Running new electrical wire in old house reddit
Running new electrical wire in old house reddit. Had two or three nuisance trips in the last year completely unrelated to the wiring. We recently upgraded our knob and tube in SoCal area for an 1800 sq ft home for around $20,000. So you have a box feeding a box in another building w only two wires? If the above is accurate the feed from the new to the old ( I assume house to shed or such) actually needs to be 4 wires. g. One such innovation is the introduction of Weca Electri Panel wiring is a crucial aspect of electrical systems that cannot be overlooked. It cost me $1000 for new wire to power the house and another $1000 in wiring the house. What type of wire Aug 26, 2024 · Electrical wiring costs between $0. The house was built around 1900 and recently had some remodeling work done in 2020 to make it look nicer (granite counter-top, new cabinets, bathrooms redone, exposed brick, etc. Wrap the ends of the source wires with electrical tape or cap them with wire nuts and bend them out of the way until the new wiring is in place. G. If the wire is being buried without PVC, it must be at least A red wire in an electrical outlet often indicates a second positive live wire. Exposed wiring/deteriorating insulation is bad for sure. Generally, electrical socket boxes come with three wires, each of them colored differently: a live b When it comes to electrical projects, the wire gauge table is an essential tool. What I would like to know from the DIY crowd, is there an easy way to run the wires through the walls and ceilings without having to open the walls or ceiling too much? r/homeimprovement, r/homeowners and r/centuryhomes (for tips from people with >100 year old homes). Run romex into old work box for the new receptacle. Having a skilled plasterer who can repair any necessary damage caused by your work will also go a long way to keeping homeowners happy. They can leave you stranded on the side of the road or prevent your vehicle from starting altogether. Thank you! So many people who aren’t HVAC or Electricians chiming in with their pretty sure and their feelings in this thread. These color codes help electricians and h When it comes to electrical projects, using the right wiring supplies is crucial. 2 gfci prevent shock: gfci's can help prevent shock from the electrical wiring in your home, this is unrelated to static electricity. Nobody would provide me with a quote to run the cables inside the house , as they knew it would be a waste of time proving me a quote. So you’ll have to replace the wires. It’s probably 3-5 days in labor. Yes, GFCI is an alternative for many applications (e. Apr 8, 2024 · Understanding how to update electrical wiring in an old house will help you assess, fix and maintain this critical home system in your antique abode. The downsides to this would be leaving wire in the wall is probably frowned upon, I wouldn't be the first though. If it does check out then you can run a wire to the back of the boxThen onto your ground wire connection on the receptacle itself. cables sold before about 1960 generally do NOT contain a ground wire and cable made after 1970 most often contains a ground. Whether you are a professional electrician or a DIY enthusiast, selecting the right wires A red wire in an electrical outlet often indicates a second positive live wire. com. Sure, old fashioned surface wiring looks cheap and awful, but there is newer stuff and you can fabricate. Hey gang. How difficult is this to accomplish? My guess is I shut off the breaker, run some wiring, and put the new outlets on. That's a good idea. 240 volt breaker a few dollars more than a 120 volt breaker. Basically, take the new 12-gauge hot that goes from the new room to the panel, tie a new 12-gauge hot, a 14-gauge hot, and a 14 Generally, if your wiring doesn't have any grounds, the only way the boxes might be grounded is if all the wiring is in metal conduit. I put in the new outlet and the window a/c is running fine So it's either fish new wire through the BX to replace the old wires, fish a new wire through the BX as neutral and keep the 2 original wires, install a raceway on the wall to run NM-B or THHN, or punch holes in the wall and run NM-B. You can use fish tape to pull the wires through the wall vertically. Well worth it. a house that old is almost certainly knob and tube wiring which is unsafe and not Wires don't have to be inside walls. Increasing the amps won't change the amount of current flowing through the wires throughout the house - what you plug into them does. A. This that determine the cost of running electrical to the garage include: What size panel is currently in the house (60a, 100a, 200a)? Age of the panel in the house. Using the wrong wire size can lead to a range of issues, including Repairing an electrical problem with your oven is definitely easier when you find the right oven wiring diagram. I’m sure it’s more complicated in the states because everything is so segmented there, and all of them seem to have their own code, but in Canada this is totally fine, and you’re not all going to die in your sleep because wires are running through a return duct. From the lights and radio to the ignition and power windows, your In any electrical installation, safety and efficiency are of utmost importance. Consider that the breakers and even the wiring coming into the house may need updating. To make a run for a ceiling fixture, push an electrician's fish YouTube tutorials: Visual demonstrations can be immensely helpful for understanding electrical wiring concepts. If you have sparky mates they can disconnect the old from the board so you can use it to pull the new ones through. Renovating a 60 year old house with a 3-4 foot crawlspace and rewiring nearly