How to Safely Rewire Your 120 Year Old Home Without Burning it Down

As the proud owner of a 120 year old home, I understand the desire to update the electrical wiring to support modern appliances and lighting. However, working with wiring this old comes with risks that require careful planning and execution. Here is my guide on how to safely rewire a 120 year old home without burning it down:

Evaluating the Existing Wiring

Before touching anything, I need to thoroughly evaluate the existing electrical system. This involves:

Checking the main service panel - Is it still the original fuse box or has it been updated over the years? Fuse boxes are obsolete and need upgrading.
Inspecting wiring - I'll look for cloth-wrapped wiring which was common in old homes. This poses a fire hazard and must be replaced.
Testing circuits - I'll turn on all lights/outlets to see if any are dead, overheating, etc. This reveals problems.
Considering capacity - Old wiring is usually 60 amps at best. I likely need 100-200 amps for modern usage.
Checking grounds - Proper grounding helps prevent electrical fires. Old homes often lack it.

Thorough evaluation reveals the extent of upgrades needed. I'll engage a qualified electrician if it's beyond my skill level.

Developing a Rewiring Plan

Once I understand the current wiring, I can develop a remodeling plan. Key points:

Decide if I should upgrade the service panel to support added capacity.
Determine if I can build off existing wiring or if a full rewire is needed.
Add circuit breakers - replacing any old fuses. This adds critical fire protection.
Include plans for new lighting and outlets based on how I'll use the updated space.
Consider any appliances I want wired in - air conditioner, kitchen stove, etc.
Plan for safety measures like arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

I'll get all required permits and ensure my plan meets local building codes.

Preparing the Home for a Safe Rewiring Process

I take key steps to prevent accidents once the rewiring work begins:

Clear the areas where electrical work will happen by removing furnishings and belongings as much as possible.
If I'm staying in the home during work, designate sections to avoid as "construction zones".
Cover floors, furniture, and fixtures I can't remove so they don't get damaged.
Seal off doorways leading to unsafe areas using plastic sheeting.
Turn off power at the main before work begins each day. Double check with a voltage tester!
Only allow reputable, licensed electricians to perform the critical wiring tasks.

Advance preparation minimizes risks once light switches start getting gutted!

Working Slowly and Safely as the Rewiring Progresses

The process requires patience and care. I make sure to:

Take photos before altering any wiring so I know how things originally connected.
Label all wires I disconnect so I can properly reconnect them later.
Check with the volt meter daily since wiring can get accidentally re-energized.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Fires can occur if damaged wiring sparks.
Never leave anything unattended - I or a hired pro supervises work at all times.
Only energize newly wired sections after they pass inspection for correct, safe installation.
If staying in the home, I sleep elsewhere when major electrical work happens to avoid risks.

By taking it slow and steady, I minimize chances for harm.

Completing the Project and Staying Safe Afterward

Once the new wiring is installed properly throughout, I:

Have the completed work inspected/approved by the local building department.
Add new labels at the upgraded service panel indicating each circuit.
Attach arc fault and ground fault interrupters wherever required by code.
Test GFCIs and smoke alarms monthly afterward to ensure continued safety.
Avoid overloading circuits with too many appliances, lights, electronics plugged in.
Address any odd electrical smells or flickering lights right away as potential trouble signs.
Examine wiring in the attic and basement periodically for damage.
Leave most electrical work to the pros going forward due to its complexity.

Staying diligent about electrical safety is vital in my revitalized vintage home!

Summary

While rewiring a 120 year old home has risks, careful planning and slow execution can allow the project to be completed safely. The keys are fully evaluating the original system, designing an appropriate upgrade plan that meets codes, thoroughly preparing the space, having licensed electricians perform the risky work, taking a slow and cautious approach, properly inspecting the finished product, and staying vigilant about electrical safety afterward. With patience and care, I can achieve the wiring upgrades I need without having to rebuild my beloved historic home from the ground up!