---
title: "What Is Cloth-insulated wiring? Electrical Glossary"
description: "Cloth-insulated wiring is old building wire coated in rubber and wrapped in woven fabric, a covering that can dry out and crack with age."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/cloth-insulated-wiring
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Wiring and circuits

# Cloth-insulated wiring

Cloth-insulated wiring is old building wire coated in rubber and wrapped in woven fabric, a covering that can dry out and crack with age.

Before plastic coatings became standard, wire was often insulated with rubber and wrapped in woven cloth. It still shows up in some older homes. Over many years the covering can dry out, crack and flake. Damaged insulation can lead to [arcing](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/arcing) or a [short circuit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/short-circuit).

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) notes that many older homes were built with electrical systems and components that are no longer safe and may be considered fire hazards. Only a licensed electrician should judge wiring inside walls and boxes. See also [knob and tube wiring](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/knob-and-tube-wiring) and the [residential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician) service.

[Daniel Electric can helpResidential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician)

## Related terms

-   [Knob and tube wiring](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/knob-and-tube-wiring)
-   [Arcing](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/arcing)
-   [Short circuit](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/short-circuit)
-   [Copper wiring](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/copper-wiring)

## Sources

1.  [Electrical Safety Foundation International: Know the Dangers in Your Older Home](https://www.esfi.org/know-the-dangers-in-your-older-home/)
2.  [Electrical Safety Foundation International: Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)](https://www.esfi.org/arc-fault-circuit-interrupters-afcis-prevent-electrical-fires/)

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