Quarter 2

Module 2
(Grade 12)

Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) NCII

INSTALL ELECTRICAL LIGHTING SYSTEMS ON AUXILIARY
OUTLETS AND LIGHTING FIXTURES

Principles of Knobs and Tubes, Some Advantages of Knobs

and Tube Wiring, Safety Reminders When Installing Knobs
and Tube Wiring.

1
 INSTALL ELECTRICAL LIGHTING SYSTEMS ON
AUXILIARY OUTLET AND LIGHTING FIXTURES

EXPECTATIONS
After reading this lesson, you MUST be able to:
1. Identify the different tools and materials needed in knob and tube installation.
2. Explain the basic principles in knob and tube installation.
3. Value safety in knob and tube installation.

PRE-TEST
I. INSTRUCTION: Read the questions carefully and write the best answer on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. In an open wiring method, what do you call the knob that is used to support wires
smaller than no. 8?
a. solid knob c. split knob
b. hard knob d. door knob
2. In an open wiring method, what do you call the knob that is used to support wires
as big as no. 8 or even bigger?
a. solid knob c. split knob
b. door knob d. box knob
3. What is the minimum maintained distance between conductors in an open wiring
method?
a. 3 centimeters c. 4 centimeters
b. 5 centimeters d. 6 centimeters
4. What is the minimum maintained distance between knobs in an open wiring
method?
a. 30 centimeters c. 40 centimeters
b. 50 centimeters d. 60 centimeters
5. In which location does the use of open wiring method prohibited?
a. commercial garages c. hoist ways
b. theaters d. all of the above
6. What is the condition of the conductors in an open wiring method?
a. concealed c. shorted

2
 b. visible d. grounded
7. What material is used to fasten a split knob or solid knob into wooden surfaces?
a. nail c. either a or b
b. screw d. neither a nor b
8. Which of the following wire sizes can be supported by split knobs?
a. AWG # 10 and smaller c. AWG # 8
b. AWG # 8 and bigger d. AWG # 10 and bigger
9. If a nail is used to fasten split knob, what should be placed between the nail head
and the insulator to form a cushion and protect the insulator from breaking?
a. mica tubing c. wire insulator
b. leather washer d. plastic molding
10. How do you tie a tie-wire to the groove of a solid knob?
a. Both over the main wire.
b. One under and one over the main wire.
c. Both under the main wire.
d. Either of the three choices.
11. Whenever wires pass through studs, rafters, floor joists or any wooden part of a
building, what is the standard thing to do?
a. The wires are inserted in porcelain tubes.
b. The wires are inserted in mica tubing.
c. Either a or b.
d. Neither a nor b.
12. In installing an electrical wiring system with the knob and tube method, after you
placed the first knob, how long do you need to place the second knob away from
the first knob?
a. 60 centimeters or longer.
b. 40 centimeters
c. 50 centimeters
d. Not exceeding 30 centimeters.
13. Which of the following wire sizes CAN NOT be supported by a split knob?
a. AWG # 8 c. AWG # 10
b. AWG # 12 d. AWG # 14
14. Which of the following wire sizes is NOT suitable for solid knob use?
a. AWG # 4 c. AWG # 6
b. AWG # 8 d. AWG # 10
15. It is important to maintain the distance between conductors in open wiring
method. Which of the following distances between conductors in open wiring
method is UNACCEPTABLE?
a. 6cm c. 5cm
b. 7cm d. 8cm
16. It is important to maintain the distance between knobs in open wiring method.
Which of the following distances between knobs is UNACCEPTABLE?
a. 30cm c. 40cm
b. 20cm d. 10cm
17. An electrician needs to install a temporary lighting circuit to be used in a bazaar.
What is the most economical wiring method that he can use?
a. open wiring method
b. flexible non-metallic conduit method
c. rigid metallic conduit method
d. rigid non-metallic conduit method
18. Eren told his son Armin to buy 30 meters AWG # 14 wire, 3 receptacles, 3 bulbs,
and 50 knobs to be used for the installation of temporary wiring in their garage.

