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

 

[bdeboer]

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]

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]

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]

...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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

... 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?