Old house electrical question.

[Iplayfarmer]

Iplayfarmer, What do you think of AFCIs?

This is the first I've really heard of them. I look it up, and it looks like a good idea. My electrician that put in my service panel was talking about some new kind of breaker that would be required after this year. That may be what he was talking about. If they work like they say, it would be a good idea.

 

[Hawghauler]

I was doing my own renovation of an 1830 farmhouse I owned in Vt and the wiring was the old knob type, fabric coated, and modern. It had morphed over the years from generation to generation and was a nightmare. As I renovated each room I changed to modern wiring. It can cost you a fortune and you have to get very creative if you want to keep plaster and lathe intact. I just gutted the rooms, insulated, wired, and sheet rocked them. Very messy. Amazing the things you find in the walls. If the wiring is in good repair and you don't want to buy a ton of copper wire, a good UPS for the computer and a little risk on the appliances might be cheaper. If you are going to live your life there, re-wiring is a good idea. Just keep the blow dryer away from Grandmas clawfoot tub.

 

[bake321]

"Quote:
Originally Posted by captaincrab55
Iplayfarmer, What do you think of AFCIs?"

I think that they are really expensive.

Cary

 

[N80]

We are planning on living here for the rest of our lives. We will probably have most everything rewired during the renovation. First floor will be easy as outlets are in base boards and easy access from the basement.

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.

When I was in college I lived in this house with my grandmother during summer break. I remember having my stereo receiver, turntable and tape deck running off an extension cord from a light socket plug adapter.

 

[kenmac]

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.

If you buy 1 of those testers you will know if you are correct

 

[ultrarunner]

We are planning on living here for the rest of our lives. We will probably have most everything rewired during the renovation. First floor will be easy as outlets are in base boards and easy access from the basement.

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.

When I was in college I lived in this house with my grandmother during summer break. I remember having my stereo receiver, turntable and tape deck running off an extension cord from a light socket plug adapter.

I still remember when Kenmore Washers came with a 2 prong, non-grounded, plug and a 6' roll of copper wire and clamp to attached to the cold water pipe...

Still a lot of those light socket adaptors out there... I think I have a box around here with half dozen... lots of the older homes from the 20's only had one receptacle and one light per room.

 

[studor]

What do you think of AFCIs

?
Although you did not ask me -- they are a PITA -- a vacuum cleaner will trip them (because brushes arc) and yes they are expensive

 

[N80]

If you buy 1 of those testers you will know if you are correct

What are they called specifically? What do they look like?

 

[riptides]

We are planning on living here for the rest of our lives. We will probably have most everything rewired during the renovation.

"Most" everything or "everything"?

We did this a few years back, and the rennovation is posted on this site.

We opted to upgrade or service offering from the power company too. Since the bevy of modern applicances and the addition of HVAC systems would stress the original load coming to the house.

We gutted the entire electrical system to the house and outbuildings. In the process we found many wires leading to dead ends, and some going in various directions to buildings that are no longer with us.

I found that like you, over the years, additions to the electrical system, or modifications, were made that were not in the best interests of the occupants.

 

[chopped]

Electrical Receptacle Tester with GFCI Diagnosis

Electric Receptacle Tester