removal of knob and tube wiring
• Installation of grounded, modern wiring
• Compliance testing and inspection approval

We serve all neighborhoods of Hanson, including the area around Indian Head Street, Liberty Woods, and Bay State Circle—adapting our services to each home’s unique construction.

Minimizing Disruption and Preserving Character

One of the biggest concerns among Hanson homeowners is retaining the charm and integrity of an older home while performing a home wiring upgrade. Our electricians are trained to work within existing layouts, sometimes using attic and crawlspace access to run new wiring while avoiding major wall or ceiling demolition.

We understand that Hanson’s homes are often passed down through generations, and preserving that legacy is an important part of our work.

Fully Licensed and Local Knowledge

With years of experience in the Greater South Shore area, our team knows the unique architecture, climate concerns, and regulatory challenges of working in communities like Hanson.

• Fully licensed and insured in Massachusetts
• Compliant with all permitting and inspection requirements for Plymouth County
• Familiar with wind, ice, and seasonal load demands typical of the region’s outdated electrical systems, ensuring installations are resilient

The Long-Term Benefits of a Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement

Making the move to modern electrical wiring pays off for Hanson homeowners today and well into the future.

Increased Home Value and Marketability

Houses in Hanson that have completed a full home wiring upgrade are more attractive to potential buyers and appraisers. In fact, many lenders require updated electrical before approving mortgages for older homes.

Compatibility with Today’s Technologies

With today's appliances, HVAC systems, networked devices, and smart home installations, your electrical system must support higher loads. Upgrading your system can prevent old home electrical issues like overloaded circuits and unexpected shutoffs.

Peace of Mind Year-Round

Hanson’s winters can be harsh and humid summers put extra demand on your electrical panel. A modern system with grounded wiring and dedicated circuits reduces risk and enhances usability—giving you peace of mind throughout the seasons.

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If you’re living in one of Hanson’s many vintage gems and suspect your home still has active knob and tube wiring, a proactive replacement will protect your largest investment. SumZero Energy Systems is here with the specialization, transparency, and local knowledge Hanson homeowners trust.