3
 The owner of the hardware asked Armin what type of knob is needed. What type
of knob should Armin buy?
a. Solid knob because #14 wire is bigger than # 8. Wire with size 8 and bigger
should use solid knob.
b. Split knob because #14 wire is smaller than # 8. Wire smaller than # 8
should use split knob.
c. Solid knob because # 14 wire is smaller than #8. Wire smaller than # 8
should use solid knob.
d. Split knob because #14 wire is bigger than #8. Wire bigger than #8 should
use split knob.
19. An electrician was called to inspect an electrical problem in a house that uses an
open wiring method in their electrical circuits. He found out that the short circuit
occurred is caused by two intersecting wires. What could be the cause of the
problem?
a. The insulation of the wires is old and brittle.
b. The intersecting wires are not protected with mica tube.
c. Pests may have eaten the insulation of the wires.
d. All of the above.
20. Maximo went to the hardware to buy 70 meters AWG # 6 wire, 15 convenience
outlets, and 150 knobs to be used for the installation of temporary wiring in their
food stall. The owner of the hardware asked Max what type of knob is needed.
What type of knob should Max buy?
a. Solid knob because # 6 wire is bigger than # 8. Wire with size 8 and bigger
should use solid knob.
b. Split knob because #6 wire is smaller than # 8. Wire smaller than # 8
should use split knob.
c. Solid knob because # 6 wire is smaller than #8. Wire smaller than # 8
should use solid knob.
d. Split knob because #6 wire is bigger than #8. Wire bigger than #8 should
use split knob.
21. As a trainee, what will you do next after you finish your wiring activity using open
wiring method?
a. Energize your work.
b. Perform housekeeping then energize your work.
c. Ask your co-trainee to energize your work.
d. Perform housekeeping then ask your trainer to test your work.
22. You need to install a power circuit using open wiring method. How often do you
need to perform housekeeping?
a. before activity
b. no need to perform housekeeping
c. after activity
d. before and after each activity
23. What is the primary tool used to fasten a split knob with nails?
a. Philips screwdriver c. flat screwdriver
b. claw hammer d. combination pliers
24. What is the primary tool used to fasten a split knob with screws?
a. Philips screwdriver c. flat screwdriver
b. claw hammer d. combination pliers
25. What type of splice do you need to perform if you need to extend the length of
the conductor in an open wiring method?
a. rat tail joint c. western union splice
b. octopus joint d. tap joint

4
Lessons
1.1 Principles of Knob and Tube.
1.2 Some Advantages of Knob and Tube Wiring.
1.3 Safety Reminders When Installing Knob and Tube Wiring.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION :

Open wiring is a wiring method using cleats, knobs, tubes and flexible tubing for the protection
and support of insulated conductors run, in or on buildings, and not concealed by the building
structure.

PRINCIPLES OF KNOB AND TUBE

The open or exposed wiring method is sometimes referred to as the Open Wiring
on Insulators. (PEC section 212) It uses cleats, knobs (split or solid), porcelain tubes and
mica tubing for the support and protection of insulated conductors that run in or on
buildings. It may be used in working either outside or inside the buildings in dry or wet
locations. It shall not be used in the following locations:
1. Commercial Garages 4. Hoist ways
2. Theaters 5. Hazardous Locations
3. Motion Picture Studios
In the open or exposed wiring method, the wires are visible and are supported by
the knobs. These knobs may be a split or solid type. This is shown in figure 1.

Figure 1. The Split and Solid knobs

Split knobs are used to support wires smaller than No. 8. Solid knobs are used to
support or anchor wires as big as No. 8 or even bigger. Screws or nails may be used to
fasten the knobs. When a nail is used a leather washer should be placed between the
nail head and the insulator to form cushion and protect the insulator from breaking. See
figure 2.

