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Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement in San Jose, CA

 Outdated wiring is a risk you don’t have to live with. If your home still has knob-and-tube wiring, it’s not a question of if it should be replaced—it’s a question of when. This system was installed long before grounded circuits, modern insulation, and today’s electrical loads were the norm. That gap shows up as safety concerns, insurance headaches, and “mystery problems” that never fully go away.

Dollens Electric specializes in knob and tube wiring replacement in San Jose and the South Bay, with a focus on older and historic homes. If you’re in Willow Glen, Naglee Park, Rose Garden, or a vintage bungalow in Los Gatos, we know how these houses are built—and how to upgrade them without treating your home like a demo project.

What Is Knob and Tube Wiring? (And Why It Was Used)

Knob-and-tube wiring was a common method used in homes built roughly before the 1950s. Electricians ran individual hot and neutral wires through framing, supported by porcelain “knobs,” with ceramic “tubes” protecting wire where it passed through wood.

It was a solid system for its era—but it wasn’t designed for the way homes operate now.

[H3] Why knob-and-tube becomes a problem in modern homes

  • No grounding, which modern outlets, appliances, and safety devices rely on

  • Aging insulation that can dry out, crack, or crumble over time

  • Heat risk when buried under added attic/wall insulation

  • DIY/patchwork modifications over decades that introduce weak points

  • Insurance issues (many carriers restrict or deny policies when K&T is present)

If your home still has knob-and-tube wiring, replacement isn’t just “an upgrade.” It’s often the clearest path to safety and insurability.

If you suspect knob-and-tube wiring (or you’ve been told you have it), don’t wait for it to become a forced emergency.

Call (408) 929-6100 or 

Let’s make your home safer, smarter, and ready for what’s next.

Excellent
Dollens Electric
Based on 138 reviews
Great Company, very happy every time they do work for us.
Response from the owner:We truly appreciate your glowing feedback! It's so fulfilling to know you’re pleased with our services each time. We're committed to keeping that satisfaction going strong. Let us know whenever you need us again!
I needed to upgrade my electrical panel. Dollens Electric did a load calculation and recommended a new panel that would accommodate the electrification of my furnace and water heater down the road. They were prompt initiating and completing the upgrade. Their communication was excellent.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We're really happy we could assist with upgrading your electrical panel and prepare for your future needs. It's important to us to provide not only top-notch service but also clear communication. Hope you'll consider us for any more electrical projects you have in mind!
Fixed my problem and replaced my electronic door lock promptly.
Response from the owner:We're so grateful for your feedback and delighted we could efficiently resolve the issue with your electronic door lock! It's our pleasure to provide timely solutions and we hope to help you again whenever needed. Thank you for trusting Dollens Electric for your electrical needs!
Jason is very creative and found the answer to a problem several other electricians couldn't find.
Response from the owner:It's fantastic to receive your feedback and learn about your positive experience with Jason! We're so glad he could solve the problem for you. We look forward to assisting you with any future needs. Thank you for choosing Dollens Electric!
I recently hired Dollens Electric for several electrical projects in my home, and I couldn't be more impressed with the quality of work and professionalism displayed throughout.

Projects Completed:

-Electric water heater installation
-Circuit breaker panel upgrade
-Electric dryer wiring and connection

From the initial consultation, it was clear I was working with a true professional. They took the time to explain each project in detail, answered all my questions patiently, and provided transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

What stood out most:
The water heater installation was flawless. They ensured everything was up to code, properly grounded, and functioning perfectly. The attention to safety details gave me complete peace of mind.

The circuit breaker upgrade was handled expertly. They assessed my home's electrical needs, recommended the right capacity, and completed the work efficiently while keeping the disruption to my daily routine minimal.

For the dryer connection, they ran wiring cleanly and professionally, ensuring proper voltage and a safe, reliable connection. Everything was tested thoroughly before they considered the job complete.