all the circuits. My house has a finished attic space, but on either side of it I can look under the floor (barely) and can run a wire from the unfinished attic space to the fixture location in the first floor ceiling. Re-attach baseboard. Electrical wiring schematics, also known as circuit diagrams or electrical diagrams, are visual re When it comes to electrical installations, ensuring the quality of the materials used is crucial. Apr 8, 2024 · Cost To Update Electrical Wiring In A Home. Read on to learn all about updating electrical wiring in an old house, including the potential cost. Attic has some kneewall bracing that could be a good place to run wiring. The prior owners did a major renovation ~15 years ago and redid the kitchen. Install box. It's a shallower attic. Real estate agents, clients and colleagues have posted some hilarious stories on Reddit filled with all the juicy details When it comes to electrical installations, the safety and efficiency of the system are paramount. Cut the old wires as far back as I can, leave it in the wall and run new wire everywhere. Pictures would help here. Myself for my garage and my son's garage, I have put in all kinds of EMT, a lot safer. May 26, 2022 · Consider Code Issues . 15 and $3. I think the best option is to use one of the 12-gauge home-runs to the panel, and pull a new 15-amp circuit with it (pain in the ass, but simpler than running new pipe to the new room to accommodate the thicker wires). Doesn't seem to hard but I have a few questions. It helps you determine the right size of wire for your project. If the wire is being buried without PVC, it must be at least When it comes to electrical projects, using the right wiring supplies is crucial. Probably an extra $2500 or so. Also "This Old House" videos and books. Re-attach drywall strip. You may need to run it in conduit based on local rules so running 6 gage THWN to a subpanel costs marginally more than 12 gage THWN. Black wires are hot electri If you’re an incoming student at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and planning to pursue a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), it’s natural to have q Electrical wiring color code standards are crucial for ensuring the safety and functionality of electrical systems in buildings and homes. an outdoor outlet or a dedicated circuit for a refrigerator -- google the horror stories from putting fridges or a sump pump on GFCI/AFCI You need to run a new circuit so most of the work is getting the wire from the main panel to the garage. The house across the street recently had an electrical fire because of their old knob and tube. That wouldn't fly today. . All the existing outlet to outlet wire is run primarily in the crawlspace vs through the studs. But I also wanted to run some fresh cat6 because 1) I wanted PoE support so I could have cleaner installs for my new UniFi devices, and 2) because it's fun and satisfying to update the wiring and find ways to run cable to my basement where I have all my networking equipment. I use romex when I run new wire, but the old wiring is just fine. It’s a ton of work. One crucial aspect that contributes to both these factors is the selection of the appropriate wire s In the world of electrical installations, advancements in technology have revolutionized the way we approach wiring systems. About a 4/12 pitch. Identifyin The different colors of electrical wires indicate the function of the wire, with black and red indicating the wires carry electric current, white usually indicating neutral charge Advertising on Reddit can be a great way to reach a large, engaged audience. So my house has a lot of the old 2 prong outlets (old house). A core bit to fit the size of the fitting you are going to have in the outside of the wall. It involves the process of connecting various components, such as switches, circuit breakers, and The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a comprehensive set of electrical standards and regulations that ensures safe practices in electrical installations. ) All that being said, I'm looking for a way to run wiring from the 3rd floor, down the basement. The wires you can re-run your own, easier if you have walls open but if you can run new wires paralell to the current one bonus. I have been told this by the electrical inspector many times. The property has a new panel, but the wiring throughout the house is this old wiring from the 1940s. Whether you are a professional electrician or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the different types The National Electric Code requires that wire placed in Schedule 80 PVC must be buried at least 18 inches below ground. Fixture is staying where it is. Knowing how to use a wire gauge tab When it comes to electrical installations, one of the most important considerations is choosing the right wire size. Remember to consult your local code on requirements for running cable. I'm almost certain they re-wired the kitchen (I'd have to take a closer look myself once I decide on whether to commit to this project), but the problem is that the majority of the wiring to the lights are the old cloth-covered wires, without any neutral. 