Electrical Wiring & Rewiring Services on O’ahu
Protect your property with modern, safe, and code-compliant wiring. Expert rewiring for renovations, older homes, and commercial buildings.
Knoles Electric
Is Your Wiring Safe? Why It Matters.
Up-to-date electrical wiring is crucial for safety, efficiency, and reliability—especially for older homes and buildings across Hawaii.
Many homes in Manoa, Kaimuki, and Downtown Honolulu were built decades ago, using wiring standards that are now considered dangerous (like Knob-and-Tube or cloth-insulated wire). These old systems were never designed to power modern AC units, 4K TVs, and EV chargers.
At Knoles Electric, we specialize in bringing these systems into the 21st century. Whether you are doing a full renovation, building a new home, or simply need to replace a few dangerous circuits, our union-trained team ensures your wiring meets the strictest National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
Our Wiring Services
We provide comprehensive solutions for both Residential and Commercial properties:
Whole-Home Rewiring:
Replacing old, brittle, or ungrounded wiring with modern, shielded copper wiring.
Knob & Tube Replacement:
safely removing active knob-and-tube systems found in pre-1950s Plantation homes to satisfy insurance requirements.
Renovation Wiring:
Planning and installing new circuits for kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, or home additions.
Commercial Tenant Improvements:
Tailored wiring solutions for offices, retail spaces, and restaurants to minimize downtime and support heavy equipment.
Aluminum Wiring Remediation:
Fixing or replacing dangerous aluminum wiring often found in homes built in the 1960s and 70s.
Quick Diagnostic Guide: Do You Need Rewiring?
Old wiring often hides behind the walls, but it leaves clues. Use this guide to check your home’s health.
| Warning Sign | What It Means | Urgency Level |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Prong Outlets | No ground wire. High risk of shock and damage to electronics. | 🟠 HIGH Needs upgrade for safety. |
| Cloth Insulation | Wiring from the 1940s–50s. Insulation becomes brittle and cracks, causing fires. | 🔴 CRITICAL Replace immediately. |
| Flickering Lights | Loose connections or varying voltage due to poor wiring integrity. | 🟡 MODERATE Schedule diagnosis. |
| Discolored Outlets | Heat buildup inside the wall is scorching the faceplate. | 🔴 EMERGENCY Stop usage immediately. |
| Extension Cords Everywhere | You rely on power strips because you don't have enough outlets. | 🟢 ROUTINE Need new circuits installed. |
⚠️ Buying an older home? Click here for a pre-purchase electrical inspection.
Renovating Your Kitchen or Bath?
Don’t close the walls until the wiring is right. We work with your contractor to ensure code compliance.
Call Us 24/7 (808) 600-8816
Email Us info@knoleselectric.com
Our Process: Respecting Your Home
The biggest fear homeowners have about rewiring is the mess. We do things differently.
1. Mapping & Planning:
We trace your existing circuits to create a roadmap that minimizes wall cuts.
2. Surgical Precision:
In single-wall homes, we use precise conduit bending. In double-wall homes, we “fish” wires through cavities to avoid tearing down drywall whenever possible.
3. The Installation:
We install high-quality copper wiring, proper grounding, and new devices (switches/outlets).
4. The Cleanup:
We sweep, vacuum, and patch. We treat your home with the “Spark Aloha” spirit—leaving it cleaner than we found it.
Old Tech vs. Modern Safety
Why is “Knob and Tube” or “Cloth” wiring such a big deal?
| Feature | Old Wiring (Knob & Tube / Cloth) | Modern Wiring (Romex / THHN) |
|---|---|---|
| Grounding | No Ground. Electricity has nowhere safe to go if there is a surge. | Grounded. Excess power goes to earth, protecting you and your devices. |
| Insulation | Rubber/Cloth. Dries out, crumbles, and exposes bare wire to air (fire risk). | Thermoplastic. Durable, heat-resistant, and lasts for decades. |
| Capacity | Designed for lightbulbs only. Overheats with modern appliances. | Designed for High Load. Handles ACs, microwaves, and computers. |
| Insurance | Many insurers will not cover homes with active K&T wiring. | Fully insurable and compliant. |
Why Choose Knoles Electric?
Expertise in Old Homes:
We understand Hawaii’s unique architecture. We know how to wire a single-wall construction home without making it look cluttered with conduit.
Code Compliance:
We bring older systems up to code, ensuring you pass inspection if you are selling your home or closing a permit.
Licensed & Union-Trained:
Our team has the deep technical knowledge required for complex rewiring projects. We don’t cut corners on safety.
Elijah completed the installation with great care and quality. He also maintained clear communication throughout the two day project.
Overall, a smooth experience and we’re happy with the results. Mahalo Knoles Electric Team!
Elijah was the electrician who came out for the rescheduled appointment and he was truly amazing! Arrived exactly on time & was prepared with all of the necessary tools & parts! He was thorough, efficient and fun to chat with throughout the job! He also made sure to vacuum up afterwards despite renovation mess, but this just proves the attention to detail he provided! Can't recommend him, or this company enough!! Mahalo, Elijah!!
