How to Rewire Your 1800s Home Without Getting Electrocuted

Assess the Current Wiring

Before beginning any rewiring project in an older home, it's important to thoroughly assess the existing electrical system. Here are a few things I would look for:

Knob and tube wiring - This early form of electrical wiring consists of copper wires insulated by ceramic knobs and tubes. It poses a significant fire hazard and should be completely replaced.
Cloth-insulated wiring - Also used in older homes, cloth wiring insulation can crack or fray over time, exposing live wires. This is another hazard that necessitates full replacement.
Insufficient grounding - Older homes often lack proper grounding, which protects against electric shocks and fires. Check that outlets have ground wires and upgrade if needed.
Overloaded circuits - Outdated wiring may not be sufficient to handle the electrical load of modern devices. Have an electrician evaluate the circuit breaker/fuse box.
Exposed splices - Look for loose connections, exposed copper, and wires capped with electrical tape. These DIY fixes can be very dangerous.

Thoroughly inspecting the existing wiring allows you to develop a plan for upgrades and catch any glaring hazards before they cause harm. I would enlist a licensed electrician to assist with the assessment.

Prepare and Protect

Rewiring an old home comes with inherent risks. Here are some tips to prep for the project and work safely:

Turn off power - The power should be completely disconnected at the breaker box/fuse panel before doing any work. Verify it's off with a voltage tester.
Wear insulated gloves - Use thick rubber gloves designed for electrical work so you don't risk getting shocked.
Cover exposed wires - As you remove old wiring, promptly cap any exposed wire ends so they don't accidentally make contact.
Keep the area dry - Never work around wiring with wet hands or while standing in water. Moisture dramatically increases electrocution risk.
One circuit at a time - Focus on one defective circuit at a time. Don't leave the whole house dismantled with wires hanging out.
Use fiberglass ladders - Make sure any ladders you use are non-conductive fiberglass, not metal which could shock you.
Ask for help - Some tasks like working inside the electrical panel may require an electrician's expertise. Know your limits.

With the proper precautions, you can perform this risky project safely and get the peace of mind that comes with modern wiring.

Upgrade the Main Service Panel

The electrical service panel (breaker box) is the central hub that feeds all your home's circuits. Upgrading it may be necessary to meet the demands of a rewiring project. Here's what to consider:

Age - If your panel is very old, replacement parts may be hard to find. Newer models have safer breakers too.
Capacity - Today's homes have more high-wattage appliances. Verify your panel has sufficient amperage capacity.
Expansion - If your panel is full, you may need additional circuit breaker spaces for new wiring.
Grounding - Modern service panels provide proper grounding. This adds a layer of safety.
Permits - Most municipalities require permits to upgrade electrical service. Be sure to comply with local codes.

Replacing an antiquated service panel removes a source of hazards, gives you more flexibility, and improves overall electrical safety. I would hire a licensed electrician for this complicated job.

Select Appropriate Wiring

Here are some guidelines on choosing suitable wiring for your home rewiring project:

Use copper wiring - Aluminum wiring tends to corrode over time, causing dangerous loose connections. Copper is superior.
Choose the right gauge - Heavier 12 or 10 gauge wire is best for power-hungry appliances like dryers or AC units. Use 14 gauge for lighting circuits.
Use NM cable - Romex-style NM (nonmetallic) cables are up to code and make running wires through walls easier.
Buy enough length - Having extra length makes wiring less stressful. Underestimating leads to skimping on connections.
Pick quality materials - Don't cut corners to save money. Use brand name boxes, outlets, and switches to avoid failures.
Match your breakers - Choose breakers designed for the wire gauge you select. Proper pairings prevent tripping issues.
Stick to code - Review the National Electrical Code to ensure the wiring you buy meets all required standards.

Choosing the right wiring is a crucial part of executing a safe, effective rewiring project. Take the time to select quality components.