Throughout all three projects, they maintained a clean work area, showed up on time, and demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship. I'll definitely be using them for all future electrical needs!
Response from the owner:We're overjoyed to read your kind words and are truly grateful for your excellent review! Hearing that you were happy with every step of our service means the world to us. Your trust and support in our work inspire us to continue delivering the best. Should you need any more assistance, feel free to reach out - we're here to help!
We used these folks to install an EV car charger. They were recommended by VW. Their service was excellent. The owner came out to give us an estimate and...
Very positive experience with Dollens Electric!
Came back from out of town on a Friday evening to find the garage without power.
Jason from Dollens walked me step by step through all the trouble shooting over the phone to spot the issue and resolve it within minutes.
I am going back to them for all my Electrical nees!
Response from the owner:We're really grateful for your fabulous feedback and perfect rating! It's wonderful to know Jason could quickly assist you during your return. We're here whenever you need electrical support, and look forward to serving you again - DEC Team
Update 8/2025

Still my go to electrical contractor. On time, plenty of communication, professional.
Converting from propane to an electric BBQ (firewise change).
Needed a new outlet on a 20 amp circuit that had an old 15 amp style socket. These are the guys I trust to keep us safe.

Update 9/2020 - Upgraded some thermostat wiring for me with a difficult routing. Professional and quick.

Update - Jason and Josh again came through for me. In the midst of a heat wave, they were able to come to the other end of the county and fix an electrical problem at my mother's house. Got the outlets for the portable AC and lift chair back working and made the wiring safer to boot.

Original - Could not ask for better. Jason installed a new 40 amp circuit and an EVo charger for our car. (No more slow 110 charging. Yeah!) While working in our breaker panel he noted a dangerous situation left by a previous contractor who upgraded our air conditioning.

(Side note kind of disappointing the inspector didn't notice that the other contractor put in a bigger breaker on a wire that was too small. Luckily the wire insulation had just started to bubble and it didn't catch fire.)

Within a week they were able to fit us in to replace the faulty circuit as well as rewire our garage lighting to eliminate some creative but scary runs of extension cords and re-purposed outlets. Now I have bright lights and when I look up, I don't see wires draped everywhere.

We connected with Jason of Dollens Electric through our equally excellent general contractor Dan Mackey. (Who by the way had nothing to do with the faulty circuit or the creative garage lighting.)

Lastly a thank you to Jason's son Josh who got to do the crawling under the house.
Response from the owner:We could not ask for better customers. We are looking forward to their next project!!!

Thanks Maggie and Jim!!!
very professional yet friendly Looking forward to continuing with Dollens Electric
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your wonderful review and 5-star rating. We're excited to continue supporting your electrical needs! It's fantastic to hear that our professional yet friendly service stood out to you. Please don't hesitate to get in touch anytime you need assistance!
They put in a ceiling fan for us and did a good job at a reasonable price. They are a great family company. I would definitely use them again.
Great service in installing an EVSE in my home. Very knowledgeable and explained the installation process.
Response from the owner:We're super grateful for your fantastic feedback and the 5-star rating! Delighted to know our team's expertise in EVSE installation met your expectations. We're here to make sure all your future projects go just as smoothly. Always feel free to reach out for any of your electrical needs!
After my car charger arrived I scheduled an appointment for the install, and Joshua came a couple days later. He was on time, knowledgeable, very professional, and did an amazing install of my Wallbox and Powermeter for a great price. I appreciated that he offered to install the power wires through the back for a cleaner install. He also explained to me what he was doing, and gave me chances for input on how everything should be laid out on the wall.

I had a hard time finding a contractor who wanted to install a power meter for dynamic energy monitoring over an expensive DCC. On my first call with them they recommended an Emporia Pro which is the cheapest option for dynamic load management, so I knew that they had the best for the customer in mind. I decided to go with Wallbox's offering instead; although I picked a less common method for dynamic load management Joshua had no issues wiring everything and it was great to see that he took in my input instead of just telling me I had to install a costly DCC. I also liked that he already had a lot of prior experience installing Wallbox's car charger.

