A comprehensive guide to older electrical wiring, fully revised and updated for the 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) Old Electrical Wiring: Maintenance and Retrofit provides the information you need to evaluate old wiring and determine whether electrical systems should be torn out and replaced or retrofitted. Guidelines for the safe handling of electrical wiring are also included. Because the electrical construction industry is so fast moving, it takes a lot of effort on the part of building owners, electricians, electrical contractors, and inspectors to keep up with the new methods, equipment, wiring materials, and tools being introduced into the marketplace. This practical, up-to-date resource meets the need for current, reliable instruction on older electrical wiring issues. Old Electrical Wiring: Maintenance and Retrofit features: * An expanded discussion of knob-and-tube wiring, aluminum branch circuit wiring, and old circuit breakers * A new chapter on the aftermaths of fire and flood * A new chapter on innovations that can be particularly useful in working with old wiring * Information on special concerns regarding electrical bonding and old wiring and the EPA’s Final Rule on Lead Detailed, practical coverage: Familiarizing Yourself with Old Wiring; Troubleshooting; Design Changes; More Specialized Issues and Situations; An Esoteric Switching Layout: The Carter System; Accept, Adapt, or Uproot?; Safety Surveys: Looking at the Big Picture; Setting Limits and Avoiding Snares; Tearing It Out and Rewiring; Advanced Topics; Relatively Rare Situations; Fire and Flood: Special Concerns; Innovative Equipment; Historic Buildings; Commercial Settings; Inspection Issues; Dating and History; Resources; Communication; Recalled Equipment; Hazards and Benefits