Secure Necessary Permits

Before you can legally perform any major electrical work on your home, it's important to secure the proper permits from your local building department. Here's what you need to know:

Contact the building department early in the planning process to learn about permit needs for your specific project. Requirements vary by location.
Permits are often required for replacing a home's electrical service panel, installing new circuits, upgrading wiring, adding outlets and switches, and more.
You'll need to submit a permit application along with a description of the planned electrical work. In some cases electrical drawings are required.
Permit fees are based on the size of the job. Expect to pay $100-$500 or more. The fee covers application review and inspections.
Once issued a permit, you must schedule inspections at different stages of the rewiring to verify code compliance.
Failing to obtain permits can jeopardize insurance coverage and lead to fines if electrical work is later deemed unsafe.

Don't skip permitting - it ensures your DIY project meets minimum electrical safety standards. Check with your local building department so you understand all requirements.

Install New Outlets and Switches

Replacing old receptacles and switches is an essential step in any rewiring project. Follow these best practices when installing new ones:

Use tamper-resistant outlets near sinks or other wet areas to prevent electrocution from inserted objects.
Install GFCI outlets within 6 feet of water sources. These outlets have built-in circuit breakers for added protection.
Position outlets at least 12 inches apart and 6 inches from floor trim for proper clearance.
When replacing switches, choose ones rated for the right voltage and amperage. Match the old switch type.
Use wall boxes that are large enough to accommodate bundled wires. This prevents cramming wires dangerously.
Secure outlets and switches with proper mounting screws. Don't use drywall anchors which can loosen over time.
Attach a pigtail wire to connect outlets and switches to grounding wires. Do not interrupt grounding paths.
Double check wiring connections to be sure hot and neutral wires are correct. A simple mistake can make an outlet deadly.

Taking it slow and being meticulous when installing new receptacles and switches reduces the chances of wiring errors.

Carefully Route Wires Through Walls

Fishing electrical cables through walls is tough work. Here are some techniques to make running wires easier and safer:

Use metal fish tape to snake wires through walls. Feed the tape through first, then attach wires and pull them back.
Drill small holes between wall studs so wires can pass through. Make the holes just large enough for the wiring.
Run cables perpendicular through joist bays when possible. This avoids excess bending and jamming.
Keep wire staples 1-1/2" away from edges to prevent hitting hidden pipes or wires.
Seal openings with fire caulk after running wires to contain fire spread. Use nail plates to protect from errant nails.
Don't let new wires drape across ceiling joists or trusses. Route along edges so they don't get snagged.
Pull cables gently and steadily without excessive force. Tugging too hard can detach wires from connectors.
Use wire lubricant for very long wire pulls. Reduce friction to make the cable easier to extract.

Patiently running new home wiring is satisfying work. With care, new circuits can provide safe and reliable service for decades to come.

Connect Wires Properly at Outlets and Switches

Creating solid electrical connections at receptacles and switches completes the wiring process. Stick to these techniques:

Carefully strip just 3/4" of insulation from wire ends using sharp wire strippers. Avoid nicking copper.
Use the clockwise loop method to attach wires to screws. Form a clockwise loop and tighten the screw to clamp it down.
When multiple wires connect to one screw, pigtail them. Twist wires together with a wire nut first.
Keep hot and neutral connections separated. Never place them on the same terminal to prevent shorts.
Ensure bare ground wires attach to the green grounding screw or clip inside each electrical box.
Pre-twist the ends of wire bundles going into wire nuts using pliers. This makes a tighter connection.
Tug gently on wires after twisting caps on. They shouldn't budge if properly secured.
Arrange wires neatly with no stray strands. Excess inside boxes can impede covers from closing.

By methodically terminating each connection, you'll complete your rewiring project safely. Take your time and double-check connections.

Have Electrical Work Inspected

After finishing a major rewiring project, the final step is having the work validated through professional inspections. Here's what to expect:

Contact your local building department to schedule required inspections when work is complete. Timing varies by municipality.
An inspector will visit your home to methodically examine wiring connections, outlet and switch installations, junction boxes, and other facets.
The inspector will check that all electrical work complies with National Electrical Code standards and local building codes.
Be prepared to demonstrate functionality by turning lights and appliances on and off at the inspector's request.
If any part of the work fails inspection, you'll need to make necessary repairs and schedule a re-inspection.
Once everything passes, the inspector provides documentation confirming your updates meet code.
Failing to get final inspections can put you at risk and make it hard to sell the home down the road.

Although inspections add time, they ensure the safety and legality of DIY electrical work. Book your inspection as the last step before enjoying your rewired home.