Introduction
Rewiring a home can be a daunting task, but with the proper precautions and some old-fashioned techniques, it doesn't have to be deadly. Electricity was still new in the 1880s, and people were just learning how to harness it safely. The methods they used back then, while primitive compared to today's standards, can still teach us a thing or two about staying alive while rewiring.
In this article, I'll walk you through the step-by-step process I used to rewire my 100 year old farmhouse using techniques from the late 19th century. With some clever tricks, common sense, and a healthy dose of caution, I was able to bring my wiring up to modern code without electrocuting myself. If I can do it, so can you!
Shut Off the Power at the Main Breaker
Before touching a single wire, the very first thing you need to do is shut off the power to the entire house at the main breaker. In the 1880s, they didn't have modern breaker boxes, but they understood the importance of cutting the electricity before working on the wires.
Make sure every circuit is completely dead by turning on a light or testing an outlet with a voltage tester. If anything is still hot, keep searching for additional shut-offs until everything is definitively off. Working on live wires greatly increases your chances of being badly shocked or killed. So take your time here and be absolutely certain the power is off.
Remove Old Knob and Tube Wiring
My house still had the original knob and tube wiring from the 1920s. This primitive system routes wires through the open walls and ceilings via ceramic knobs and tubes. It's a major fire hazard, so I knew it had to go.
The first step was to carefully pull out and discard all the old wires. I then checked for any hidden wires buried in the walls before sealing up all the holes. While removing these antique wires, I was extremely cautious not to contact any neighboring live wires that may have crossed paths over the years.
Run New Wires Through Walls and Attic
With the old wires gone, I began routing the new electrical cables through the stud wall cavities and up into the attic. I stapled the wires every few feet for support and made sure to leave plenty of extra wire at connection points.
When running wires, always avoid contact with potentially sharp edges or damp surfaces that could compromise the insulation and expose live conductors. Think like an 1880s workman and take it slow to do the job right.
Update Receptacles and Switches
Next I replaced all the outdated outlets and switches with modern versions. Each time I touched a wire I made sure the circuit was still off by testing with a voltage detector. I carefully matched the new devices to the existing wiring and securely connected everything.
If unsure about the color coding or wire compatibility, consult reference materials or contact an electrician. Mistakes connecting live wires can result in sparks, shorts, fires, or lethal shocks. So double check your work, just like the pioneers of electrical wiring once did.
Inspect all Connections
Before restoring power, I thoroughly inspected every wire nut and terminal screw connection I had touched. A faulty connection can arc, melt insulation, burn down your house, or kill someone. So scrutinize your work and check it twice. Tug firmly on each wire to verify a tight connection.
Use a continuity tester to confirm correct wire placement. Turn all circuits back on one at a time while watching for problems. If anything seems amiss, immediately shut down and check your work again. Don't assume you got everything right on the first try. Methodically test each connection.
Power Up Gradually and Test
When 100% satisfied with the new wiring, I turned the main breaker back on, then switched on each circuit individually while checking for smoke, sparks, or heat. I tested every outlet and switch for proper function while monitoring the circuit breakers for overload.
Finally, I ran appliances on each circuit to verify adequate power delivery under load. The lights remained bright and nothing caught fire, confirming my supposedly deadly rewiring was a shining success!
Conclusion
Rewiring a home without dying is entirely achievable by resurrecting some good old house wiring practices from the days of Thomas Edison. By thoroughly killing the power, taking strict precautions, double checking all work, and powering up slowly, even novices can safely upgrade outdated wiring. Stay vigilant and think like an old-time electrician, and you too can achieve a positive wiring experience you can live with!