Wiring Discoveries In An Old House

[Number_35]

Are you going to be able to replace the aluminum wires? If not, I've seen some specialty connectors that are purpose made to allow you to pigtail aluminum to copper working so you can safely connect to modern outlets.

The one aluminum wire is presently terminated on a receptacle rated for dual use (CU/AL). We're going to leave it alone for now. I'd like to, at minimum, put CU pigtails on the conductors.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

I blame HGTV and the like for making people think that anyone can do this stuff properly and safely.

 

[Hall]

It's not particularly old.

It's got plaster-and-lathe walls. It's old(er).

 

[wander2039]

After the last 2 houses if we were to buy any other "used" houses I'd just rewire them soon as I could. So many head scratchers.. electricity is fairly forgiving. Our next and hopefully last we'll build or it'll be a modular.

 

[Number_35]

After the last 2 houses if we were to buy any other "used" houses I'd just rewire them soon as I could. So many head scratchers.. electricity is fairly forgiving. Our next and hopefully last we'll build or it'll be a modular.

If this were my home, and I had the luxury of more time, I would have gutted it - stripped it right to the studs, and started over with proper wiring, insulation, and vapour barrier. However, this is for a young couple starting out, and money is a big factor.

 

[walterjay]

I blame HGTV and the like for making people think that anyone can do this stuff properly and safely.

Yes. I have seen the homeowner hack jobs in recent years.

 

[wander2039]

If this were my home, and I had the luxury of more time, I would have gutted it - stripped it right to the studs, and started over with proper wiring, insulation, and vapour barrier. However, this is for a young couple starting out, and money is a big factor.

That's understandable, that's why we rebuilt ours room by room. Looking back getting dumpsters and gutting to begin with would of been better. Almost done with ours now we'll probably be moving in a few years LOL.

 

[Pablo]

I still want to know who punched all the holes in our drywall and did crap fixes. Some not even supported. Shotgun fights ? Drinking parties?

 

[nickaluch]

I have lucked out the 4 house's I have owned had zero interior renovations. Just the usual exterior window replacement, aluminum siding a couple of roofs. I have helped friends with houses with interior renovations before purchasing you find some crazy stuff.

 

[Number_35]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Alumiconn-3-Port-Al-Cu-10-Pack-Purple-Al-Cu-Wire-Connectors/999950286

It really bugs be those aren't available in Canada!

 

[Lubener]

Z Z Z Z z z z z Z Z Z Z

 

[tbm5690]

It's a state of mind which does not depend on age or political affiliation.

Can confirm. I mean, I truly don't understand why people can't just stay on the sidewalk and not in my grass.

 

[4WD]

Can confirm. I mean, I truly don't understand why people can't just stay on the sidewalk and not in my grass.

Well, thought that was just a figure of speech

 

[Donald]

Arcfault breakers are what you should install. They will prevent fires in suspect wiring. Which this house sounds like it's all suspect wiring.

No knob & tube wiring?

 

[Number_35]

Arcfault breakers are what you should install. They will prevent fires in suspect wiring. Which this house sounds like it's all suspect wiring.

No knob & tube wiring?

Good thought on the arc-fault breakers - I'll suggest that to the owners.

We didn't find any knob-and-tube, which is no guarantee there isn't some somewhere.