Thank you for an amazing install. Support Local!
Response from the owner:We're ecstatic about your wonderful review and the 5-star rating you blessed us with! It's great to hear Joshua provided you with a seamless experience with your Wallbox and Powermeter installation. We always aim to prioritize what's best for our customers, and we're glad it resonated with you. If you have more projects in mind, count on us to be there for you!
Called for an estimate and Jason came out the next day and we received the estimate within a few hours. The work began two days later. Josh was very good at explaining what he was doing and let us know if something he saw was concerning. Both Josh and Brian were very neat and left the job site clean. The estimate was very clear as to the cost of each part of the project. The final cost was exactly what was estimated. Also received a senior discount, which was very much appreciated. Thanks to Jason, Josh and Brian.
Response from the owner:We're so grateful for your fantastic review and 5-star rating! 😊 It's truly wonderful to know our team could meet your expectations and provide a clear and precise estimate. We're delighted that our senior discount was a pleasant surprise for you. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us!
Response from the owner:We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your 5-star rating! 😊 It brings a big smile to our faces here at Dollens Electric knowing you had a top-notch experience with us.
Response from the owner:Thank you Denise. It is always a pleasure to work with you.
Highly efficient service. Provided the best solution to charge our new Tesla avoiding purchase of a costly charger. Installed a 50amp line and outlet. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner:Thanks Joel! You guys enjoy that new car!
Used again today to troubleshoot a couple of problems (Solved) and replace a ceiling fan (looks and works great). These guys are still the best.

I was pleased when they briefly reviewed an installation manual to make sure they remembered exactly how the brand worked. It was obvious Joshua already knew how to make the installation but he doubled checked anyway. (I'm glad I'm not the only person who still refers to a manual.)

Call/use them; you won't be sorry.
Jason is the BEST
Response from the owner:Thanks Linda, you are a great customer.
Response from the owner:Thanks Carl! It was good to work with you again. I will send over the quote to upgrade your backup system. Talk to you soon!
Dollens Electric installed a natural gas fired standby generator for me in May Last year. Jason called me and came to service the unit. The generator works like a charm every time we had PG&E outage. The best thing I have ever done for myself. They are professional and efficient. Unlike a lot of contractor, there was no fuss.. it is a large generator, they got it in a tight spot, yet met all the codes. Very nice.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting us with your generator installation! We're thrilled to hear that the generator has been reliable during outages and that you're satisfied with our service. We strive to be efficient and professional, and your feedback is greatly appreciated. If you ever need anything in the future, feel free to reach out to us!
Dollens Electric did a great job for us in setting up the irrigation system for the Christmas Tree Farm.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words, Jack! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with our service. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we look forward to assisting you again in the future.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the 5-star rating! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience with us. Your support means a lot and helps us keep providing quality service. If there's anything else we can do for you, please let us know!
Service was excellent and professional. Jason and Josh answered all my questions and gave good feedback. I will use again. Thank you!
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review! We're delighted to hear that you found our service excellent and professional. It's great to know Jason and Josh were able to help with your questions and feedback. We look forward to serving you again in the future!
The electrician, who is a son of the owner, was extremely knowledgeable, professional, prompt and expedient. He offered several options to my service request, but did so without pressure of any kind. The job was done quickly and with perfection. I highly recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a positive review! We're delighted to hear about your excellent experience with our electrician. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we're glad we were able to meet your expectations. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to serving you again in the future.
Excellent Service
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5-star review! We're thrilled to hear that you had an excellent experience with our service. We appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again in the future.
Great service -- all of the above
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review! We are thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with our service. Your satisfaction is our top priority! If you have any further questions or need assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your positive rating! We appreciate your support and are glad you had a good experience with us at Dollens Electric. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please feel free to reach out. We look forward to serving you again!
Very thorough and informative whole house fan, chandelier and kitchen hood thru roof job. Josh explained in details and provided suggestions to protect my old circuits also.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you were satisfied with our services and that Josh was able to provide helpful guidance. We appreciate your trust in us for your electrical needs and look forward to assisting you in the future.
Wanted to replace very old track lighting in living room with can lights. Submitted an estimate request on a Sunday night, Jason came out first thing Monday morning to check out the project and provided a timely and reasonable estimate later that day and followed up with a phone call. Work was completed today, one week later! Josh, Elijah, and Ricky were respectful of our home, took great care to keep things clean and were very pleasant. I don't know why we put this project off for so long! We finally have decent lighting in our living room! Will definitely use Dollens Electric for any future home projects/maintenance!
Response from the owner:Thanks for the review Katie! It was a pleasure to work with you as well!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind rating, Renee! We are thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Dollens Electric. If you ever need assistance with anything electrical in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Punctual and thorough service with helpful future maintenance ideas.?
Response from the owner:Thank you for your feedback, We are always here to provide helpful maintenance ideas for the future. Your satisfaction is our priority!
I highly recommend Dollen Electric. I called two other electricians and left a message to call back. They never did. However, Dolan Electric immediately...
Trustworthy very much describes Dollens Electric. Jason and his team including Josh and Elijah are reliable, honest, and efficient. I have used Dollens for major and small jobs and they stand by their work and rightfully so. Don't be fooled by cheap quotes that lure you in with the thought of getting major work done for a cheap cheap price. You get what you pay for and with Dollens, you get a great job for a fair price. Dollens is my go-to electrician.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We are delighted to hear about your positive experience with our team at Dollens Electric. We take pride in being reliable, honest, and efficient in every job, big or small. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we appreciate your trust in us. We look forward to serving you again in the future.
Trustworthy very much describes Dollens Electric. Jason and his team including Josh and Elijah are reliable, honest, and efficient. I have used Dollens for...
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the 5-star rating! We are glad to hear that you had a positive experience with our services. If you have any electrical needs in the future, feel free to reach out to us.
Very professional and friendly.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to leave us a review. We strive to provide professional and friendly service to all our customers, and it’s always great to hear when we have met your expectations. We look forward to serving you again in the future.
This guys are great! I got some problems with my electric and called them, they just led me do something with it, figured out my problem just a minute, I didn’t spend anything, thanks
Response from the owner:Dear Aximu Aierken,
Thank you for your kind words! We're glad to hear that you had a great experience with us. Our team at Dollens Electric is always ready to help with any electrical problems. If you ever need assistance in the future, don't hesitate to give us a call. Thanks again!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your positive rating! We appreciate your support and we're glad that you had a great experience with Dollens Electric. If you have any electrical needs in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always here to help!
Knowledgeable, effective, and efficient !!
Excellent communication and professional!
Highly recommend!

