Introduction
Rewiring a home can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it can be done safely without risk of electrocution. In this article, I will share some little-known electrical secrets from the 1800s that can help you rewire your home without dying.
While modern electrical codes and materials provide a much safer way to work with electricity, learning some old-school techniques used by electricians in the late 1800s can give you a better understanding of electrical fundamentals. This will allow you to work more cautiously and avoid deadly mistakes.
Understanding Electrical Basics
Before beginning any electrical project, it's crucial to understand some basic electrical principles to avoid getting shocked or causing a fire.
Here are some key concepts electricians knew in the 1800s:
Current, Voltage, and Resistance
- Electricity involves the flow of electric current. Current is measured in amps.
- Voltage, measured in volts, pushes the current through a circuit. Higher voltage pushes more current.
- Resistance, measured in ohms, limits the flow of current. More resistance reduces current flow.
Series and Parallel Circuits
- In a series circuit, current flows through components one after another.
- In a parallel circuit, current branches off to flow through multiple paths at once.
Grounding and Polarity
- Grounding protects from shocks by providing a safe path for stray current.
- Polarity matters - current flows from positive to negative. Reversing polarity can damage appliances.
Insulators and Conductors
- Conductors like metals allow current to flow freely.
- Insulators like plastic and rubber resist current flow. Insulate bare wires.
Understanding these basic principles allows you to work safely with electricity.
Safety Gear for Rewiring
Before touching any wires, be sure to wear appropriate safety gear:
- Rubber-soled shoes to avoid getting shocked. Leather shoes can conduct electricity.
- Insulated gloves rated for the voltage you'll be working with. Uninsulated gloves can cause burns or shocks.
- Safety goggles to protect your eyes from sparks or molten metal.
- Long sleeve shirt and pants without exposed skin to avoid accidental contact.
- Leather hood for overhead electrical work to prevent burns from arcing.
- Insulated mats to stand on while working to avoid being grounded.
Key Safety Rules
- Always turn OFF power at the breaker before working to avoid getting shocked. Verify it's off with a neon tester.
- Work one wire at a time so wires don't touch accidentally.
- Cap bare wires with wire nuts when not connected.
Following these 1800s precautions prevents electrical hazards.
Rewiring Techniques from the Late 1800s
Here are some key techniques electricians used for rewiring homes in the late 1800s:
Fishing Wires
Running new wires through walls was done by "fishing."
- Use a long flexible steel fish tape to pull wires through openings.
- Attach wire to fish tape, then pull tape through cavities to pull the wire.
- Lard or soap helped lubricate fish tape to slide more easily.
Splicing Wires
Joining wires was done by twisting cotton-wrapped copper wires together.
- Strip insulation using knives or wire strippers.
- Twist bare wires tightly using pliers.
- Solder joint for permanent connection, or use electrical tape.
- Insulate splices with cloth tape or rubber.
Securing Wires
Early insulated wires were secured by:
- Staples hammered into wood framing.
- Porcelain knobs screwed into joists.
- Running wires through grooved insulators.
Proper securing prevents wires from loosening.
Replacing Fuses
Early screw-in fuses blew easily and had to be replaced often.
- Fuses screw into sockets attached to wires.
- When fuse blows, unscrew blown fuse.
- Replace only with same size fuse to avoid overheating.
- Never bypass blown fuses with metal objects - fire hazard!
Frequent fuse replacement was normal to protect wires.
Conclusion
Rewiring a home using antiquated methods requires much more skill and diligence than modern electrical work. But understanding the electrical fundamentals and using safety gear as electricians did in the 1800s can allow you to safely rewire without getting shocked or electrocuted.
The most important lesson from early electricians is to respect the danger of electricity and avoid carelessness around live wires. Planning thoroughly, unpowering circuits, insulating bare wires, and testing wires dead using neon testers are crucial to avoiding deadly mistakes.
While rewiring with old-fashioned materials takes more time and effort, the job can be done safely if you stay focused on safety and maintain healthy respect for the lethality of electric current. With caution and care, your home's wiring can be upgraded without tragedy. Just don't cut corners - it's not worth dying over!