How To Rewire Your 150 Year Old House Without Burning It Down

Assess the Existing Electrical System

Before undertaking any major electrical work in an old house, it's important to fully understand the existing system. Here are some key things I would do:

Examine the electrical panel and make note of the amperage rating, the type of wiring (cloth, rubber, etc.), and whether it uses screw-in fuses or breakers. This will help me determine if an upgrade is needed.
Locate all junction boxes and outlets and remove the covers. Checking for knob and tube wiring, or dangerous splices and connections, allows me to identify hazards.
Consider hiring an electrician to do a thorough assessment. Their expertise may uncover underlying issues I could miss.

Determine New Wiring Plan

Once I have a sense of the current state of the electrical system, I can develop a plan for the rewire:

Evaluate which circuits need upgrading or additional capacity. Prioritizing the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry areas helps modernize where needed most.
Decide if the main service panel needs to be replaced and what amperage is required. A 200 amp panel often provides capacity for a whole-home rewire.
Map out new circuit routes and outlet/lighting locations. Marking wall cavities, attics, and basements prep me for pulling wires.
Apply for necessary permits and have the utility company disconnect power during work. Proper planning minimizes fire risk and issues.

Install New Wiring and Components

With the prep work done, I'm ready to modernize the old wiring:

Run all new wires from the panel through the mapped routes. I use only copper wires with adequate gauge for the circuits.
Carefully remove any inactive knob and tube wiring. Leaving abandoned wires in walls presents hazards.
Install additional junction boxes and outlets based on earlier planning. Following code helps obtain inspection approval.
Attach all new wires securely using approved connectors and techniques. Sloppy connections can lead to arcs and heating.
Label all circuits clearly at the panel and junction boxes. This makes troubleshooting much easier down the road.

Wrap Up and Make It Safe

The final steps involve safety checks and restoration:

Have the completed work inspected before reconnecting power. Inspections ensure compliance with electrical codes.
Test all new outlets, lights, and switches once energized. I verify proper function and use my voltmeter to check voltages.
Replace all light fixtures, covers, and faceplates. Sealing everything up prevents accidental contact with live wires.
Restore all walls, flooring, and finishes. Patching holes maintains the historic charm of the house.
Dispose of old wiring properly. I keep hazardous waste out of landfills by recycling it.

With careful planning and attention to safety, even a major rewiring project doesn't need to be scary. By taking it slow and getting expert help when needed, I can successfully modernize the electrical system of my old house.