Jason seemed to know the possible cause for the problem when I told him that the parts of the house were losing power gradually, and he was right!! He came out on the same day and fixed the problem (burnt crimp in junction box in the garage) within an hour!! Excellent!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We are glad to hear that you had a positive experience with our services. Our team at Dollens Electric strives to provide knowledgeable, effective, and efficient service. We are glad that Jason was able to identify and fix the problem promptly. If you have any further electrical needs, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Prompt, and they explained everything in detail
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We take pride in our prompt service and strive to ensure that our customers fully understand the work being done. We appreciate your feedback and hope you will reach out with any future electrical needs.
Thank You , Jason & Joshua for your professional electrical service for replacing my outdated challenger electrical panel ! Just wanna let everyone know ,...
Appt at 8-10 am. No show.
I have been using Dollens for all my electric work (both repair and installation) in my house for over five years. They work well and quickly, offer...
I have used Dollens for a few projects. The staff is excellent. Always on time and accommodating. The work is perfect. I would trust Dollens Electric for any electrical project.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words, Farah! We are delighted to hear that you have had a positive experience with Dollens Electric. Our team takes great pride in providing excellent service and being punctual and accommodating. We appreciate your trust in us for your electrical projects.
Great experiece with Dollens knowledgeable professionals !
They went above board to make sure every thing was done to perfection !
Professional, fair pricing, and stayed late to get complete the job. Excellent workmanship and could not recommend more.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your positive feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you appreciated our professionalism, fair pricing, and dedication to completing the job. Your recommendation means a lot to us.
These guys are great. Had power fail at one of our outbuildings; they offered to come fix it on Xmas eve but I said after Christmas was fine. They came out on time, got it fixed, all good. Highly recommended!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your awesome review! We're delighted to hear that you were satisfied with our service and that we could assist you at a convenient time. We appreciate your kind words and recommendation. We look forward to helping you again in the future!
Excellent service & very competitive pricing. Would definitely use Dollens again & recommend them to others.
Excellent service with courteous and knowledgeable men
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are delighted to hear that our team provided you with excellent service. We always strive to deliver courteous and knowledgeable service to our valued customers. We look forward to serving you again in the future.
They have helped us a couple of times now. Will continue to use them going forward.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and continued trust in our services. We look forward to assisting you with your electrical needs in the future.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your 5-star rating! We appreciate your support and are thrilled to know that you had a great experience with us. Your feedback is valuable and encourages us to continue delivering excellent service.
I apologize for leaving a 1 star review earlier. I wanted to leave a review for another electrician service with similar name.
Response from the owner:I apologize for your poor experience. But I believe you maybe confusing us with another company. We have not provided an estimate or service to Ben Yu.
The guys who came out listened to what I wanted to get done and got right on it. I’m very pleased with their work. More business to come!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear you're pleased with our work. We appreciate your business and look forward to assisting you again in the future.
Very pleasant and professional, but very expensive for 20 minutes of work.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your 5-star review! We appreciate your support and are delighted to know you had a positive experience with us. If there's anything more we can do for you, please don't hesitate to let us know.
Dollens Electric is exceptional.
They give an accurate read on what needs
to be done. They are a safety-first company
that shows up energetic & work...
Response from the owner:Thank you for rating us 5 stars! We’re thrilled to know you had a great experience with our service. If you ever need any further assistance or have any questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Amazing experience with Jason! Prompt, quick, and knowledgeable. He helped me resolve an electrical issue within minutes! If I ever need help in the future, he’ll be the first person I call!
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you received prompt and efficient service. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we're here whenever you need us.
Great experience, Jason was professional, courtesy and knowledgeable and was able to address our issue. He also advised us on how to better safeguard our home. Thank you
Very easy to work with. Good suggestions were offered. Work is always first-rate.
Josh & Elijah did excellent work in replacing our electric panel. They were polite, professional & answered any questions I had. The work area was cleaned after they left. They even cleaned out my rain gutter & spout - above & beyond service!!
Josh & Elijah replaced our electrical panel. They were both professional & answered any questions I had. Their work area was cleaned after they were done....
Great service, courteous and efficient. I will engage Dollens for my panel replacement as well.
Installed a whole house fan that is quiet and effective. Greatly reduces A/C cost. Workers are fast and efficient and cleaned up 100%. Quality products.
This company is great. They were always on time and great at communicating both time estimates and costs. They are very thorough, knew current codes inside...

