Home Old Work Wiring Methods Page 3

Old Work Wiring Methods

Old-work wiring methods explained through photos and articles for renovation in existing homes

Latest

Old wall switch with wires connected pulled out from the wall electrical box. The white wire on the switch is not a neutral. It is a LINE (Hot) wire being used to provide power to the switch. The black wire on the switch is the LOAD wire which feeds the power to the switched outlet.

Convert Switched Outlet To Hot

Wall cutout for new electrical box with wires protruding

Add Dimmer Switch and New Ceiling Light Fixture

An attic view from above the ceiling of an installed fan brace and fan box with a Romex cable entering the rear of the box.

Repairing a Ceiling Electrical Box

A ceiling fan box hanging from the wire about to be attached to the bracket inside of the ceiling

Installing a Ceiling Fan Using Existing Wiring

An old electric wall switch removed from the electrical box, but still connected

Add Light Switch To Existing

An example of a Half Switched Outlet pulled from the wall mounted electrical box with the wires hanging out. The white wire connected to the black wires is feeding power to the wall switch. The black wire from the wall switch is feeding power to half of this outlet. The other half is on at all times. The tab was cut on the other side where the black wires are connected. Whenever a white wire is used as a hot wire, it is supposed to have its color changed.

Switched Outlet Wiring Diagrams

Long and short Madison Bars with old work metal outlet boxes

Installing An Electrical Receptacle Box Using Madison Bars

A metal outlet box mounted on wood lathe

Install Outlet in an Existing Wall

A fiberglass fish rod is used here to fish a Type NM-B cable through a ceiling.

Wire Pulling In Walls Ceilings

Microwave oven installed under a kitchen cabinet.

Microwave Oven Over Stove

1 234 Page 3 of 4

Pictures, Descriptions, and Handy Tips from Working over 40 Years as an Electrician. All Photos and Text Published on MrElectrician.TV is Copyrighted Material. © 2025, All Rights Reserved. Mr. Electrician is a Registered Trademark. MrElectrician.TV does not use cookies to track your browsing activity, but its advertisers might.