Electrical Installation and

Maintenance 11
Quarter 4 – Week 1-2 Module 1
Prepared by: Wilbert E. Eleccion

Lesson
Principles of Knob and Tube
1
I. OBJECTIVES:
1. Identify the different kinds of knobs and tubes.
2. Understand the standard procedures/steps in installing knobs and tubes.

II. GUIDE QUESTIONS:

1. What are the kinds of knobs?
2. What are the kinds of electrical tubing?
3. What are the standard procedures in installing knobs and tubes?

III. DISCUSSION:
Great day everyone!

Today, we are going to discuss about the principles of knob and tube in electrical
installation.

Electrical equipment and materials to be used in electrical installations shall be of

kind or type and rating approved for the particular purpose. The maker’s name, trademark
or other recognized symbol of identification shall be placed on electrical equipment and
materials. Each unit of equipment or material, whenever practicable, shall bear proof that it
has been approved for wiring installation.

The wiring methods must also pass the standards set by National Building Cod e for
the protection of the electrical system to fire hazards.

Wiring Methods

Open Wiring on Insulators

The open or exposed wiring method is sometimes referred to as the Open Wiring on
Insulators (PEC section 212). It uses cleats, knobs (split or solid), porcelain tubes and mica
tubing for support and protection of insulated conductors run in or on buildings. It may be
used for exposed work, either outside or inside building in dry or wet locations. The open

1
wiring on insulators method is allowed in systems of up to 600V nominal, only for industrial
or agricultural establishments, indoor, outdoors in wet or dry locations, where it is subject to
corrosive vapors and for service purposes. It shall not be used however, in the following:

1. Commercial Garages
2. Theaters
3. Motion Picture Studios
4. Hoistways
5. Hazardous Location

In open or exposed wiring method, the wires are visible and are supported by the
knobs. These knobs may be the split or solid type. This is shown in figure 1.

Figure 1: The split and solid knobs

Split knobs are used to support wires smaller than No. 8. Solid knobs are used to
support or anchor wires as big as No. 8 or bigger. Screws and nails may be used to fasten the
knobs. When a nail is used, a leather washer should be placed between the nail head and the
insulator to form cushion and protect the insulator from breaking (see figure 2.)

2
 Figure 2: The solid knob with Leather washer for Protection

Figure 3: Shows the correct and wrong way of tying wires to the groove of a solid knob with
the wires

In installing an electrical wiring system with the exposed knob and tube wiring
method, the distance between conductors should be maintained at a minimum distance of 6
cm. (2 ½ inches) apart. The knobs distance of the knobs is 30 cm (1 foot) apart. Figure 4
illustrate this provision of PEC.

3
 Figure 4: Spacing of Split Knobs and Conductors

Whenever wires pass through studs, rafters, floor joists or any wooden part of the
building, the wire are inserted in porcelain tube or flexible mica tubing. Porcelain tubes and
mica tubing are also provided whenever wires cross each other. It gives the wire extra
protection from injury.

Figure 5: Application of Porcelain Tubes and Mica Tubing

4
Some advantages of the knob and tube wiring:

1. It is used in temporary installation such as construction jobs.

2. It has economical when properly installed.
3. It has a lower operating temperature because of ventilating hence, the higher current
carrying capacity if the wire.

Safety reminders when installing knob and tube wiring:

1. Apply enough pressure on the gimlet when driving it to the word board. Never
hammer it.
2. Have the auger braced oiled regularly especially the ratchet type.
3. Have your electrician’s knife sharpened enough in order not to nick the wire.
4. Use the right sized screwdriver for the right size of screw.
5. Be sure that the conductors in contact with the wiring surface are enclosed in mica
tubing.
6. Be sure you checked your work before testing.
7. Be sure that the safety switch is off before making any connection. Apply tape on all
joints/splices.
8. Do not drive the split knobs completely before the conductors or wires are
run/inserted along the grooves of the knobs.
9. Be sure to test the insulation for short and ground circuit before putting on the power.

