New user, big project, lots of questions

Hi all,

I'm new here (and to the world of home improvement in general), and am looking for help on several subjects.

We recently purchased an older home (80+ yrs), and the electrical system is sadly outdated. In the unfinished basement there are wires criss-crossing everywhere, dangerously inept splices (raw wires in open air), no GFCI outlets in the bathroom or kitchen, and all (or virtually all) outlets are of the 2-prong variety. There also arn't half as many outlets as would be required by code.

Anyway, I would like to just go through and gut the entire system and start from scratch.. but am also extremely unexperienced with anything to do with electrical systems. Thus far I've read one chapter in a home-improvement book.. and that has given me the confidence that with more research I feel certain that this is a project we could do ourselves (at least the interior wiring.. we would have an electrician work on everything up to the breaker box).

So, my main question (for now) is what good books are out there that would help me understand the intricacies of wiring in an existing home (I'd rather not cut up every wall in our 3000sq ft. dwelling). And specifically I'm looking for info on fishing wires.

Thanks!

 

There is a lot of good books at your home depot, or stores like Lowe’s, But one thing I think to take advantage of, is a forum like this one, We have several moderators, and Members, that can give more options then any book. And different opinions from guys like here, gives you the option of what type of technique to use.
Good luck.

 

hello: i found the old time-life series electricity 1 and 2 r great (ck ur local library). wired the whole house with the volume 1. the pix work good. remember to get permits where u live.

 

Rex Cauldwell, "Wiring a House", Taunton Press, 1998. 226 pages.