5
 Figure 2. The Solid Knob with Leather washer for Protection

Figure 3. Shows the correct and wrong ways of tying wires to the groove of a solid
knob.

In installing an electrical wiring system with the exposed knob and tube wiring method,
the distance between conductors should be maintained at a minimum distance of 6 cm.
(2 ½ inches) apart. The knobs must have a 30 cm (1 foot) distance apart. Figure 4
illustrates this provision of PEC.

Figure 4. Spacing of Split Knobs and Conductors

Whenever wires pass through studs, rafters, floor joists or any wooden part of a
building, the wires are inserted in porcelain tubes or flexible mica tubing. Porcelain
tubes and mica tubing are also provided whenever wires cross each other. It gives the
wire extra protection from injury.

6
 Figure 5. Application of Porcelain Tubes and Mica Tubing
Some advantages of the knob and tube wiring

1. It is used in temporary installation, such as construction jobs.

2. It is economical when properly installed.
3. It has a lower operating temperature because of ventilation brought by distances of
the installation.

Safety reminders when installing knob and tube wiring

1. Apply enough pressure on the gimlet when driving it to the wood board. Never
hammer it.
2. Have the auger brace oiled regularly especially the ratchet type.
3. Have your electrician’s knife sharpened enough in order not to nick the wire.
4. Use the appropriate screwdriver for the screw.
5. Be sure that the conductors in contact with the wiring surface are enclosed in mica
tubing.
6. Be sure that your teacher has checked your work before testing.
7. Be sure that the safety switch is off before making any connection. Apply tape on all
joints/splices.
8. Do not drive the split-knobs completely before the conductors or wires are run or
inserted along the grooves of the knobs.
9. Be sure to test the insulation for short and ground circuit before putting on the power.

REMEMBER

Open wiring is a wiring method using cleats, knobs, tubes and flexible tubing for the protection and
support of insulated conductors run, in or on buildings, and not concealed by the building structure.
It is economical to use in temporary wiring installations. Always follow safety procedures in
installation of open wiring method or any other wiring methods.

7
CHECK YOUR
UNDERSTANDING

INSTRUCTION: Read the questions carefully and write the best answer on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. In an open wiring method, what do you call the knob that is used to support wires
smaller than no. 8?
a. solid knob c. split knob
b. hard knob d. door knob
2. In an open wiring method, what do you call the knob that is used to support wires
as big as no. 8 or even bigger?
a. solid knob c. split knob
b. door knob d. box knob
3. What is the minimum maintained distance between conductors in open wiring
method?
a. 3 centimeters c. 4 centimeters
b. 5 centimeters d. 6 centimeters
4. What is the minimum maintained distance between knobs in open wiring
method?
a. 30 centimeters c. 40 centimeters
b. 50 centimeters d. 60 centimeters
5. In which location does the use of open wiring method prohibited?
a. commercial garages c. hoist ways
b. theaters d. all of the above
6. What is the condition of the conductors in an open wiring method?
a. concealed c. shorted
b. visible d. grounded
7. What material is used to fasten split knob or solid knob into wooden surfaces?
a. nail c. either a or b
b. screw d. neither a nor b
8. Which of the following wire sizes can be supported by split knobs?
a. AWG # 10 and smaller c. AWG # 8
b. AWG # 8 and bigger d. AWG # 10 and bigger
9. If a nail is used to fasten split knob, what should be placed between the nail head
and the insulator to form a cushion and protect the insulator from breaking?
a. mica tubing c. wire insulator
b. leather washer d. plastic molding 10. How do you tie a
tie-wire to the groove of a solid knob?
a. Both over the main wire.
b. One under and one over the main wire.
c. Both under the main wire.