PEC Provisions

Following are PEC requirements on the use of the exposed or open wiring method:

a. Conductors. Only single conductors should be used and not the cable type. These
must have sufficient strength, insulation and current for which they are installed.
Conductors should be the approved type for the purpose they are intended.
b. Supports. Conductors should not be in contact with any object other than their
insulating supports. They should be supported as indicated below:

1. Supports for wiring on a flat surface should not be more than 137 cm (4 ½ ft.) a
part.
2. Conductors should not end at a rosette, lamp holder or receptacle unless the last
support is within 30 cm or 12 inches.
3. Conductors should be supported within 15 cm. (16 inches) of a connection.

Concealed Knob and Tube Wiring

This is one of the wiring methods which uses knobs, tubes and flexible non-metallic
tubing for the protection and support of single insulated conductors concealed in hallow
spaces of walls and ceilings of buildings.

Allowable Uses

5
 The use of concealed knob and tube wiring is allowed only for extensions of
existing installations elsewhere, only with special permission, under the following conditions:

a. In hallow spaces of walls and ceilings

b. In unfinished attics and roof spaces

As to uses that are not allowable, concealed knob and tube wiring shall not be used in
commercial garages, theaters and similar locations, motion picture studios, or hazardous
(classified) locations or when such spaces are insulated by loose, rolled or foamed in place by
insulating material that envelops the conductors.

Conductor Support

Only single conductors should be used and not the cable or duplex type. Conductors
must have mechanical strength insulation and capacity to withstand the conditions for which
they are intended.

Only single conductors not exceeding 137 cm (4 ½ ft.) must be supported by split knob
or non-combustible insulating tubes. A knob must be installed within 15cm (6 inches) from
each connection. When knobs are not practical to use, a flexible non-metallic tubing (mica
tubing) must enclose the conductor.

Conductors, moreover, must be separated as follows:

a. Conductors must be set apart from each other at least 8 cm (3 inches) and 2.54 cm (1
inch) away from the surface wired over as shown in this illustration:
b. In places where 8 cm (3 inches) cannot be maintained, each conductor must be
encased by a flexible mica tube.

Non-metallic Sheathed Cables

The non-metallic sheathed cable consists of two or more insulated conductors having an
outer sheathe of moisture resistant, flame-retardant, non-metallic material.

Allowable of Non-metallic Sheathed Cable - Type NM and NMC cables are permitted to
be used only in one and two family dwellings, multi-family dwellings and other structures,
except as prohibited. Where installed in cable trays, the particular use of the cable shall be
identified.

a. Type NM. This type shall be permitted for both exposed and concealed work in
normally dry locations. It is permissible to install a fish-type NM cable in air voids in
masonry block or title wall where such walls are not exposed or subject to excessive
moisture od dampness.
b. Type NMC. This type shall be permitted only for these purposes:

1. for both exposed and concealed work in dry, moist, damp or corrosive
locations;
2. in outside and inside walls of a masonry block or title;

6
 3. in a shallow chase in masonry, concrete, covered with plaster, adobe, or
similar finish.

Uses of Cables that are not Allowed

a. Type NM and NMC cables shall not be in the following instances:

1. in commercial garages having hazardous locations

2. in theaters and similar locations;
3. in motion picture studios;
4. in storage battery rooms;
5. in hoist ways embedded in poured cement, concrete or aggregate.

b. Type NM shall not be used in the following places:

1. Those exposed to corrosive fumes or vapors

2. Those embedded in masonry, concrete, adobe, fill or plaster;
3. In shallow chase of masonry, concrete, or adobe covered with plater or similar
finish.

Conductor Support

Non- metallic sheathed cable should be secured by staples, straps or similar fittings
so designed and installed as not to damage the cable. Cable shall be secured in places at
intervals not exceeding 1,300 mm and within 300 mm from every cabinet, box or fitting.

IV. GENERALIZATION:
In open wiring method, it is advisable to use knobs and tubes to protect the
conductors. Always observe safety procedure in doing some electrical wiring
installation.

V. EXERCISE:
Direction: Read each of the following questions then answer. Write your answer in a separate
paper.
1. What type of wiring method where in the conductors are exposed and usually
used knobs and tubes?
2. What is the maximum voltage where open wiring is allowed?
3. It is a type of cable which consist of two or more insulated conductors.
4. These materials are designed and installed as to secure or protect the cables.
5. What type of knob is used to support conductors smaller than number 08?

