Introduction

Rewiring an old home can be daunting, but with the right preparation and knowledge of outdated wiring systems, I was able to rewire my 19th century home safely. In this comprehensive guide, I will share little-known tips used by our ancestors to update wiring without electrocuting themselves.

Know Your Home's Wiring System

Before touching a single wire, it's crucial to understand what wiring system your 19th century home has:

Knob and Tube Wiring

This was the most common system in homes built between 1880-1930. Identifiable by ceramic knobs and cloth-wrapped wiring running through tubes. Pros: durable. Cons: outdated, fire hazard.

Armored Cable (BX)

Used in homes built between 1885-1930s. Insulated wires run through flexible metal sheathing. Pros: protected wiring. Cons: sheathing deteriorates over time.

Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)

Similar to armored cable but with rigid metal conduit instead of flexible sheathing. Used 1880s-1950s. Durable but rigid design makes retrofits difficult.

Once I determined my home had knob and tube wiring, I knew a full rewire would be needed.

Safely Removing Old Wiring

Removing original wiring in old homes can release hidden asbestos. To stay safe:

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) - respirator, gloves, eye protection.
• Lightly mist wiring with water before removal to prevent asbestos particles from becoming airborne.
• Dispose of old wiring properly by sealing in leak-proof containers.

I spent a full day safely removing the old knob and tube from my attic to prepare for the new wiring.

Choosing the Right Replacement Wiring

For my 19th century home, I chose armored cable (BX) as the replacement wiring method because:

• BX features insulated wires inside grounded metal armour, providing protection from fire and shock hazards.
• BX can be easily pulled through existing knob and tube routes.
• It has higher copper content than modern NM cables, ideal for old homes needing heavier gauge wiring.

Modernized materials that still maintain compatibility with old homes is key for a safe rewire.

Useful Rewiring Tips from Our Ancestors

Our 19th century ancestors had great intuition when it came to electrical work. Here are some of their tips I used:

Follow a Logical Wiring Path

I mimicked the logical knob and tube routing through the home, allowing for easier replacement pulls. Wiring follows the path of least resistance.

Utilize Fishing Techniques

For tricky wire pulls, I used various rods with hooks or loops of wire to "fish" cables through walls and ceilings, just as old-time electricians did. Patience is virtue!

Add Junction Boxes

I supplemented the existing junction boxes with new ones to simplify wire connections and create access points, improving safety and convenience.

Focus on Heat Management

Like our ancestors, I gave ample clearance between wires and insulation to prevent trapped heat from building up, reducing fire risk. Proper heat dissipation is key.

Label Everything

To stay organized, I carefully labeled each wire and junction box, saving loads of future headache. Our wiring forefathers were meticulous labelers!

Balance Authenticity with Safety

When updating old wiring, you want to maintain the home's original character while providing safety. For me, it meant:

• Keeping visible aspects like wall switches true to the era.
• Installing unobtrusive modern ceiling lights and outlets.
• Adding subtle GFCI outlets in kitchens/bathrooms for protection from shocks.

It's about compromise between antique flair and current code compliance. My home is lit properly while retaining its 19th century charm!

Hire a Licensed Electrician When Unsure

Some aspects of rewiring should only be done by a certified electrician, like:

• Installing new breaker panel/service entrance.
• Running wires to municipal electrical grid.
• Performing final hookups and inspections.

Although I did much of the work myself, for these critical connections I called in a licensed pro. Safety first!

In Conclusion

Rewiring a heritage home takes knowledge, planning and care. By understanding antique systems, utilizing ancestral tips, hiring pros when required, and taking safety precautions, I successfully updated my 19th century house without dying! With this guide, you can too. Just take it slow and steady. Our old home ancestors were on to something with their intuitive techniques - when in doubt, channel their spirit!