Assessing Your 1850s Gaslight System
As the proud owner of a historic 1850s home with original gas lamps, you have a beautiful piece of history to preserve. However, those old gas lines and fixtures likely need an upgrade for safety and efficiency. Before beginning any rewiring project, take time to fully assess your antique gas system.
-
Hire a specialist to inspect your gas lines for leaks or deterioration. Old iron pipes may be cracked or corroded. Any leaks could allow dangerous gas buildup in walls and attics.
-
Locate the main shut-off valve and ensure it fully stops the gas flow. Test the shut-off valve before rewiring to avoid gas leaks.
-
Document all existing gas fixtures—chandeliers, sconces, ceiling fixtures—and how they connect to the gas lines. Photograph or sketch the current setup for reference.
-
Consider having your gas lamps converted to electric while rewiring. Though gas lights are historic, electric fixtures are safer and easier to maintain.
Updating Your Gas Piping
After thoroughly evaluating your antique gas system, it's time to repipe. Upgrading old, potentially leaky pipes will make your system safer.
-
Consult local building codes to determine approved piping materials. Iron pipes should be replaced with new steel, copper, or plastic piping.
-
A licensed plumber can snake new gas lines through walls and ceilings, replacing old piping in place. This avoids extensive demolition of historic plaster and woodwork.
-
Ensure adequate ventilation is maintained around new gas lines to avoid deadly carbon monoxide buildup from small leaks.
-
Install a carbon monoxide detector near each gas appliance as an extra safety precaution after repiping your home.
Rewiring Your Home’s Electric System
While repiping the gas lines, it makes sense to also upgrade the wiring for electricity. Though challenging in a historic home, rewiring improves safety and allows modern electrical capacity.
Evaluating the Existing Electrical System
-
Inspect the condition of wiring in attics, basements, and crawlspaces. Old cloth-wrapped wiring is a fire hazard.
-
Document the amperage capacity of your fuse box or breaker panel. Old systems often top out at just 60 amps—inadequate for modern needs.
-
Note where wiring is knob-and-tube—this outdated method must be completely replaced.
Installing New Wiring and Circuits
-
For safety, all wiring should be performed by a licensed electrician. Require upgrades to meet modern building codes.
-
Replace the electrical service panel with a 200 amp box to handle additional circuits. Install arc-fault and ground-fault interrupters.
-
Rewire using modern copper wiring and plastic insulation. Run wires through walls, basements, and attics as needed.
-
Add dedicated circuits for major appliances like refrigerators, clothes dryers, and air conditioners that demand significant power.
Concealing New Wiring
-
Use decorative wire molding throughout living spaces to conceal modern wiring on old plaster walls and wood trim.
-
Hide upgraded wiring behind walls and under floors whenever possible to maintain your home’s historic appearance.
-
For exposed overhead wiring, Utilize period-appropriate lighting fixtures to complement your home’s classic architecture.
Safety Precautions During Rewiring
Rewiring an antique gaslit home comes with inherent dangers. Stay diligent with safety to avoid catastrophe.
-
Shut off power at the main breaker before beginning any electrical work. Ensure gas is shut off as well.
-
To avoid shocks, never touch wires or connectors when the system is energized. Limit live testing.
-
Wear eye protection and work gloves when handling old cloth-wrapped wiring, which often contains lead.
-
Have fire extinguishers and smoke alarms handy. Stop work immediately if wiring begins overheating.
-
Perform work slowly and methodically. Rushing leads to mistakes when dealing with antique home systems.
Preserving Historic Gaslight Fixtures
Even if converting your home to electric lights, the ornate gas fixtures can be preserved:
-
Carefully remove gas valves and lines from vintage light fixtures after capping supply lines.
-
Clean decades of tarnish with a mild metal polish to restore fixtures to their original luster.
-
Rewire fixtures to accept new electric candle bulbs. Take care not to damage old brass or glass pieces during the process.
-
Proudly display your antique light fixtures with modern electric candles to retain your home’s historic charm!
With proper planning and care, you can update the wiring and lighting in your 1850s home for 21st century living while still preserving its timeless Victorian spirit. By taking it slowly and enlisting professional help, your gaslight residence can safely shine bright for decades to come.