Signs Your San Jose Home May Still Have Knob-and-Tube

Safety first—always

Knob-and-tube wiring wasn’t designed for today’s electrical demand. Modern loads (microwaves, hair dryers, space heaters, home offices, EV charging, heat pumps) can push older systems into overheating and failure—especially when the wiring has been modified over the years.

Insurance eligibility and peace of mind

Many insurers flag knob-and-tube as a higher-risk system. Replacing it can remove a major obstacle when renewing coverage, shopping policies, or preparing for a sale.

Code compliance for renovations and resale

Updated wiring is one of those upgrades buyers don’t “see,” but inspectors absolutely do. A proper rewire removes red flags that can derail negotiations and timelines.

Home value and smoother escrow

California’s current electrical code requires grounded circuits and updated safety protocols. Knob-and-tube wiring has no grounding and doesn’t meet modern standards, creating legal and functional issues during renovations, permitting, or resale.

Is Knob and Tube Wiring Legal in San Jose?

Knob-and-tube is generally grandfathered—meaning it can exist in a home if it hasn’t been altered improperly—but it’s not acceptable for new work, and it often creates issues when upgrades or repairs are permitted. The bigger real-world problem is usually insurance, safety, and the unknown condition of wiring hidden in walls.

Insurance Issues With Knob and Tube Wiring

If your insurer has asked about knob-and-tube, it’s usually because:

  • They’ve seen it on an inspection report

  • They require proof of replacement or a licensed evaluation

  • They limit coverage until the wiring is updated

We can document what’s present, explain options clearly, and provide a replacement plan that supports safer coverage decisions.

Add Whole House Surge Protection

California’s unpredictable grid makes surge protection essential. We install whole house surge protectors directly into your panel to block voltage spikes before they damage appliances or electronics. Ideal for:

  • EV chargers

  • Computers and home offices

  • Solar-powered systems

Sub Panels: Expand Power Without Replacing Your Main Panel

Need more power for an addition, ADU, or solar array? Sub panels allow us to safely redistribute and expand your system without a full panel replacement.

Sub panels are great for:

  • Smart home upgrades

  • Garage EV charger installation

  • Accessory Dwelling Units

Our Knob and Tube Replacement Process

Old homes don’t need guesswork. They need a plan.

1) On-site inspection + access points

We start by confirming what wiring exists, where it runs, and how much of the home is still on K&T versus newer circuits. Attic, crawlspace, basement, panel labeling, and key device checks are part of the process.

