A client's basement in Akron taught me to always check for old wiring first

I was hanging board in a finished basement last fall and my screw gun sparked against something behind the wall. Turns out the old owners had run a live wire right through the stud bay without a plate. The homeowner had no idea it was there. Now I poke a thin probe into every cavity before I start, especially in houses built before 1980. Anyone else run into hidden surprises like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

taylorc4023d ago

My neighbor found a live wire inside a hollow door.

jones.nancy23d ago

Oh man, that's a good way to get a free perm... I found a live knob and tube line just tucked up inside a ceiling joist once, like someone thought insulation would keep it safe. Another time I pulled down some old paneling and a whole nest of crispy, chewed up wires fell out. It's like a bad magic trick... pick a wall, any wall, and hope you don't find the surprise zap.

the_amy23d ago

My 1972 ranch in Toledo had a junction box just floating loose inside a wall, covered by drywall. It felt like the whole house was a game of electrical hide and seek. I don't trust any wall I didn't build myself now.