09-09-2020, 09:31 PM
chopper wrote:
Thank you, testcase. House was built in 1920. I guess I will call an electrician.
I would NOT be surprised if you found "Knob & Tube" wiring in the walls. The house I owned was built in the 1890s. When it was first "electrified", a pair of BARE COPPER WIRES were run inside the walls (a common practice in those times). These bare copper wires were "installed" on porcelain insulating "knobs". Although my house was rewired in the 1950s, the original knob & tube wires were abandoned and simply left in place. I think one or two of those circuits were left live!. BEFORE "poking around" if you don't already have one, get a Non-Contact Voltage Tester. They're widely available and don't cost much ($10~$25) at Walmart, Lowes etc. A NCVT is simple to use and will alert you to LIVE voltage in wires. Cheap insurance so that you don't electrify yourself.