ruphased

I've never had the privilege to be graced with the presence of k&t, until now. On a trip out east, a friend showed me her broken switch. I am assuming this is k&t because it's porcelain. Being on vacation, tool-less, k&t experience-less and without a codebook, I have come here. Is this a k&t switch? Can I cut-in a non-metallic remodel box for her?

photos here:http://s731.photobucket.com/albums/ww314/ex41blue/

Bkessler

That is what I do, I see lots of that set up, A lot of times some one want me to put a new fixture up so I just cut in a remodel box.

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480sparky

Be careful how you cut the box in, however. Two reasons:
1. As not to damage the k&t in the wall.
2. In order to position the box with the maximum length of wire in the box. In other words, the wires probably go up the wall, so cut the box in as high as you can and not leave a hole or marks below the box. This will give you more wire to work with and be much easier to install the new switch.

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ruphased

good tips 480. thanks. I'd probably try using a rotozip so I can set the depth, and the walls are that sandplaser stuff and they look like they're going to crumble out on me... anything else I should know? can i bring each wire through it's own hole in the back of the box, or should the come through the same hole... i've heard some talk about mag. flux issues with k&t...

480sparky

You'll only have an issue with metal moxes.... plastic ones don't have that problem. Keep the loom that's on the wires to reuse when you feen them into the box.

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waco

One other thing -- the wall thickness might be too much for the cut-in box, so if you can, try to mount your box next to a stud so you can mount the box to the stud with screws if you have to. I usually keep the sleeves and run the wires through separate holes and be prepared to extend the wires with wirenuts, in the box, before you secure the box. The wires are usually not long enough and once the splices are made, you just stuff them to the back of the box and leave all the new wire you want coming out the front.

Expect the wall to crumble. That's just how it is.

Bkessler

A half a can of expansion foam around a cut in box is great if you feel that it might not be in sturdy enough. Just don't plan on ever taking it out again! I keep a can or two with me at all times mostly to glue cut in boxes in plaster walls in place.

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waco

Excellent! Do you ever use it before you make the cutout?

Bkessler

No I could see that possible preventing a plaster blowout but that sh;t is messy!

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volty

Also be careful handling the old wires. If they have not lived a good life they will crumble as much as the wall. Try not to bend or flex them too tightly.
The outer cloth covering will fray too, so applying some tape before setting the box may help.