How to Safely Rewire Your 19th Century Home Without Burning it Down

As the proud owner of a 19th century home, you likely want to update the wiring to take advantage of modern appliances and lighting. However, working with antique electrical systems can be dangerous if not done properly. Follow this guide to safely rewire your historic home without catastrophe.

Assess the Existing Electrical System

Before making any changes, take time to understand what you're working with. Here are some key things to look for:

• Wiring material - Older homes often have wiring made from materials like cloth-insulated copper that can fray or corrode over time. Verify the type of wiring used.

• Fuse boxes - Early electrical systems relied on fuse boxes instead of circuit breakers. Fuse boxes use screw-in fuses that burn out and must be replaced when overloaded. This makes them less reliable and harder to upgrade.

• Knob and tube wiring - Homes built before 1930 may have this obsolete type of wiring that should be completely replaced. It poses high fire and shock risks.

• Number of circuits - Modern homes usually have at least 100 amp service with multiple branch circuits. Older homes often have just 30-60 amp service and fewer circuits covering more appliances, which can overload them.

Take notes on all deficiencies so you know what needs to be rewired. Consult an electrician if you have any uncertainty about the condition of your existing system.

Develop a Rewiring Plan

Create a plan that addresses the issues discovered during your assessment. Here are some rewiring must-dos:

• Run all new circuits from the main electrical panel using modern wiring. Do not tap into old wiring.
• Install a circuit panel with 100+ amp service and enough breaker slots for all required circuits.
• Use copper wiring for all branch circuits. Do not reuse old cloth-insulated wiring.
• Install grounded outlets with GFCI protection in kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, and other wet areas.
• Use dedicated circuits for large appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and AC units.

A licensed electrician can ensure your plan meets all current safety codes and standards. They can also obtain necessary permits.

Take Safety Precautions

Rewiring an old home comes with risks like electric shocks, fires, and lung damage from breathing in dust and insulation. Protect yourself by taking these safety steps:

• Turn off power at the main breaker - Shut off electricity to the entire home before starting work.
• Test wires before touching - Verify power is off using a non-contact voltage tester.
• Wear personal protective equipment - Use a respirator, goggles, work gloves, and other PPE at all times.
• Install GFCIs - Using GFCI outlets provides protection in case of contact with live wires.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby - Have an ABC extinguisher on hand in case of electrical fire.
• Avoid handling alone - Have someone available to assist in an emergency.

Rewire Room by Room

Tackling the rewiring one room at a time is safest. Follow these best practices:

• Remove old wiring, outlets, switches, and light fixtures completely.
• Inspect walls and ceilings for any hidden dangers like knob and tube wiring.
• Drill small holes through studs for running new wires. Use fire caulk around holes.
• Staple or clip wires every 4-5 feet for support and to avoid sagging.
• Label each wire and circuit at termination points.
• Cap all unused wires and wrap junction boxes in electrical tape.
• Attach outlet and switch boxes securely and reinstall all covers.
• Test each circuit thoroughly before moving on.

Leaving walls exposed allows you to easily inspect that all old wiring has been replaced. Patch and paint once the new wiring is confirmed working properly.

Call the Professionals When Needed

Some aspects of rewiring should be left to licensed electricians:

• Installing a new main service panel and meter
• Running the main service line from the utility pole
• Connecting any high voltage 240V circuits
• Modifying wiring in historic or landmark homes
• Adding circuits in rooms with no existing wires
• Any work extending beyond your skills and comfort level

Though extensive, rewiring an old home is a very rewarding project. Take it slow and be ready to call in help when needed. With proper safety precautions, you can update your wiring without having to rebuild from a fire!