Chas Hurst wrote:

"D. Gerasimatos" wrote in message
...

In article .com,
Matt wrote:

"It will support more power than today's cables of the same size."

Huh?


I think what he means is that the wires that were used for, say 15 amp
circuits before are a larger gauge than those used now. You could run
20 amps over K&t circuits designed to run 15 amps - at least in terms of
the gauge of the wire.


Dimitri


I think it's reference to insulation or lack of. With no insulation the
wire dissipates heat faster, hence the higher rating.


IIRC knob and tube used insulated wire, but I can see some validity in
the its getting more convection cooling because it was free standing
between the insulators (knobs) whereas romex is usually stapled against
wood and often covered by insulation too.

Wouldn't bet on it without seeing the old specs myself though.

Jeff

--
Jeffry Wisnia

(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)

"Truth exists; only falsehood has to be invented."