I've got a house that's over 100 years old, and it's set up with knob and tube wiring, which makes any major electrical work tough. I haven't finished moving in yet, so I don't have all my rooms set up. In one room, I used to have a lot of electronics—like a TV, computer, and a couple of lamps—but right now, I only have two outlets that are active. I'm considering using heavy-duty extension cords to run power from nearby rooms, as I found a few outlets that might work. However, I'm concerned about the load on the circuits since I believe everything runs down from the attic and might share a power line. Could running a long cord from the first floor to the second be better than using other room outlets? What's the difference between a 50-foot and a 100-foot extension cord? Is thinner gauge wire safer, and should I use surge protectors? I feel like my current outlets won't accommodate all my devices without risking overheating, so I'm trying to figure out the best approach while avoiding a complete wiring overhaul. Any advice?
3 Answers
Honestly, I really think rewiring is the safest route. You could tackle one room at a time, which might be less overwhelming. But if you stick with extension cords, use at least 14 gauge for 15 amps and 12 gauge for 20 amps. Keeping the wire gauge consistent helps prevent fire hazards by ensuring the breaker will trip before the cord gets too hot.
I’ve been there with old wiring! I once had a neighbor almost burn down our place with a faulty extension cord. You should definitely use heavy-duty ones rated for the wattage you plan on using. Just a tip, shorter cords are often safer and less of a tripping hazard too! Also, don’t hesitate to swap out old outlets for GFCI ones—they’ll give you extra protection.
Good call on the GFCI outlets! They offer way more safety for your old wiring situation.
It sounds like you've got a lot going on! Just be careful with those extension cords; they aren’t meant for long-term use, especially in older homes. Maybe focus on upgrading the circuits in the rooms where you use your electronics most. Also, if you can, get quotes from electricians—it might be less hassle to tackle some rewiring with professional help.
For sure! It's all about matching the gauge. If you overload a thinner cord, it could catch fire, which you definitely want to avoid.