How the Little-Known Art of Retrofitting Can Save Your Outdated Home Wiring System

Retrofitting your home's electrical system may seem daunting, but it can provide huge benefits in terms of safety, efficiency, and technology. As a homeowner, I used to simply ignore the outdated wiring in my 1950s house. However, after some minor electrical fires and frustratingly frequent tripped breakers, I decided it was time to do something. This led me down the rabbit hole of home electrical retrofitting, a lesser known but extremely useful home improvement technique.

What is Retrofitting?

Retrofitting refers to upgrading old infrastructure like electrical systems to modern standards without completely replacing everything. It strikes a balance between doing nothing and a full rewire. There are two main approaches:

• Component retrofits: Swap out individual pieces like breaker panels, outlets, or switches.

• Full system retrofits: Comprehensively update everything including wiring, breaker panel, outlets, switches, and more.

Retrofitting modernizes electrical systems by addressing safety issues, expanding capacity, and adding new capabilities. It can be done room-by-room or whole house. The level of invasiveness depends on the scope, but it's almost always less disruptive than a full rewire.

Why Retrofit an Outdated Electrical System?

There are several excellent reasons to invest in retrofitting outdated home wiring:

Safety

• Eliminate hazards like knob and tube wiring, overloaded circuits, and faulty connections.

• Meet modern safety standards like arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and tamper-resistant outlets.

Efficiency

• Reduce energy waste with updated wiring that doesn't leak electricity.

• Support new high efficiency appliances and electronics that older wiring can't handle.

Capacity

• Add circuits and outlets to reduce tripped breakers and accommodate more devices.

• Upgrade service panel capacity to 200 amps or more to meet whole home electrical demands.

Technology

• Enable installation of smart home tech like lighting controls, security systems, and energy monitoring.

• Add 240V circuits for larger appliances like EV chargers, tankless water heaters, or HVAC heat pumps.

Value

• Increase home value by improving one of the most important but invisible systems.

• Make an outdated house more attractive to future buyers.

The Retrofitting Process Step-by-Step

If you decide retrofitting is the right choice, here is an overview of how to approach this project as a homeowner:

1. Evaluate the current system

• Inspect the electrical panel, wiring, outlets, and switches throughout the house.

• Look for signs of age, damage, or deficient capacity.

• Identify hazards like knob and tube wiring or overloaded circuits.

2. Determine scope and priorities

• Decide which upgrades are necessary for safety vs. just desirable.

• Determine budget and which enhancements it can support.

• Create a priority list if doing a phased retrofit over time.

3. Research permits and regulations

• Check local electrical codes for required upgrades or restrictions.

• Determine if you need permits and inspections for the project scope.

4. Hire a qualified electrician

• Find an experienced professional you trust to take on the project.

• Verify they have the proper licenses and insurance.

5. Upgrade the components

• For a circuit panel retrofit, install a new main panel and transfer circuits over one at a time.

• For outlet and switch retrofits, swap old devices for modern, grounded ones with safety features.

• For a wiring retrofit, run new wiring for targeted circuits or entire rooms.

6. Install new capabilities (optional)

• Consider adding AFCI/GFCI protection, dedicated 240V circuits, or capacity for smart home tech.

• This may require a service panel upgrade to support added loads.

7. Inspection and completion

• Have the completed work inspected to ensure it meets code.

• Complete any required repairs or corrections.

• Turn everything back on and enjoy your new electrical system!

Key Takeaways on Retrofitting Electrical Systems

Retrofitting is a smart way to improve home electrical systems without the cost and disruption of a complete rewire. By focusing on priorities and phasing upgrades over time, it can provide major benefits through relatively manageable projects. As a homeowner, I am glad I took the retrofitting path to make my outdated wiring safer and more capable without breaking the bank. This little-known technique deserves much wider adoption among homeowners with older homes.