50 per linear foot, not including labor. you make a fixing point at each end with a coach eye (or in my case a lag eye since i have the driver bit for them) run the wire between the two and tension with a turnbuckle at 1 end. Individual wires running through your house have nothing to do with the amperage at the main panel. With millions of active users and page views per month, Reddit is one of the more popular websites for When it comes to electrical installations, one of the most important considerations is choosing the right wire size. The black wire is used in all electric circuits and is always the “hot” or live wire. OK so run your tester from the black wire to the side of the box this will tell you if you have a ground. On the other hand, the older the wiring the more likely you'll need extra protection. Getting power there isn’t an issue. Whether you are a professional electrician or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the different types Home wiring projects can be straightforward or complex depending on what you’re doing as well as your level of knowledge. The final price will depend on several factors, but the most critical are the project’s scope and the electrician’s rates. I bought a house built in the 1920s. Depending on where you are in the country just figure out an hourly rate. , in-hand. Conduit cost about the same. It has metal connectors to your metal outlet boxes. YouTube has numerous channels specializing in electrical work. Run new 120 volt 15 amp wiring and install ceiling light fixtures (fixtures provided by owner) Mar 29, 2021 · If I have an old house, as in 80 years old (the wiring is newer than that), and it only has two wires, hot and neutral, no ground, can I connect newer things like ceiling fans or hanging lights? The house wiring isn't 80, but it is old enough to have Wadsworth breakers. yes, you should probably rewire but it will be expensive ($20-30k probably). In my case, I was replacing them with modern drywall and so running new wiring was similar to new construction. First, you may not need to run new wire. e. Is your garage detached? I ran a 100 amp sub-panel to my garage. Thoughts? Generally parallel runs should be 12-18" away from electrical wire (though with shielded this may have changed), and any intersections with electrical wires should be done at perpendicular angles. Half the house uses aluminum wiring, the other half copper. I'm a home owner and have a little experience installing outlets and doing general handyman stuff around my house. Run new wire. Fish the wire across the floor through the studs above the floorplate and up into the new opening. I have an older house, built in about 1906. Lastly, NEC has changed a lot in 30 years. Apr 29, 2014 · First, you may not need to run new wire. Then after the rough electrical inspection, I screwed some pieces of 1x2 pine on either side of them, and I screwed 1/4-inch plywood across the 1x2s, covering the wires. No drywall repair needed. Nowadays sheetrock is so easy to cut and patch we'd usually just cut a hole, pull any staples, tape the old cable firmly to the new, and yank it through if we were re-running cable. This let me run separate circuits side by side (think dust-collection and a saw running simultaneously), and plenty of panel space to wire for lights, welder, etc. Two story house rewires start around 10k and go up from there. To attach wire to electrical fixtures there are a few styles: The original is a screw terminal; put the wire under a machine screw and tighten it down. Electrical wiring schematics, also known as circuit diagrams or electrical diagrams, are visual re Electrical wiring color code standards are crucial for ensuring the safety and functionality of electrical systems in buildings and homes. Elec If you own a car, chances are you rely heavily on its electrical system to power various components and functions. they’ll need to cut holes in the walls to access the cabling and to pull new wiring, so there’ll be the added cost of patch/paint. Drill through the walls at a down angle from the inside Hello, My brother just bought a 1960's house that only has 2-prong receptacles in most of it. I put AFCI breakers in my 60's house, and I have had zero wiring related issues. The National Electric Code requires that wire placed in Schedule 80 PVC must be buried at least 18 inches below ground. The wire gauge determines the amount of current that can safely flow through the wire without causing Car electrical wiring repairs can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and equipment, it becomes much easier. Remove old electrical wiring to outlets, switches, and light fixtures. Electrical wiring projects can be co Electrical wiring color codes include black, red, green or bare, white, and blue or yellow. This is where the AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire chart comes in The proper wire size for an electric range is #8 AWG for a 40-amp breaker or fuse. There are places where it's acceptable to run wires behind trim. Whether you are a professional electrician or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the different types When it comes to electrical projects, having a reliable electrical wire supply is crucial. The NEC allows you to run a new ground wire (equipment grounding conductor) from a newly installed receptacle outlet to one of several places, including the electrical panel and any place on the grounding electrode conductor (because that conductor ultimately connects back to the neutral bus bar in the electrical panel). Follow the joist bays where you can. While electrical wiring is priced by linear foot, you can still use the total square footage of your home to Replacing outlets in our 100year old house, we just got a full electrical service upgrade with all-in-one afci/gfci breakers protecting ungrounded plugs. After cutting the access holes, remove the source receptacle and outlet box to free the wires and make room for pulling the new cable. According to the Union University Department of Physics, when an electric current passes through a solid copper wire, the electrons move forward, but the protons within the positiv Electrical wiring schematics are an essential component of any electrical system. There's what the colours should indicate, and there's what the wires might actually be, and often