How to Rewire Your 1890s Home Without Electrocuting Yourself

Assess the Existing Electrical System

Before beginning any rewiring project, it's important to understand what you're working with. Here are some things I would look at:

Fuses vs. breakers - Older homes often have fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers. Fuses need to be replaced when they blow, whereas breakers can simply be reset. Replacing a fuse box with a circuit breaker panel is recommended.
Knob and tube wiring - This primitive wiring system was common in homes built before 1930. It poses fire and shock risks and should be completely replaced.
Number of circuits - 1890s homes often have very few electrical circuits resulting in frequent blown fuses. Additional circuits will likely be needed.
Wire insulation - Old wiring often has brittle or cracked insulation that needs replacement.
Wire gauge - Heavier gauge wire may be required for larger appliances like stoves or AC units.
Grounding - Proper grounding helps prevent shocks and was not common practice in 1890s homes. Rewiring should include grounding the electrical system.

Develop a Rewiring Plan

Careful planning makes a rewiring project go smoother:

Decide which sections of the home to rewire first. Start with rooms or additions built later than the original 1890s structure.
Determine if you'll do a partial or whole home rewire. Partial is cheaper but you may end up with some remaining old wiring.
Calculate how many circuits you need and where. More smaller 15 to 20 amp circuits are better than fewer large ones.
Add up total expected wattage for all lights and appliances on each circuit. This determines the required wire gauge.
Indicate all new switch, outlet, lighting, and appliance locations on floor plans.
Apply for necessary permits and have the plan inspected before beginning work.

Safety First! Turn Off Power and Work Safely

Electrical accidents can be fatal. Safety should be your top concern:

Turn off power at the main breaker before starting and verify it's off with a voltage tester.
Be vigilant about turning off power again after any interruptions in work. Assume wires are live at all times.
Only work on one circuit at a time to avoid confusion.
Wear rubber-soled shoes and gloves when handling wires.
Keep a fully stocked first aid kit nearby.
Never work alone - have someone present in case of emergency.
Use fiberglass ladders and insulated tools.
Cover wall and floor openings through which wires run.

How to Run New Wiring

Follow these steps to run new electrical wiring:

Carefully measure and cut wires to required lengths using wire strippers. Leave 6-8 extra inches at ends.
Secure wires to wall studs using staples or running boards at least every 4.5 feet.
Use nonmetallic cable clamps to feed wires through studs or floor/ceiling joists. Avoid nails or screws.
Run wire through walls via holes drilled near the top and bottom of wall studs. Use protective metal plates around holes.
Use junction boxes to split wire runs to multiple locations like switches or outlets.
Label all wires clearly at junction points for future reference.
Make sure to attach the ground wire in all junction boxes and outlets. The ground absorbs stray current.

Install New Switches, Outlets and Lights

Follow best practices when installing new wiring devices:

Position outlet and switch boxes at standard heights - 18 inches for outlets and 48 inches for switches.
Make sure all devices are UL approved and match your home's style.
Use "old work" boxes designed to mount in existing walls without needing to cut open wallboard.
Anchor all boxes securely to wall studs or ceiling joists. Do not rely on drywall alone for support.
Connect wires to devices using proper wire connectors - never splice bare wires together.
Fold wires neatly into boxes keeping hot/live wires separated from neutral/grounding wires.
Secure outlets and switches with long mounting screws that reach wall studs. This provides stability.
Attach wall plates to cover boxes and restore wall appearance.

Connect the New Panel and Wrap Up

You're almost there! Finish your rewire project strong:

Mount the new circuit breaker panel securely with a separate ground wire running to a grounding rod outside.
Label each circuit at the panel with its location or purpose for easy reference.
Organize and bundle wires neatly inside the panel using wire clamps.
Secure cables tightly to the panel using cable clamps where they enter and exit.
Attach wire caps to any unused wires or panel knockouts.
Replace insulation, wallboards, mouldings and fixtures.
Test all new wiring thoroughly. Check for loose connections, exposed wires etc.
Hire an electrician if needed to hook up the main service panel or troubleshoot issues.
Celebrate never having to risk electrical fires or shocks again!

Stay safe and take your time. With good planning and safe work habits, you can successfully rewire an 1890s home without risk of harm. Let me know if you have any other old house rewiring questions!