should i install wood protection on the sides of the wire that are facing the insulation? what about on the top of the wire - should I box the wire in? what kind of wood is best to use? or should i use another type of material such as plastic tubing (PVC)? is it best just to leave this wire exposed with no insulation at all (about a 12 inch space between each side of the wire? thanks.
What you have is knob and tube wiring and it is the original wiring that was used when they started wiring homesThese wires are separated by them insulators you are talking about one is hot and one is neutralI would just keep some space form them for future use in case you do have problems with your wiring for any one who may have to dig in there and find a problemI have seen hundreds of older homes that have blown in insulation or fiberglass as well that has these wires covered up and the fact is this is not like romex and you cannot get a short unless these wires are actually touching one another and they do not the way they are wired until they come to a device that brings both wires togetherWhere ever you have two wires coming together at the lights or switches if they are less than 12 inches apart the leave the insulation away from themThe more you move and touch these old wires the better the chance you have of having troubleThe main thing you have to consider is to make sure you have the right size fuses or breakers on this NOTHING LARGER then a 15 amp fuse at allThe wires will be protected by a proper fuse and they will not over load or heat up more then they are supposed to if the right size over current protection is usedThey started using knob and tube wiring in the 1890s and did use that till the thirties and 40's in many areasIf you have the extra expense have an electrical contractor give you some estimates to replace this stuff and you will have no troublesIf it is not in your budget then leave space especially around where the wires come together and a little around the wires so that it can be repaired or replaced at a future time.
i think blow in would work.
