Modern practice is to isolate the twin buses as odds and evens.
So that 'A' phase/ 'A' leg is odd numbered and is Black wired.
And, 'B' phase/ 'B' leg is even numbered and is Red wired.
( That last only possible if pulling conductors or using 1x-3 Romex cable. ( x= 0,2,4 ))
So, it's quite strange that you're heating up across both #1 and #4 circuits.
Since the strangest things happen in very old panels/ fuse boxes -- and circuit numbering by amateurs can be bizarre; watch out back at the panel.
Be mindful that really old panels did NOT conform to modern schemes -- at all.
You should probe around with caution and determine which circuits are on which bus.
And you should re-verify the circuit numbering.
For projects this extensive, map it all and put the details into a spread sheet (Lotus 1-2-3, QuatroPro or Excel)
For, you will surely need up dated panel schedules before you can walk away.
I suspect that the whole house is a hairball.
My sister's home was built in 1962. It took me 40 man-hours to fully dope it out. It had a cross between commercial and residential practice -- plus Touch Plate low voltage controls. And everything was 'repaired' by a handyman -- who criss-crossed just about everything.
Systematically unsnarling a hairball can take much more time than it appears from a distance.
Last edited by Tesla; 12/30/12 07:36 PM.