POST - TEST
INSTRUCTION: Read the questions carefully and write the best answer on a separate
sheet of paper

8
1. In an open wiring method, what do you call the knob that is used to support wires
smaller than no. 8?
a. solid knob c. split knob
b. hard knob d. door knob
2. In an open wiring method, what do you call the knob that is used to support wires
as big as no. 8 or even bigger?
a. solid knob c. split knob
b. door knob d. box knob
3. What is the minimum maintained distance between conductors in open wiring
method?
a. 3 centimeters c. 4 centimeters
b. 5 centimeters d. 6 centimeters
4. What is the minimum maintained distance between knobs in open wiring
method?
a. 30 centimeters c. 40 centimeters
b. 50 centimeters d. 60 centimeters
5. In which location does the use of open wiring method prohibited?
a. commercial garages c. hoist ways
b. theaters d. all of the above
6. What is the condition of the conductors in open wiring method?
a. concealed c. shorted
b. visible d. grounded
7. What material is used to fasten split knob or solid knob into wooden surfaces?
a. nail c. either a or b
b. screw d. neither a nor b
8. Which of the following wire sizes can be supported by split knobs?
a. AWG # 10 and smaller c. AWG # 8
b. AWG # 8 and bigger d. AWG # 10 and bigger
9. If a nail is used to fasten split knob, what should be placed between the nail head
and the insulator to form a cushion and protect the insulator from breaking?
a. mica tubing c. wire insulator
b. leather washer d. plastic molding
10. How do you tie a tie-wire to the groove of a solid knob?
a. Both over the main wire.
b. One under and one over the main wire.
c. Both under the main wire.
d. Either of the three choices.
11. Whenever wires pass through studs, rafters, floor joists or any wooden part of a
building, what is the standard thing to do?
a. The wires are inserted in porcelain tubes.
b. The wires are inserted in mica tubing.
c. Either a or b
d. Neither a nor b
12. In installing an electrical wiring system with the knob and tube method, after you
placed the first knob, how long do you need to place the second knob away from
the first knob?
a. 60 centimeters or longer.
b. 40 centimeters
c. 50 centimeters
d. Not exceeding 30 centimeters
13. Which of the following wire sizes CAN NOT be supported by a split knob?
a. AWG # 8 c. AWG # 10
b. AWG # 12 d. AWG # 14
9
14. Which of the following wire sizes is NOT suitable for solid knob use?
a. AWG # 4 c. AWG # 6
b. AWG # 8 d. AWG # 10
15. It is important to maintain the distance between conductors in open wiring
method. Which of the following distances between conductors in open wiring
method is UNACCEPTABLE?
a. 6cm c. 5cm
b. 7cm d. 8cm
16. It is important to maintain the distance between knobs in open wiring method.
Which of the following distances between knobs is UNACCEPTABLE?
a. 30cm c. 40cm
b. 20cm d. 10cm
17. An electrician needs to install a temporary lighting circuit to be used in a bazaar.
What is the most economical wiring method that he can use?
a. open wiring method
b. flexible non-metallic conduit method
c. rigid metallic conduit method
d. rigid non-metallic conduit method
18. Eren told his son Armin to buy 30 meters AWG # 14 wire, 3 receptacles, 3 bulbs,
and 50 knobs to be used for the installation of temporary wiring in their garage.
The owner of the hardware asked Armin what type of knob is needed. What type
of knob should Armin buy?
a. Solid knob because #14 wire is bigger than # 8. Wire with size 8 and bigger
should use solid knob.
b. Split knob because #14 wire is smaller than # 8. Wire smaller than # 8
should use split knob.
c. Solid knob because # 14 wire is smaller than #8. Wire smaller than # 8
should use solid knob.
d. Split knob because #14 wire is bigger than #8. Wire bigger than #8 should use
split knob.
19. An electrician was called to inspect an electrical problem in a house that use
open wiring method in their electrical circuits. He found out that the short circuit
that occurred is caused by two intersecting wires. What could be the cause of the
problem?
a. The insulation of the wires is old and brittle.
b. The intersecting wires are not protected with mica tube.
c. Pests may have eaten the insulation of the wires.
d. All of the above.

