How a Forgotten 18th Century Wiring Technique Could Save Your Home From Electrical Fires

Electrical fires are a serious threat that can quickly destroy a home. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in over 40,000 home fires per year from 2014-2018. These fires resulted in 420 civilian deaths, 1,350 civilian injuries, and $1.4 billion in property damage annually. However, a long-forgotten 18th century wiring technique called lathing and plastering may offer a safer way to run wires through your home that dramatically reduces the risk of electrical fires.

What is Lathing and Plastering?

Lathing and plastering is a historical wiring method that was commonly used in the 1700s and early 1800s. It involves running electrical wires through wooden lath strips mounted on the wall studs, then covering them with a base coat and finish coat of lime plaster.

The lath provides a solid backing to adhere the plaster. Meanwhile, the plaster completely encapsulates the wiring, protecting it from damage while also acting as an insulator and fire retardant. This creates a safer way to run wires through walls compared to modern Romex cabling mounted directly against the studs.

Why Lathing and Plastering Prevents Electrical Fires

Running electrical wires through lath and plaster is an extremely effective fire deterrent for several reasons:

• Plaster is non-combustible - Unlike wood studs and framing, plaster does not ignite or feed a fire. This helps contain electrical fires.

• Plaster insulates wires - The thick plaster coating prevents wires from overheating, reducing chances of sparks and melted insulation.

• Wires are protected - Enclosing wires within plaster shields them from nails or screws that may accidentally pierce the cable. This prevents hazardous shorts and sparks.

• Plaster is moisture-resistant - Plaster resists moisture buildup on wires better than unprotected cables stapled to wood studs. This prevents corrosion and electrical malfunctions.

• No fuel source or oxygen - With wires separated from combustible framing and sealed airtight within plaster, two key elements of fire (fuel and oxygen) are removed.

Real-World Examples Where Lathing and Plastering Prevented Disaster

While lathing and plastering began fading away in the late 1800s, there are some dramatic real-world examples of its fire-resistant abilities:

• In the Charleston Museum Fire of 1941, the building was ravaged by a devastating blaze. However, the original colonial era lath and plaster walls containing wires remarkably survived undamaged.

• During the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, over 500 city blocks were leveled by fires sparked by damaged electrical equipment. Yet a few structures built with iron lath and plaster during the 1870s survived with minimal damage.

• The centuries-old Strawbery Banke Museum in New Hampshire relies on original antique wiring run through lath and plaster. Despite its age, it continues safely operating year after year without any fires.

Should You Consider Lathing and Plaster for Your Home?

While reviving centuries-old wiring techniques may not be practical, there are some lessons modern homeowners can learn from lathing and plaster:

• Choose non-combustible materials like plasterboard and masonry for fire-prone areas like kitchens and garages.

• Opt for thicker wall assemblies that embed and encase wires. This provides better insulation and protection.

• Seal any cable penetrations through walls/ceilings to reduce oxygen flow and fire spread.

• Install wire runs as far from combustibles as possible and avoid surface-mounted cables.

Ultimately, the plaster-encased electrical designs of the past can inspire safer wiring for the future. With some fire prevention wisdom borrowed from the 1700s, we can better protect our homes in the 21st century.