This is a single-conductor, 12-gauge wire in the knob & tube style, where the conductor is solid core and covered in lacquered black cotton braid.

Please note that this wire is solid core, which means it is one solid piece of copper, not made of several finer strands. As a result, the wire is stiff, not bending easily, and holds its shape when bent.

Notes on the Wire

This wire is a reproduction of wire used for house wiring from the 1880s to the 1930s. The wire is called "knob and tube" because it was run through cylindrical porcelain wire clamps, called knobs, to hold it to the wall. The wire was run through porcelain tubes when it was run through wooden parts of the house frame.

You can see examples of knobs and tubes in our knob and tube supplies products list. There is also a description and several great photos of knob and tube wiring at Wikipedia's knob and tube page.

Usage

This wire was manufactured especially for replacing existing knob and tube wiring in historical sites, museums, displays, etc. It is also useful for any application requiring a heavy duty single conductor wire.

BUILDING CODES PROHIBIT REPAIRING EXISTING KNOB AND TUBE WIRING IN BUILDINGS. IT MUST BE FULLY REPLACED IF IT IS TO BE ALTERED. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR BUILDING INSPECTOR BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGES TO EXISTING KNOB AND TUBE WIRING. THIS WIRE IS INTENDED FOR MUSEUM, THEATRICAL, AND NON-BUILDING WIRING.

You should consult a qualified electrician to ensure that the gauge of the wire you select can safely support the electrical load of your lamp or small appliance over the length of wire you are using.