VI. REFERENCES:
Effective Technology and Home Economics Series III (Electricity)

7
 Efren F. Azares
Cirilo B. Recaῆa
Electrical Installation and Maintenance Learner’s Module 1 (Deped)
VII. ANSWER KEY:

1. Open wiring method

2. 600 volts nominal
3. Non-metallic sheathed cable
4. Conductor support
5. Split knob

Lesson

1 Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit

I. OBJECTIVES:
a. Define what is flexible nonmetallic conduit;
b. Identify the permitted and not permitted locations where flexible nonmetallic
conduit are installed;
c. Understand the standard procedures/steps in installing flexible nonmetallic
conduit.

8
II. GUIDE QUESTIONS:
a. What is Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit?
b. What are the characteristics of flexible nonmetallic conduits?
c. Where are the locations permitted and not permitted to install flexible
nonmetallic conduit?

III. DISCUSSION:
Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit is used as mechanical protection for electric
conductors. It has a smooth and a wall of non- conducting fibrous material. This is the
commonly used electrical wiring conduit now a days due to economic value.

Flexible nonmetallic conduit

Definition:

Liquid tight flexible nonmetallic conduit is a listed raceway of circular cross

section of various type as follows:

1. A smooth seamless inner core and cover bonded together and having one or more
reinforcement layers between the core and cover designated as Type LFNC-A.
2. A smooth inner surface with integral reinforcement with in the conduit wall,
designated as Type LFNC-B.
3. A corrugated internal and external surface without integral reinforcement within the
conduit wall, designated as Type LFNC-C.

This conduit is flame resistant and, with fittings, is approved for the installation of
electrical conductors.

9
Uses:

a. Permitted: Listed liquid tight flexible nonmetallic conduit shall be permitted to be

used in exposed or concealed location for following purposes. FPN: Extreme cold
may cause some types of nonmetallic conduits to become brittle and therefore more
susceptible to damage from physical contact.

1. Where flexibility is required for installation, operation, or maintenance.

2. Where protection of the contained conductors is required from vapors, liquids, or
solids.
3. For outdoor locations where listed and marked as suitable for the purpose. FPN: For
marking requirements, see Section 110.1.21
4. For direct burial where listed and marked for purpose.
5. Liquid tight flexible nonmetallic conduit as define in Section 3.51.2.1(2) shall be
permitted to be installed in lengths longer than 1 800 mm where secured in
accordance with Section 3.51.2.6.

1. As a listed manufactured prewired assembly, 15 mm (20mm) through 25mm

(32mm) conduit, as defined in Section 3.51.2.1(2).

b. Not Permitted. Liquid tight flexible nonmetallic conduit shall not be used in the
following:

1. Where subject to physical damage

2. Where any combination of ambient and conductor temperature is in excess of that
for which the liquid tight flexible nonmetallic conduit is approved.
3. In lengths longer than 1 800 mm, except as permitted by Section 3.51.2.2(a)(5) or
where a longer length is approved as essential for a required degree of flexibility.
4. Where voltage of the contained conductors is in excess of 600 volts, nominal.

Exception: As permitted in Section 6.0.2.3(a) for electric signs over 600 volts.

Sizes:

The electrical trade sizes of liquid tight flexible nonmetallic conduit shall be in
accordance with (a) or (b):

a. 15mm (20mm) to 100mm (110mm) inclusive

b. 10mm (15mm) as permitted below

1. For enclosing the leads of motors as permitted in Section 4.30.13.5(b)

2. In length not exceeding 1 800 mm as part of a listed assembly for tap connections
to lighting fixture as required in Section 4.10.13.4 (c) or for utilization equipment
3. For electric sign conductors in accordance with Section 6.0.2.3

Number of conductors: The number of conductors permitted in a single conduit shall be in

accordance with the percentage fill specified.

10
Fittings: Liquid tight flexible nonmetallic conduit shall be used only with listed terminal
fittings. Angle connectors shall not be used for concealed raceways installations.

Securing and Supports: Liquid tight flexible nonmetallic conduit, as defined in Section
3.51.2.1 (2), shall be securely fastened and supported in accordance with one of the
following;

a. The conduit shall be securely fastened at intervals not exceeding 900mm and
within 300mm on each side of every outlet box, junction box, cabinet, or fitting.
b. Securing and supporting of the conduit shall not be required where it is fished,
installed in lengths not exceeding 900mm at terminals where flexibility is
required, or where installed in lengths not exceeding 1 800 mm from the fixture
terminal connection for tap conductors to lighting fixture as permitted in Section
4.10.13.4.
c. Horizontal runs liquid tight flexible nonmetallic conduit supported by openings
through framing members at intervals not exceeding 900 mm and securely
fastened within 300 mm of termination points shall be permitted.

Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit Fittings

11
Example of installing conduit and electrical wiring from indoor unit to outdoor unit using
flexible nonmetallic tubing.

Tools, Materials and Equipment Needed

Equipment/instruments:

 Electric drill - 1 unit

 Multi tester - 1 unit

Materials:

 Pencil or chalk - 1 pc
 Installation plan or drawing - 1 pc
 Flat head screw, ¾ in X10 - 15 pcs
 Fisher, #6 (tox) - 15 pcs
 Flexible nonmetallic tubing - 5 meters
 Mica tube, ¼ inch diameter - 1 meter
 Stranded wire, 2.0 mm TW - 10 meters
 Safety switch, 30 amperes - 2 pcs
 Guide wire - 3 meters

Tools:

 Pull and push rule - 1 pc

Personal Protective Equipment:

 Safety glass - 1 pc
 Gloves - 1 pair
 Goggles - 1 pc
 Safety shoes - 1 pair

Note: In installing electrical circuit, you may use any type of approved wiring method for
purpose. It has been a practice in this field to use flexible nonmetallic tubing because
flexibility is required for installation, operation, and maintenance.

Procedure:

1. Wear appropriate PPE.

2. Measure the required length of flexible nonmetallic conduit from the outdoor unit to
indoor unit. You may use any measuring device suited for the job or you may use the
actual material by practically tracing its path as shown in the picture.
3. Cut the flexible nonmetallic tubing.

12
 4. Insert the wire first before laying out the tubing permanently.
5. Use guide wires to facilitate easy pulling of conductors. Use galvanized iron wire,
gauge 14 AWG. Insert it at one end of the tubing until reaches the other end of the
tubing.
6. Prepare the required length of the conductor. It may be as long as the length of the
tubing plus an ample allowance at both ends for splicing. The mark off the conductors
at both ends to distinguish them each other.

Note: Allowance must be at least 150 mm (6 inches) long at both ends measured from the
ends of the tubing. You use electrical tape or marking tape in marking off the conductor.

7. Tie the conductors securely to the guide wires.

8. Pull the guide wire at the other end of the tubing. The tubing should be laid straight
forward for easy pulling the conductors.
9. Lay out the tubing with conductors permanently.
10. Lay the electrical tubing on the path where the refrigeration system tubing is installed.
11. Secure the flexible nonmetallic tubing wrapping it with cable wire.
12. Insert the connector.
13. Secure the tubing to the raceway on the indoor unit.
14. Put the lock nut and tighten it.
15. Prepare the conductor for termination. Strip off at least 5mm of insulation.
16. Terminate the conductors. It is indicated in the manufacturer’s manual how to
terminate the conductors.
17. Be sure that the connections are tightened correctly.
18. You have just finished the electrical circuit from indoor to outdoor unit. Now, you are
ready for the installation of the main power supply. The main supply line is usually
pre-wired by manufacturer, all you have to do is to terminate from the circuit
protection.
19. Terminate to the circuit protection.
20. Test the circuit from ground short or open wiring. If fault is found, rectify it.
21. Turn on the circuit and test run the unit.
22. Observe good housekeeping.

IV. GENERALIZATION:
Flexible Non-metallic Conduit is used as mechanical protection for electric conductors.
It has a smooth interior and wall of non-conducting fibrous materials. It is commonly
used electrical wiring conduit now a days due to its economic value.

V. EXERCISE:
Direction: Label the different types of Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit Fittings. Write your
answer on a separate answer sheet.

13
VI. REFERENCES:
Effective Technology and Home Economics Series III (Electricity)
Efren F. Azares
Cirilo B. Recaῆa
Electrical Installation and Maintenance Learner’s Module 1 (Deped)
VII. ANSWER KEY:

1. Flexible Non-metallic Conduit

2. Coupling
3. Adapter
4. Liquid tight straight connector
5. Liquid tight angle connector

14