DIY guideOlder wiring

Recognize a fuse box, aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring (look only)

What a fuse box, aluminum wire and knob-and-tube look like from the basement. Touch nothing: an electrician assesses it.

6 steps

Tap a step to watch it again.

This is a look from where you stand, with a flashlight. Don't move anything, open boxes or pull back insulation.
Never touch old or bare wires, or anything inside a box.
Round screw-in fuses, or pull-out blocks, where you'd expect rows of switches: that's a fuse box.
In an unfinished basement or attic, look up: single wires held off the wood on white ceramic knobs, or running through ceramic tubes.
On the cables you can see, look for AL or ALUMINUM printed along the jacket.
Take photos from where you stand, without touching, for the electrician.
A fuse box, knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring needs an electrician's look before any work, and your insurer may ask. Ask Handyman for one.

Handyman says: Touch nothing. I'll find an electrician.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.