How to Rewire Your 19th Century Home Without Burning it Down

Assess the Existing Electrical System

Before beginning any rewiring project in my 19th century home, I need to thoroughly understand the existing electrical system. This includes:

• Surveying all existing wiring, fixtures, switches and outlets. I take inventory of every electrical component in the home, making notes on type, age and condition.

• Testing circuits to see where they originate and terminate. I turn off power and disconnect circuits one by one, making note of which rooms/outlets are impacted. This helps me understand the current circuit layout.

• Checking for knob and tube wiring, which was common in 19th century homes. This old insulation is a major fire hazard and must be completely removed.

• Looking for signs of damage like exposed wires, charring, discoloration, warm outlets or flickering lights. I pay special attention to the condition of each component.

Develop a Rewiring Plan

With a solid understanding of the existing system, I can develop a full rewiring plan that maximizes safety. This involves:

Selecting Suitable Materials

• Copper wiring - safest and most reliable conductor. Aluminum wiring risks loose connections.

• PVC insulation - avoids fire risks of old cloth/rubber insulation.

• GFCI outlets - modern outlets with ground fault protection. Critical for safety.

• Circuit breaker panel - replaces outdated fuse boxes. Allows circuit-by-circuit shutoff.

Planning New Circuits

• Follow modern electrical code for size and length of circuits. This prevents overloading.

• Install dedicated circuits for large appliances like refrigerators, AC units and washing machines.

• Include ample circuits and outlets in each room based on usage needs. Don't limit to the bare minimum.

• Use 3-wire cable for all circuits to include separate ground wires. 2-wire systems omit this essential safety ground.

Remove Old Knob and Tube Wiring

If my home contains original knob and tube wiring, full removal is the only safe option. This hazardous old wiring has:

• No grounding - very high risk of shocking residents.

• Overloaded shared neutrals - can overheat and ignite insulation.

• Cloth/rubber insulation - cracks over time, exposing live wires.

To remove knob and tube wiring:

• Shut off power at the main panel and test that it is off.

• Disconnect all light fixtures and devices from old wiring.

• Remove knob and tube wires from walls, ceilings and crawlspaces.

• Cap off all junction boxes so they can't be accidentally reconnected.

• Verify all old wiring is fully disconnected before rewiring.

Install New Wiring and Components

With the old system removed, I can install completely new wiring:

Running Cables

• Use non-metallic cable with copper conductors and PVC insulation.

• Run cables through wall cavities and attics. Avoid exterior wall exposure.

• Use junction boxes to split and connect wires. Fully encase splices.

• Keep wire lengths as short as possible, especially for high load circuits.

Installing Devices

• Mount circuit breaker panel with ample room for circuits and easy access.

• Distribute GFCI outlets appropriately in kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, etc.

• Install light fixtures, switches and outlets according to electrical plan.

• Use wire nuts and terminal screws to securely connect wires.

Testing and Turning Power Back On

• Verify all connections are tight and insulated. Check for exposed wires.

• Test each circuit one by one before energizing the full system.

• Turn power back on at the main panel and test all fixtures and outlets.

• Consider having the completed job inspected by the local building department.

Work Carefully and Seek Help When Needed

Rewiring an old home comes with considerable risks that require great care:

• Use non-contact voltage testers to safely check for live wires.

• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand in case of brief ignition.

• Wear electrical gloves and glasses when handling wires.

• Power down the house when accessing any junction boxes.

• If the scope exceeds my comfort level, hire a licensed electrician for complex tasks.

While rewiring my 19th century home is a major undertaking, careful planning, use of modern materials and safe working practices can ensure I avoid burning it down! By methodically removing old hazards like knob and tube and installing a new grounded system to code, I can finally bring my historical home up to modern electrical safety standards.