How to Rewire Your 150 Year Old Home With Authentic Materials

As the proud owner of a 150 year old home, you likely want to preserve its historic charm while also upgrading it to modern electrical standards. Rewiring a home this old using authentic materials takes research, planning, and care. Here is an in-depth guide on how to update your wiring while maintaining your home's antiquity.

Assessing Your Home's Current Wiring

Before beginning any rewiring project, you'll need to thoroughly evaluate your existing electrical system. Here are some key steps:

Consult electrician to inspect entire system - Have a licensed electrician conduct a full assessment of all wiring, panels, switches, outlets, and fixtures. They can identify any deficiencies or safety issues.
Check wire material and insulation - Older homes often have original cloth-insulated copper wiring which can become brittle and frayed over time. Have the electrician note any areas of concern.
Look for knob and tube wiring - This outdated wiring system from the late 1800s can pose overheating risks. Any remaining knob and tube wires will likely need replacement.
Note amperages - Older wiring may not accommodate today's higher electrical loads. Have the electrician measure amperages to determine if upgrades are in order.
Test outlets and lights - Verify all outlets and light fixtures are grounded and operating properly. Note any anomalies.
Inspect electrical panel - An outdated breaker panel may need upgrading to handle added circuits. Have the electrician assess its condition.

Choosing Authentic Rewiring Materials

For an historically accurate rewiring job, select wiring and devices that closely match what would have been used originally:

Cloth wiring - Cotton or linen cloth insulation around copper conductors was used from the 1880s-1930s. It looks distinctive when fished through walls. Handle carefully.
Armored cable - BX cable with a spiral steel armor debuted in the 1920s. It has an antique look and its metal sheathing deters rodents.
Porcelain sockets - Early Edison-style sockets and insulators containing exposed conductors give a vintage appearance. Reproduction models are available.
Cloth wiring - Cotton or linen cloth insulation around copper conductors was used from the 1880s-1930s. It looks distinctive when fished through walls. Handle carefully.
Glass and ceramic fuses - Properly rated glass screw-in or ceramic fuses maintain historical accuracy in fuse boxes.
Solid copper wiring - Pure copper wiring was often used originally. Avoid modern aluminum wire for renovations.
Brown or black cloth wiring - Cotton or linen cloth insulation around copper conductors was used from the 1880s-1930s. It looks distinctive when fished through walls. Handle carefully.

Installing New Wiring and Components

When installing new wiring, focus on safely matching old methods and materials as much as possible:

Run wiring through walls - Fish cloth-wrapped conductors through lathe and plaster via retrofit wiring tubes. Avoid surface-mounted conduits.
Cloth wiring - Cotton or linen cloth insulation around copper conductors was used from the 1880s-1930s. It looks distinctive when fished through walls. Handle carefully.
Hand-wrap connections - Use period-appropriate wire nuts, ceramic wire connectors, or splice and solder joints. Add cloth friction tape.
Install porcelain sockets - Mount vintage-style sockets in ceiling electrical boxes to hold pendant lights or lamps. Reproduction models are readily available.
Cloth wiring - Cotton or linen cloth insulation around copper conductors was used from the 1880s-1930s. It looks distinctive when fished through walls. Handle carefully.
Adapt old switch hardware - Salvage antique light switches and outlets. Upgrade internals as needed to work safely.
Add a vintage fuse panel - Outfit electrical service entrance with a period-correct fuse box and cloth-wrapped feeds.

By taking a thoughtful approach and sourcing authentic materials, you can recreate the original wiring methods used in your century old home. Always have licensed electricians handle the actual installation work. Pay strict attention to safety. With care and effort, your home can maintain its old-fashioned wiring charm for decades to come.