How to Safely Rewire Your 100 Year Old House Without Burning it Down

Assess the Current Electrical System

Before beginning any rewiring project on an older home, it is crucially important to thoroughly assess the current electrical system. This will help you understand what needs to be upgraded or replaced, and identify any potential safety hazards or code violations.

To assess the electrical system:

• Carefully inspect the electrical panel, wiring, outlets, switches and light fixtures throughout the house. Look for signs of deterioration, exposed wiring, loose connections, outdated components, insufficient amperage, and improper installations.

• Hire a licensed electrician to conduct a professional inspection and load calculation for the home's electrical needs. This will ensure you understand the full scope of work required.

• Check permitting history to see if any electrical work was previously completed without permits. Unpermitted work often violates code.

• Consider an infrared scan to identify hot spots that indicate faulty wiring. This costly but worthwhile step can uncover hidden issues.

Develop a Rewiring Plan

With a thorough understanding of the existing system's condition, develop a detailed rewiring plan. Key factors to address include:

• Required improvements to bring the home up to the current National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. All safety hazards and code violations must be resolved.

• Amperage load needs based on existing and planned circuits. Select a new electrical panel with sufficient capacity.

• Rewiring method - decide whether to run all new wiring or pigtail off existing wires where possible/safe.

• New wiring paths - balance minimizing walls openings with best routing for safety and efficiency.

• Outlet placement - meet NEC requirements for spacing and include additional outlets to reduce need for extension cords.

• Cost estimates for materials and electrician labor if hiring out all or part of the work.

Hire a Licensed Electrician

Safety should be the top priority for any electrical project. Except for basic tasks like replacing switches or outlets, it is wise to hire a licensed electrician to complete the rewiring properly.

Key reasons to hire a professional include:

• Expertise in NEC code and local electrical requirements. They ensure work passes inspection.

• Proper safety procedures to isolate and de-energize wires safely before working on them.

• Efficiency in running new wiring neatly and minimizing wall openings.

• Liability coverage protects you in case of an accident or fire.

• Permit filing is completed properly by the electrician.

If undertaking any part of the work yourself, get the electrician's guidance to ensure safety and compliance with the overall plan.

Prioritize Hazard Removal

When developing the rewiring plan, be sure to prioritize any hazardous or concerning situations first. Delaying these fixes leaves you at ongoing risk. Top hazards requiring urgent electrician service include:

• Exposed, damaged or overloaded wiring poses electrocution and fire risks. This requires immediate remediation.

• Improper connections like loose wires or wire nuts, or corroded contacts, are dangerous failure points.

• Outdated components like old fuse boxes, aluminum wiring, or undersized circuits should be modernized quickly.

• Insufficient grounding leaves you vulnerable to stray current and shocks. Must be corrected.

By immediately addressing hazards and code violations, you can then move forward with confidence on the broader rewiring project.

Work in Phases

For a major rewiring project in an occupied home, it often makes sense to break the work into phases. This allows you to:

• Spread costs over time, by prioritizing the most urgent electrical needs first.

• Minimize disruptions by rewiring just a portion of the home at a time.

• Live safely in the home while work progresses. The new rewired sections can be used normally.

• Test out the electrician on a small initial phase, before contracting for larger phases.

When phasing the project, be strategic. Rewire the most problematic or frequently used sections first. Save superficial improvements for last.

Allow Contingency in Schedule and Budget

When undertaking a major home rewiring project, it is wise to build in contingency time in your project schedule, and extra funds in your budget. Some reasons why:

• Unknown issues like brittle old wires tend to take extra time and care in resolving. Expect surprises.

• Inspection delays may postpone the project if repairs are required to pass.

• Scoping gaps - an initial assessment may miss some problems only uncovered once walls are opened.

• Changing plans - you may opt to expand the scope once work begins.

By planning for contingencies, you can handle any delays, added costs or expanded scope smoothly. A few extra weeks or dollars is worth it for safety.

Seek Guidance on Preservation

If your home has historic or aesthetic value, seek guidance on balancing preservation with necessary upgrades:

• Consult an architect experienced in old homes to design solutions to minimize impact on walls and finishes.

• Talk to a preservationist to identify elements with architectural significance to safely retain.

• Research permits needed if rewiring requires altering exterior or designated interior architectural elements.

• Photograph important visual elements in case some damage does occur and records are needed for restoration.

With proper planning and care, you can achieve the safety of modern wiring while also preserving the historic beauty and character of your century home. Don't cut corners on safety.

Maintain Safety Protocols at All Times

Finally, no article on electrical work would be complete without reinforcing this critical reminder:

Always follow essential safety protocols! This includes:

• Power off at the main breaker before starting work. Verify it is de-energized.

• Call 811 to mark any buried utility lines before digging.

• Wear personal protective equipment like non-conductive gloves, eyewear and breathing mask.

• Never work alone - have someone present in case an emergency arises.

• Keep a fire extinguisher handy in case sparks ignite.

• Inspect thoroughly before re-energizing circuits.

Your family's safety comes first. With proper planning and safe electrical procedures, you can achieve the reliable and safe wiring your century home deserves.