20. Maximo went to the hardware to buy 70 meters AWG # 6 wire, 15 convenience
outlets, and 150 knobs to be used for the installation of temporary wiring in their
food stall. The owner of the hardware asked Max what type of knob is needed.
What type of knob should Max buy?
a. Solid knob because # 6 wire is bigger than # 8. Wire with size 8 and bigger
should use solid knob.
b. Split knob because #6 wire is smaller than # 8. Wire smaller than # 8
should use split knob.
c. Solid knob because # 6 wire is smaller than #8. Wire smaller than # 8
should use solid knob.
d. Split knob because #6 wire is bigger than #8. Wire bigger than #8 should use
split knob.

10
 21. As a trainee, what will you do next after you finish your wiring activity in open
wiring method?
a. Energize your work.
b. Perform housekeeping then energize your work.
c. Ask your co-trainee to energize your work.
d. Perform housekeeping then ask your trainer to test your work.
22. You need to install a power circuit using open wiring method. How often do you
need to perform housekeeping?
a. before activity
b. no need to perform housekeeping
c. after activity
d. before and after each activity
23. What is the primary tool used to fasten a split knob with nails?
a. Philips screwdriver c. flat screwdriver
b. claw hammer d. combination pliers
24. What is the primary tool used to fasten a split knob with screws?
a. Philips screwdriver c. flat screwdriver
b. claw hammer d. combination pliers
25. What type of splice do you need to perform if you need to extend the length of
the conductor in an open wiring method?
a. rat tail joint c. western union splice
b. octopus joint d. tap joint

REFLECTIVE LEARNING SHEET

I learned that….

________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

11
 ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

ANSWER KEY

PRE-TEST CHECK YOUR POST-TEST

UNDERSTANDING
1. c 1. c 1. c
2. a 2. a 2. a
3. d 3. d 3. d
4. a 4. a 4. a
5. d 5. d 5. d
6. b 6. b 6. b
7. c 7. c 7. c
8. a 8. a 8. a
9. b 9. b 9. b
10.b 10. b 10. b
11.c 11. c
12.d 12. d
13.a 13. a
14.d 14. d
15. c 15. c
16. c 16. c
17. a 17. a
18. b 18. b
19. d 19. d
20. a 20. a
21. d 21. d
22. d 22. d
23. b 23. b
24. a 24. a

12
 25. c 25. c

NOTE:
Post-test PASSING SCORE: 20 and above.
• If you got failed score on post-test, please the module and answer the post-test
again until you get the passing score.
• If you passed the post-test, you can now proceed to the next module.

REFERENCES

• COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIALS, THIRD YEAR, BUILDING

WIRING INSTALLATION NC II, INSTALLING OF ELECTRICAL LIGHTING
SYSTEM ON AUXILIARY OUTLETS AND LIGHTING FIXTURES
• https://www.123rf.com/photo_97361168_stock-vector-power-plug-with-wire-icon-vector-
art-illustration-design-.html

Technology Teacher:
• MR. MARINO C. CUETO
Community Vocational High School MinSCAT Calapan City Campus, Masipit,
Calapan City

Contextual Teachers:
• MS. GINA C. DELOS SANTOS
AFG Bernardino MTS
Lias, Marilao, Bulacan

Facilitators:
• MRS. CORAZON C. ECHANO
Tech-Voc Task Force
Encoder
• MR. LEMUEL C. VALLES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This learning module was developed for Electrical Installation and Maintenance
(EIM), Grade 9 of the Special Program on Technical-Vocational Education (SPTVE)
Curriculum with the assistance of the following persons:

Module Writer Reviewer/Validator

MERVIC V. MERCADO JESUSA Y. ALCARAZ

Teacher 1 Head Teacher VI
A.J. Villegas Vocational High Sch. A. J. Villegas Vocational High Sch.

13
14