any correlation is pure coincidence with old houses. It usually runs from the switch to the electrical load. There's a LOT of info to cover besides just running the wire itself, especially with code requirements and if your panel can even handle new circuits. One electrician I spoke to says the best thing to do is to just gut all the walls and run new wires. One such innovation is the introduction of Weca Electri Car electrical wiring problems can be frustrating and inconvenient. The color code indicates what a specific wire’s function is. Elec When it comes to electrical wiring, choosing the right wire gauge is crucial. Cut into the sheetrock, replace the old wires with new Romex that will have ground wires, then repair the sheetrock and paint. W. i recommend In many cases, that old mummy-wrapping is the only thing keeping wires from shorting, and that's only because it hasn't fallen off the conductor. For example, in exposed locations such as open basements or attics, NM cable usually needs to be run through holes or notches cut in joists rather than stapled to the face of the joists. Generally, electrical socket boxes come with three wires, each of them colored differently: a live b If you’re a DIY enthusiast looking to tackle electrical projects around your home, it’s essential to have the right tools and supplies on hand. You can just pop in a normal 3 prong outlet because they are designed to ground to the old style boxes through the bolts, ask any electrician. Some channels, such as "Home RenoVision DIY" and "This Old House," offer informative videos on electrical wiring in older homes. I would have to run new wire down to every single outlet, assuming that some of them are currently daisy chained though the studs. Finish wiring both ends. As for the paint. So I'm having my panel upgraded in my mech room to a 54 space Square D QO with strategically placed GFI/AFI and standard QO breakers depending on where the circuits are running (ie, appliances or bathrooms). I'm no kind of expert. I used a 60-A 2-pole breaker on one of my main house panels, and ran about 125' of 6-2 UF (for direct earth burial; no conduit) three-conductor wire (two hots and a neutral), and then drove a ground rod at my workshop where the new wire came in. 1 static: yes static can build up and deliver a painful shock. Panels installed 30 plus years ago did not run as many circuits as they do today, and customers start to run out of space after a couple updates to a home. The wire gauge determines the amount of current that can safely flow through the wire without causing In the world of electrical installations, advancements in technology have revolutionized the way we approach wiring systems. Very old houses only had a dozen circuits to run everything. Before tackling electrical projects, you should have a bas When it comes to electrical installations, ensuring the quality of the materials used is crucial. refers to the American wire gauge size, which is a standard used in North America. You don't want to dig around and move that old wiring until you're ready to begin working on it. It's easily accessed through the basement. My understanding is that those aren't properly grounded and I need these sweet new 3 pronged plugs. From the lights and radio to the ignition and power windows, your Reddit, often referred to as the “front page of the internet,” is a powerful platform that can provide marketers with a wealth of opportunities to connect with their target audienc When it comes to electrical wiring, choosing the right wire gauge is crucial. The ground wires can follow any feasible route, they don't need to travel with the conductors. You can run wires in a chase on the baseboard. You can tie on to an old wire and pull it through with other wires attached like fish tape. No, your existing outlets do not need to be grounded on a grandfathered 1950s home. not from the 60's), however most of the wiring uses the original 14/2 (no ground) cabling. But there is also a big turmoil on here that seems to think that you can run Romx everywhere. Run an auxiliary conduit, spaced like 6-8 inches from the electrical, for potential low voltage wiring down the line (aka, putting in a wireless access point if your WIFI sucks in the garage). Feb 14, 2020 · Upgrading the wiring in an older house can be a challenge, so make sure to figure in plenty of extra time for any unexpected surprises. The issue is running wire between the fixture and the switch location. Not possible to do exposed pathways, but could maybe run some pathways and then insulate over them. actualy getting the wires to place on the underside, i would do using catenary wires. A house circuit diagram, also known a A current-carrying wire is not electrically charged because there are as many electrons as protons in the wire. I’d laugh at the crazy costs , and not do it Everyone has told me : Run the Wire outside the house. I did the work. Some grounded plugs were run to the kitchen, bathroom, and a couple other random spots and the breaker panel is newish (i. With millions of active users and countless communities, Reddit offers a uni When it comes to electrical projects, one of the most crucial aspects to consider is the proper sizing of wires. this has nothing to do with the electrical in your home. Check out this guide to oven wiring problems, and to finding those . It's an old house and some of the walls and runs don't make sense or aren't easily accessible anymore (previous owners sealed things up for example. To rewire you have the general process down. That means having the romex, replacement receptacles, junction boxes, wire nuts, etc. This is where the AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire chart comes in When it comes to electrical installations, the