2) Load planning for modern living

If you’re adding EV charging, a heat pump water heater, induction cooking, HVAC electrification, an ADU, or a home office, we plan for it now—so you’re not opening walls twice.

3) Permit-ready scope of work

We handle the scope the way inspectors expect: grounded circuits, proper protections, clean routing, safe junctions, and clear labeling.

4)Clean execution with minimal disruption

We use strategic access points and smart routing to reduce unnecessary patchwork. For many homes, we can complete major portions with far less wall damage than people expect.

5) Final testing + walkthrough

We test circuits, verify protection, label clearly, and walk you through what changed—so you know exactly what you own.

Knob and Tube Wiring Replacement Cost in San Jose

Knob-and-tube replacement isn’t one-size-fits-all. The price depends on:

  • How much of the home is still on K&T

  • Home size, layout, access (crawlspace/attic), and wall construction

  • Number of circuits/outlets you want added or upgraded

  • Panel condition and capacity

  • Add-ons like surge protection, subpanels, EV readiness, or electrification planning

The right way to price it is the way we do it: inspect first, scope it clearly, then quote it transparently—no mystery line items.

Real Work, Real Homes: A San Jose Case Study

1920s Craftsman near downtown San Jose

A homeowner called us after intermittent power and a “burnt” smell in the attic. We found brittle cloth-wrapped wiring buried under insulation—an avoidable fire risk. We completed a full knob-and-tube replacement, improved circuit layout for modern loads, and prepared the home for future electrification upgrades.

Add Whole-House Surge Protection

California’s grid events and everyday utility switching can send voltage spikes through a home. Whole-house surge protection helps protect what you’ve already invested in—especially if you have:

  • EV chargers

  • Computers and home office equipment

  • Solar + battery equipment

  • Smart home systems and appliances

Recommended when you rewire

A rewire is the perfect time to install surge protection correctly—clean, code-compliant, and coordinated with your panel.

Subpanels: Expand Power Without Replacing Your Main Panel

Need more circuits for an addition, ADU, garage conversion, workshop, or EV charging? A subpanel can be the cleanest way to expand capacity and organize loads—sometimes without an immediate main panel replacement.

[H3] Subpanels are great for:

  • ADUs and additions

  • Garage EV charger installation

  • Kitchen expansions and major remodels

  • Smart home upgrades and dedicated circuits

 Subpanels are great for:

  • ADUs and additions

  • Garage EV charger installation

  • Kitchen expansions and major remodels

  • Smart home upgrades and dedicated circuits

Bay Area Appliance Rules: Don’t Let Old Wiring Block Your Next Upgrade

The Bay Area Air District has adopted building-appliance rules that phase in “zero-NOx” requirements for new water heaters and furnaces at replacement time—starting with smaller water heaters in 2027, then furnaces in 2029, and larger commercial/multifamily water heating equipment in 2031.

Translation for homeowners: if your older home still has outdated wiring, electrical capacity can become the limiting factor when you want (or need) to upgrade equipment later. Rewiring and load planning now keeps you in control instead of scrambling later.

FAQ: Knob and Tube Replacement in San Jose

Is knob and tube wiring dangerous?

It can be—especially when insulation is deteriorated, circuits are overloaded, or the system has been modified over time. The only way to know is a proper inspection.

Will rewiring destroy my walls?

We use strategic access points to limit cuts and preserve original materials whenever possible. Some patching is normal, but it’s rarely the “whole house gutted” situation people fear.

Can I keep part of my knob and tube?

In most cases, we recommend full replacement. Partial systems often leave hidden risk behind and can still trigger insurance concerns.

Do I need a panel upgrade too?

Not always—but many older homes benefit from capacity planning. We’ll assess your load and recommend what actually supports your goals (EVs, heat pumps, modern appliances, additions).

Why San Jose Homeowners Choose Dollens Electric

  • Licensed electricians who work on older homes every week

  • Clear communication, clean execution, and no-pressure recommendations

  • Permit-ready work built to pass inspection

  • Practical planning for electrification, EV readiness, and future loads

Ready to Future-Proof Your Vintage Home?

Book a no-pressure consultation. We’ll walk your property, assess your wiring, and give you a clear plan that protects your safety, your insurance options, and your investment.

Call (408) 929-6100
Book Service Online Now »

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