Parties. Cameron was very concerned for me and my family and our situation. He asked me to explain what happened. He told me not to panic and thought that he knew the problem and that he might be able to help me over the phone. He told me what to do step by step while he stood by on the phone. Miraculously I was able to get the power back on and complete our New Year’s family dinner. We owe a ton of gratitude to Cameron for being there for us in a time of crisis… a “God Send”! He definitely deserves more than Five Stars! Will recommend Cameron and Knowles Electric.
I sent him a pic of my damaged
electric box and he solved the problem without coming out.
I have found an electrician for the future. I highly recommend him.
Knoles Electric, Cameron, came in and rewired our entire house. He had to climb in the attic as well as crawl under our house to get the job done. Since our recent renovation was over 35years ago, he suggested updating our lighting. He installed a bunch of Halo 4” canless LED recessed lights in our living room, kitchen and bathroom. These lights provide great lighting while remaining almost hidden. We got rid of our ceiling fans and had him install simple 15” lights.
Overall…Cameron did a great job. I would definitely recommend him.
If you live in an older house, I would recommend someone to inspect your electrical system. It’s better to be safe than sorry…
Let me know. I know a guy..
Great communication and speedy service!!
I highly recommend Knole’s electrical and guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Mahalo’s Cameron
He assesses electrical issues with precision and always provides the best recommendations prioritizing safety. His transparency in explaining what needs to be done instills confidence, and he ensures all necessary equipment is promptly acquired and used for immediate fixes.
Cameron initially helped fix electrical setups in my home that were not up to safety standards, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring a secure environment. His expertise and reliability have earned my trust, making him my go-to electrician for any residential needs.
Cameron provides services for commercial spaces, and I am equally impressed with his professionalism and efficiency in this realm. I highly recommend Cameron for anyone seeking a trusted, dependable and skilled electrician.
Highly recommend!! Thanks again!!
Frequently Asked Questions About Rewiring
1. Do you have to tear down my walls to rewire my house?
Not necessarily. In homes with attics or crawl spaces, we can often “fish” wires through the walls with minimal damage. In single-wall construction homes (common in Hawaii), we install surface-mounted conduit (EMT) or Wiremold that looks neat and professional.
2. How long does it take to rewire a house?
A partial rewire (like a kitchen) can take 1–3 days. A whole-home rewire typically takes 1–2 weeks, depending on the size of the home and accessibility. We work room-by-room to minimize disruption to your daily life.
3. Can I just replace the outlets without replacing the wires?
If you have ungrounded (two-prong) outlets, you cannot simply swap them for three-prong outlets without adding a ground wire or installing a GFCI breaker. Doing so creates a “false ground,” which is a safety hazard and a code violation.
4. Does my insurance require me to remove knob-and-tube wiring?
Often, yes. Many insurance companies in Hawaii will either deny coverage or charge a massive premium if they know a home has active knob-and-tube wiring. Removing it increases safety and often lowers your premium.
5. What is the difference between "Grounding" and "Bonding"?
These are technical terms for safety. Grounding connects the system to the earth to prevent shock. Bonding connects metal parts (like pipes) together so they don’t become energized. We ensure both are done correctly during a rewire.
6. Do you handle the drywall patching?
We specialize in electrical work. While we make “surgical” cuts and try to keep the original wall intact, we usually recommend a professional drywaller/painter for the final finish to ensure it looks perfect.
7. Is aluminum wiring dangerous?
Solid aluminum wiring used in the 60s and 70s expands and contracts more than copper, leading to loose connections and fires. If you have it, you don’t always need a full rewire; we can often perform “pigtailing” with special connectors to make it safe.
8. Do you work on commercial build-outs?
Yes. We work with general contractors on commercial renovations, offering conduit bending, circuit mapping, and heavy-duty wiring for retail and office spaces.
9. How much does rewiring cost?
It varies widely based on the size of the home and the type of construction (single-wall vs. double-wall). We provide a detailed, transparent quote after a site walkthrough so you know exactly what to expect.
10. Can I stay in my home while you rewire it?
In most cases, yes. We work in sections so you always have power in essential areas (like the fridge and bedroom) at the end of the day.
Explore Our Other Services
Areas We Serve
Kalihi-Palama | Makiki-Tantalus | Ala Moana-Kakaako | McCully-Moiliili | Liliha/Alewa | Diamond Head-Kapahulu | Waikiki | Manoa | Kaimuki | Nuuanu-Punchbowl | Downtown-Chinatown | Kahala | Hawaii Kai | Honolulu | Pearl City | Waipahu | Kailua | Kāneʻohe | Mililani Town | ʻEwa Gentry | Kapolei | Mililani Mauka | Makakilo | Wahiawā | ʻEwa Beach | Halawa (Near Pearl Harbor/Aiea) | Royal Kunia | Waimalu (Near Aiea/Pearl City) | Waiʻanae | Nānākuli | Waipiʻo (Near Waipahu) | Māʻili | ʻAiea | Mākaha | Waimanalo | Lāʻie | Pūpūkea | Haleiwa | Waialua | Hauʻula | Kahuku | Ko Olina
Safety Starts With Good Wiring
Don’t let outdated wires put your home at risk. Contact Knoles Electric for a professional assessment.