How to Rewire Your Home With Obsolete and Forgotten Electrical Methods

Introduction

Rewiring a home can be an intimidating task, but it doesn't have to be if you use some obsolete and forgotten electrical methods. These methods allow you to rewire your home safely and efficiently without the need for complicated modern techniques.

In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know to rewire your home using these tried and true vintage electrical methods. From an overview of the basic supplies you'll need, to step-by-step instructions for installing wiring, this guide has all the information you need to successfully rewire your home.

Basic Supplies Needed

Before getting started, you'll want to gather some basic supplies. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

Wiring

• Cloth-insulated wiring: This type of wiring has a cloth insulation around the inner copper conductor. It was commonly used in homes up until the 1960s. Make sure there are no tears or gaps in the insulation.

• Armored cable (BX): This flexible metal covered cable offers protection for the inner insulated wires. It can be threaded through walls easily.

• Knob and tube wiring: This very old wiring technique uses ceramic knobs and tubes to route wiring through open walls and ceilings.

Outlets and switches

• Vintage-style outlets and switches: Search antique stores and online retailers to find switches and outlets that match the era of your obsolete wiring method.

• Tube sockets: To mimic truly outdated wiring, use tube sockets paired with Edison-style bulbs.

Other supplies

• Junction boxes
• Wire nuts
• Conduit and conduit fittings
• Cable staples
• Wire strippers
• Voltage tester
• Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, etc)

Rewiring With Cloth-Insulated Wire

Cloth-insulated wiring was commonly installed in homes in the first half of the 20th century. This type of wiring has an inner copper conductor surrounded by cloth insulation and an outer protective rubber or cloth jacket.

Here are some tips for working with vintage cloth-insulated wiring:

Inspecting and Preparing the Wiring

• Closely inspect wiring for cracks, tears, or gaps in the insulation that could expose the inner conductor. Damaged areas need to be wrapped with electrical tape.

• Use gentle wire pulling compounds to ease the pulling of old wires through conduits. Avoid harsh solvents that could damage the insulation.

• Ensure wiring is properly sized for its circuit load according to vintage electrical codes.

Routing and Splicing the Wiring

• Run wiring through vintage electrical conduits, properly bonded for grounding. Maintain at least 6 inches of free conductor at outlets and switches.

• Use a splicing technique called "Western Union" or wire nut splices at junction boxes. Wrap each junction with insulating electrical tape for security.

• Avoid kinks or over-tightening of clamps that could damage the vintage insulation over time.

Installing Vintage Devices

• Use vintage-style switches and outlets designed for ungrounded wiring. Ensure terminals are sized to accept the gauge of cloth-insulated wire.

• Affix porcelain tube sockets to junction boxes to hold Edison-style bulbs. Connect them directly to wiring.

• Install junction boxes securely and properly, leaving access to splices. Attach cover plates snugly.

Rewiring With Armored Cable

Armored cable (AC or BX) features insulated wires wrapped in a flexible metal sheathing. It was commonly installed between the 1920s to 1950s. The metal sheathing offers protection while the flexibility allows for easy installation.

Here's how to work with vintage armored cable:

Preparing and Cutting the Cable

• Use a hacksaw or wire cutters to cut the armored cable to the desired length. Make straight cuts to allow proper threading.

• Carefully strip back the metal sheathing at endpoints to expose the inner insulated wires for splicing. Take care not to damage the inner insulation.

• Utilize metal clamps or connectors to secure the stripped armor wrapping at junction boxes for grounding.

Routing and Splicing

• Thread cable through walls and ceilings. The metal armor enables pulling through tight spots. Use care to avoid kinking.

• Use Western Union splices or wire nuts within junction boxes to connect and splice wires. Wrap with insulating tape.

• Clamp armored cable every 4-5 feet during runs for security and proper grounding. Avoid over-tightening clamps.

Installing Fixtures and Devices

• Connect switches and outlets using pigtails. Strip wire ends to attach to device terminals according to color coding.

• For overhead lights, bring cables through ceiling electrical boxes. Make connections inside boxes with wire nuts.

• Affix cover plates securely to mounted junction boxes, outlets, and switches.

Rewiring With Vintage Knob-and-Tube

Knob-and-tube (K&T) wiring was used from about 1880-1940. It features individual rubber-insulated wires run through ceramic knobs and tubes attached to framing.

Here is an overview of working with antique knob-and-tube wiring:

Inspecting and Preparing Materials

• Carefully inspect existing vintage knob-and-tube wiring, repairing any damaged insulation with electrical tape.

• Gather vintage insulated wiring, ceramic knobs, tubes, junction boxes, and mounting hardware, ensuring compatibility.

• Choose gentle, wire-pulling compounds for pulling wires through tubes to limit insulation damage.

Running and Splicing Wires

• Route wires between 8-12 inches apart. Feed wires through tubes and secure with knobs at regular intervals per vintage code.

• Make splices in junction boxes using Western Union technique or wire nuts. Wrap each junction thoroughly with tape.

• Avoid over-tensioning wires during pulls or allowing kinking that could compromise insulation over time.

Installing Fixtures and Devices

• For lights, run wire pairs to ceiling boxes. Make connections inside boxes away from conductors.

• Feed switch loop wires through knob and tube to switches. Attach wires to switch properly per polarity.

• Thread individual hot and neutral wires to outlets. Follow vintage color coding, attaching to terminals.

Safety Tips

When rewiring your home with vintage electrical methods, safety should be your top priority. Follow these tips to avoid hazards:

• Turn the power off - Always turn off electricity at the main breaker before starting work. Verify it's off with a voltage tester.

• Follow vintage wiring codes - Adhere to old wiring capacity limits, insulation requirements, and installation methods.

• Use caution on ladders - Beware of attic work. Have someone steady ladders and work carefully.

• Wear protective gear - Use insulated gloves and eye protection when splicing wires.

• Keep wires separate - Maintain adequate separation between conductors, especially knob and tube wires.

• Label clearly - Clearly label all circuits and junction points to avoid confusion.

• Check your work - Double check connections are tight, splices are properly insulated, and no bare wire is exposed before restoring power.

Conclusion

Rewiring your vintage home using obsolete cloth-insulated, armored cable, or knob-and-tube methods can be done safely and effectively. While labor-intensive, these vintage wiring techniques allow you to preserve the antique charm and character of your older home. Just be sure to educate yourself completely in advance and always make safety a priority. Take things slow and be mindful when working with antiquated systems.