How to Wire Your Home Like It's still 1885 (But Safer!)

Introduction

Wiring a home with modern safety in mind while maintaining the vintage aesthetic of 1885 can seem daunting, but it's quite achievable if you plan properly. In this guide, I'll walk you through the steps I took to rewire my own 1885 farmhouse to preserve its historic charm while bringing the electrical system up to modern code.

Assess the Existing Electrical System

Before touching a single wire, take stock of your current electrical setup.

• Examine the fuse box or breaker panel. An antique fuse box will need replacing. Check the amperage rating to determine if an upgrade is needed.

• Map out all lighting and outlet circuits. Note which fuse or breaker controls each one. This will help ensure proper wiring during the renovation.

• Inspect all wiring. Look for cloth-insulated wiring, which will need replacement. Also check for improper splices, damaged sheathing, and other safety hazards.

• Consider adding GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other areas prone to moisture. Though not common in 1885, GFCIs prevent shocks and electrocution.

Develop a Wiring Plan

Once you understand the current system's limitations, sketch out a plan for the rewire.

• Decide which sections you'll rewire first. Start with hazardous or insufficient wiring.

• Indicate new lighting fixtures, outlets, appliances, and switches. Consider how you use each room.

• Select a main service panel size. 100 amps may suffice for a small home; 200 amps gives more capacity.

• Note any new speciality circuits like radon mitigation, security systems, etc.

• Pick vintage-style switches, outlets, and cover plates that fit the period.

Install New Electrical Components

With your plan in place, it's time to install new electrical system components.

• Replace the fuse box with a circuit breaker panel. Pick a service entrance amperage sufficient for your needs.

• Run new wiring using modern NM (non-metallic) cable. Utilize GFCI outlets for protection.

• Rewire lighting circuits using updated wire gauges and safety standards. Group lights by floor for easier circuit identification.

• Ensure adequate wiring capacity for major appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and A/C units.

• Include separate dedicated circuits for heavy loads like large appliances, electric heaters, washer/dryers, etc.

Maintain Vintage Appearance

To preserve the antique look, choose lighting, switches, and outlets that reflect the 1885 style.

• Seek push button switches made of porcelain or melanite in antique colors.

• Use metal outlet and cover plates matching old hardware finishes on your home.

• Look for period-appropriate sconces, pendant lights, and Edison bulbs for lighting fixtures.

• Use cloth-wrapped wiring and conduit to hide modern cables in exposed locations.

• Mount TVs and speakers discretely to avoid modern pieces that clash with your vintage theme.

Prioritize Safety

While maintaining your home's historic 1885's ambiance, don't forget to utilize modern safety practices in your rewiring.

• Employ circuit breakers instead of unsafe screw-in fuses.

• Ensure sufficient circuit capacity for all outlets and appliances.

• Use GFCI outlets and AFCI breakers to prevent electrocution and electrical fires.

• Incorporate whole house surge protection. Gas discharge tubes or MOVs help defend against lightning strikes.

• Only use wiring approved for residential use like NM cable or conduit with THHN conductors.

• Label all circuits clearly in the breaker panel.

By blending period-appropriate hardware with modern circuitry and safety practices, you can achieve an authentically vintage 1885 wiring scheme that's also safe and robust. Pay attention to details, and your visitors may never notice your home's electrical system is new!