Old house electrical question.

bdeboer · Jul 27, 2010

N80 said:
Anyway, here is what I've done so far, probably ineffective but the best I could do. I bought some 2-to-3 prong adapters. For my computer I ran 14 ga wound copper from the ground on the plug adapter to a large cold water copper supply pipe. For the tiny window unit upstairs I ran the same type of wire out the window to a metal stake in the ground. Not sure if I've accomplished anything but that's the extent of what I've done.

A better solution would be to run the ground wire back to the panel and tie it in on the bus bar with the other ground conductors. That way you are certain that the ground is at the same potential. I wouldn't trust the plumbing in an old house to be properly bonded or even to all be galvanized or copper.

Or have a licensed electrician run new wire for the air conditioner etc.

james3838 · Jul 27, 2010

N80,
I'm new to the forum but I live and work in central SC as a Facilities Engineering Supervisor. If you are in or around the Columbia area, I may be able to help you out by either recommending some good electricians or lending a hand myself when I have some free time from the granddaughters.

Charlesaf3 · Jul 27, 2010

I'd be shocked if replacing all the electric service is not the way to go. Problem isn't so much the electrical, but the damage you will do to the house in the process. Still, its worth doing. Things are probably require more juice in the future, not less

Iplayfarmer · Jul 27, 2010

Charlesaf3 said:
...Problem isn't so much the electrical, but the damage you will do to the house in the process...

That's the gospel truth right there. Running wires is the easy part.

riptides · Jul 27, 2010

Iplayfarmer said:
That's the gospel truth right there. Running wires is the easy part.

Especially on older homes. Mine being of chimney type construction, circa 1920, we fished from the crawl space and the attic. I ran new wire to all the old outlets. Added a few new outlets too.

Course I had the roof off the house, but that is another story.

Iplayfarmer · Jul 27, 2010

riptides said:
Especially on older homes. Mine being of chimney type construction, circa 1920, we fished from the crawl space and the attic. I ran new wire to all the old outlets. Added a few new outlets too.

Course I had the roof off the house, but that is another story.

Yeah. The only reason mine is practical to re-wire right now is because I have the basement all torn apart. I'm only doing the outlets that I can get to from the basement.

bdeboer · Jul 28, 2010

Charlesaf3 said:
Problem isn't so much the electrical, but the damage you will do to the house in the process.

The OP did say there was a newer panel. The time consuming part can be trying to not damage the whole house replacing wiring.:thumbsup:

Charlesaf3 · Jul 29, 2010

I wouldn't trust the new panel till it was looked at b a good electrician. I've seen some impressive hodge podges, and even downright fraud (6" of romex from outlets, spliced in the wall to knob and tube. Nice.)

N80 · Jul 29, 2010

Thanks guys. Been away for a few days without internet access. I've got an electrician coming over in a couple of days to help us get by for the next few months. There are several outlets (added 15-20 years ago) for window units. They have to receptacles for old window units. I'm going to see if he can rewire them for standard three prong outlets for my newer window units. I'll ask him about some of the other grounding issues.

After spending some time in the basement looking at that mess (hodge-podge is spot on) and realizing that the bedrooms upstairs only have one outlet each I'm leaning towards all new wiring. Originally I was just planning on new wiring in the kitchen which will be gutted and the master bath and laundry which will be a new addition. But I think I'll be happier with a complete re-do.

James, I appreciate the offer but as mentioned I'll be having an electrician by in a few days anyway. I grew up in Columbia by the way. Still have family there.

riptides · Jul 30, 2010

N80 said:
... But I think I'll be happier with a complete re-do...

Safer!

I am sure you marvelled at some of the discoveries you have made - visually.

Can you imagine what you may not uncover if you do not go about the complete way?