I do a lot. As it seems I am always hooking up existing, a small percentage of each job. (Permits for demolition here make a HUGE jump at 80%. 90% is almost 2X 79%, so there is almost always an existing wall or walls. Full structure demo is astronomical in demo permits!)
Must it meet Code?
For the era when originally installed. I can't read the code for 1930, but I do know the last standard for most wiring methods is still in the code.
Must it be new or near new?
Often 100+ years... K&T, black iron conduit, cloth covered wire, etc.
Must it be "safe"?
Absolutely! No hacking from the past, no deteriation, etc.
Do you feel that if you modified it or added to it that you've in essence made it your own?
(Yep, I go over it with a fine tooth comb, especially if previously modified, more so if modified during the 80's. (Bad era for the trades it seems. Lots of hack work.) I do own it, and will be inspected for its condition, based on original install standards, if I connect to, or re-connect it, or feed (if allowed) from it. (Can't feed from K&T.)
How do you deal with a call where a part of the existing system has failed?
Failed? CB fails its gone... Insulation failed, it's gone. All elements in the chain of failure are gone. Those portions replaced new. If that amount justifies ALL new, so be it, it's my call.
[This message has been edited by e57 (edited 01-11-2006).]
