Our house was built in 1905 and while a lot of the electric has been replaced throughout the its 115 year life, a lot of the old BX cable (likely original or close to it) is still in use; mostly for lamps, lights, general use outlets (non-heavy duty).
The panel has been upgraded with modern breakers but I am still concerned about the longterm safety and risks of this old wiring.
I am wondering if there is anything (short of replacing all the wiring) to help alleviate concerns.
Specifically, would replacing all the breakers on this old wiring with arc fault breakers be something that would significantly (or totally) avoid any problems?
Or, am I overreacting?
Best Answer
I think you are over reacting With what you have provided original would be knob and tube it is still legal. BX is much safer If there is an issue it is inside the flexible conduit and that metal conduit is quite a bit of protection. Replacing breakers may or may not be possible with your existing panel and again your wiring is in conduit so I would not be concerned.
Depending when and Or the type of panel You have we may suggest getting it updated (especially if FPE™, StabLock™, Federal Pacific™ & Zinsco™ are the leading panels that have problems). Some obsolete panels do not have arc fault breakers available but are still good panels.
Note I have seen more problems with skinned NMB than with BX, MC or AC.