safety and efficiency of the system are paramount. But seriously, run Cat6A everywhere. Got me wondering which is the better way - in the crawlspace or through the walls (with using up to date power tools). kitchen, bathroom, other "wet" areas). That being said, Mike Holt videos and books are an excellent resource. Caulk and touch up paint. You're far more likely to run the service as a sub panel from your house main panel, vs running a new service. But I’m more concerned with the “old underground wire” part of the sentence. Whether you are a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast Are you looking for an effective way to boost traffic to your website? Look no further than Reddit. Many old houses were wired with armored cable (Google BX cable), and if the armor sheathing is intact it can provide a continuous ground back to the box. The wiring is a bit outdated on the second floor, and some rooms have no over head lighting. Within this code, there a Real estate is often portrayed as a glamorous profession. I want to add a ground wire to an existing outlet. Rerunning all wires and upgrading from 100-200amp with the city. I managed to get the rears ran without a problem because the previous owner of my home already had run wiring for surround speakers that were hanging from the ceiling and I was able to run the front left by taping two wires to the original wire of the left However, one thing about the house that has really been bothering me is the electrical situation. But the older the wiring the more likely you'll have issues. You might consider running entirely new grounded circuits where needed (e. Make sure the new outlet has a solid ground connection to the box and you should be good. Over time, these codes undergo updat If you own a car, chances are you rely heavily on its electrical system to power various components and functions. Main electrical panel wiring refers to the wiring diagram of a main electrical panel, which houses the electrical power from the electric meter and circuit breakers. Yes, now you can simply run bare or green wire between all your electrical boxes and back to the panel. This can be time consuming but save you a ton of money. I’m having a hell of a time running speaker wire for my front right atmos speaker if you were sitting looking at the TV. Anyway, decided to just put it back as is. 30 circuits is on the low end now. One crucial aspect that ensures these factors is using the correct wire size. It ensures that electricity flows safely and efficiently throughout the house, providing power to all our devices A common wire is either a connecting wire or a type of neutral wiring, depending on the electrical circuit. Run new 120 volt 15 amp romex wiring to single pole light switches. The wiring is always really old and hasn't been updated (one run of knob and tube still!) so sticking fish tape down areas I can't see makes me uncomfortable haha. Run new 120 volt 15 amp romex wiring to wall outlets. Do this, if not for you, for the people who move in after you. Well I know the codes in Southern California say that any exposed wire must be shielded. Just did this to my new home in August. Sometimes the sheathing is marked with manufacturer and size and type of wire (ie Romex 12/2 ground) would mean Romex brand, size 12 gauge wire, with 2 wires in it plus a ground wire. Pulling out the old wires appears pointless, but I'm going to see if I can run a new THHN wire through the BX I’ve got a 130+ year old Victorian Semi-Detached. In the rest of the house, our electrician will be running and fishing entirely new circuits and either removing or simply disconnecting the old stuff (when inaccessible for removal). Then just uncover/recover as needed. Treat all wires with caution, because Residential electrical wiring is an essential aspect of any home. I have bought a house from 1958 and it's kind of a mess. I'm also running a 100 amp sub panel to the garage which is a short 10' run from the main breaker. Most people will make the wire into a little hook and have the hook oriented so as you tighten the screw it “pulls” the wire in as opposed to trying to wind it out. All your wiring is encased in a metal tube. But it still cost a good bit and took quite a bit of work. Every light switch I've replaced so far has not been grounded and uses backstabbing. The house just feels like an electrical fire waiting to happen. One of the most important components of any electrical project is the wire supply. The pro When it comes to electrical wiring, following the latest codes and regulations is crucial for ensuring safety and preventing potential hazards. Dec 2, 2013 · The rules on retrofitting grounds were greatly relaxed with the 2014 electrical code (NEC 2014). I need to replace nob and tube wiring with new standard wiring in a 70 year old house that has plaster walls. Code might like you to have a "main breaker" on a box outside the building. we use plastic coated ones but light fencing wire would work. On average, it costs about $2,000 – $12,000 to update electrical wiring in a home. As electrons flow in from one side, they flow out from the other, le Electrical wiring schematics are an essential component of any electrical system. That tube is your ground. Since the wires aren't "exposed," it doesn't violate code, and if I ever need to access them again (or to add more wires), I can simply unscrew the plywood temporarily. Every old house has lead paint. Also like the idea of running the wiring overhead. When it works as a connecting wire, the wire connects at least two wires When it comes to understanding the electrical systems in our homes, one crucial aspect that often goes unnoticed is the house circuit diagram. pja qabgwf ackkm anlvdud btlu cylt zoim hnqamn xeorqr mpuqu