How to Rewire Your 120 Year Old Farmhouse Without Burning it Down

Introduction

As the new owner of a 120 year old farmhouse, I'm excited to rewire this charming old home. However, working with antique wiring can be dangerous if not done properly. The outdated knob and tube wiring found in many old homes poses a serious fire hazard if not addressed. Follow these tips to safely rewire your vintage farmhouse without any fiery mishaps.

Evaluate the Existing Wiring

Before touching a single wire, take time to thoroughly assess the current electrical system. Look for:

• Knob and tube wiring - This outdated wiring should be completely replaced. Knob and tube has no ground wire and the insulation breaks down over time.

• Cloth-covered wiring - This old type of wiring is also unsafe. The cloth insulation easily frays and combusts.

• Faulty connections - Check for loose connections, damaged wires, and splices wrapped in electrical tape. These hazards must be fixed.

• Insufficient circuits - Most old homes have few overloaded circuits. Rewiring allows you to add more circuits for safety.

• Lack of grounding - Ungrounded outlets are extremely dangerous. Rewiring gives you an opportunity to add proper grounding.

Thoroughly inspect the attic, basement, and all rooms before developing a rewiring plan. The goal is to find all hazards to eliminate.

Develop a Rewiring Plan

Next, thoughtfully plan out your new wiring system. Consider the following:

• How many circuits do you need for lights, outlets, and appliances? Follow modern electrical codes to avoid overloading circuits.

• Where will the service panel go? Pick a main floor location that's central and accessible.

• Will you need to upgrade your electrical service for a larger panel, more circuits, or 220V appliances? Coordinate with your electric company.

• How will you integrate smart features like occupancy sensors, programmable thermostats, or a home energy management system? Pre-wire for future tech.

• What safety features should you include, like arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), surge protectors, lightning arrestors, or whole house surge suppressors? Safety is key for old wiring.

Map out your new circuits, outlets, switches, and fixtures to guide the rewiring.

Hire a Licensed Electrician

Do NOT attempt to rewire an old home yourself unless you have professional electrical training and experience. Mistakes can lead to fires or electrocution.

Find a licensed electrician experienced in old home rewiring. Verify they are properly insured, bonded, and licensed. Be sure to get a detailed written quote for the full scope of work.

Ask questions about their rewiring process, materials, time frame, and how they will minimize destruction to original walls, floors and finishes. Choose an electrician who is respectful of old homes.

Rewire Room-by-Room

A complete rewire usually happens gradually, room-by-room, as budgets allow over time. Prioritize high risk rooms like the kitchen and areas with knob and tube wiring first.

To rewire a room:

• The electrician will turn off power at the main panel and detach old wiring.

• Next, they drill holes through walls and ceilings to route new wires to the room.

• New NM cables are threaded through the holes and stapled into place.

• At switches and outlets, the old boxes are removed and replaced with modern electrical boxes.

• Devices are wired up with grounding and attached to the boxes.

• Plugs, plates, switches and fixtures are put in place completing the new modern wiring system.

Add New Fixtures and Features

With all new wiring in place, you can upgrade old fashioned light fixtures, outlets, and switches. Consider:

• Vintage style light fixtures and hardware to match the antique charm of your farmhouse.

• GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, and outdoor areas for safety.

• Tamper resistant outlets if you have small children.

• Smart switches, thermostats, doorbells and other WiFi enabled devices to modernize.

• Whole house surge protector to safeguard your new wiring from electrical surges.

Celebrate Your Safe, Modern Wiring

Take pride in knowing your vintage farmhouse is now wired to the highest standards. You'll gain safety, convenience and peace of mind. Follow proper maintenance and your new wiring will serve your farmhouse for the next 120 years!