Philadelphia Historic Home Rewiring is often necessary when older houses still rely on outdated knob and tube wiring. Recently, a new homeowner partnered with GEN3 Electric & HVAC for a safe, code-compliant electrical upgrade, ensuring their historic property was both protected and modernized.
By GEN3 Electric & HVAC — your Philadelphia electrician for historic homes
A New Customer’s Electrical Upgrade with GEN3 HVAC & Electrical
When new homeowners move into Philadelphia’s historic neighborhoods, they often fall in love with the charm, character, and convenience. But older homes can also come with hidden electrical challenges that must be addressed quickly. That’s exactly what brought one of our newest customers in the Manayunk Hills neighborhood to GEN3.
When she reached out to us, her message said it all:
“I have a whole laundry list from my home inspection of electrical related things that need addressing. The most pressing issues are knob and tube and laundry outlets.”
Her concerns were clear, and our team was ready to step in.
The Electrical Challenges
During our walkthrough and inspection, we confirmed what her home inspector had flagged and found even more that needed immediate attention:
- Knob-and-tube wiring still powering parts of the home, tied into old cloth BX and handyman-installed wiring.
- A main electrical panel in poor condition, with double-tapped neutrals and grounds, plus a breaker that showed evidence of past arcing.
- An outdated grounding system with no ground rods and improper bonding at the water service.
- An aging meter enclosure and rusted exterior conduit, open at the top and at risk for water intrusion.
These issues posed both safety and reliability risks, especially for a new homeowner wanting peace of mind.
Home Electrical Upgrades Philadelphia: GEN3’s Solution
Our licensed electricians — Joe, Tessa, and Brandon — dedicated five days on site to fully modernizing the electrical system. Each day involved about 5–6 hours of hands-on tool time, not including the transportation, equipment runs, and cleanup that are essential parts of a job well done.
Here’s what the team accomplished:
Removed all knob-and-tube wiring and safely rewired affected areas, including the rear bedroom and basement.
Upgraded outlets and protection, adding new laundry outlets, a GFCI in the kitchen, and a dedicated GFCI for the washer.
Enhanced safety features with a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the hallway and improved basement lighting.
Corrected unsafe code violations, including rerouting the dryer line, which had been improperly run down a wall without protection.
Installed a new electrical panel and corrected grounding deficiencies with new ground rods and proper water service bonding.
Secured the meter enclosure and exterior conduit, preventing future water damage and system failure.
With an estimated project value between $14,000–$18,000, this investment not only solved immediate hazards but ensured the home’s electrical system will serve the family safely for years to come.
The Benefits for the Homeowner
This project highlights a common story in Philadelphia: historic homes with modern charm but outdated electrical systems. Knob-and-tube wiring, old panels, and poor grounding can all put new homeowners at risk.
By choosing GEN3, for this Philadelphia historic home rewiring, this customer gained:
Peace of mind, knowing her system is safe and code-compliant.
Modern convenience, with updated outlets, GFCI protection, and improved lighting.
Long-term value, ensuring her investment in Manayunk Hills is secure and future-ready.
About the Neighborhood
Nestled in Manayunk Hills, this home is just minutes from Main Street’s vibrant restaurants and shops, while offering quiet residential charm. With a fully updated electrical system, the homeowner can now enjoy all the perks of the neighborhood without worrying about what’s behind the walls.
Thinking About Your Home?
If your home inspection has uncovered knob-and-tube wiring or electrical issues, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger problem. Call GEN3 HVAC & Electrical, our family-owned team is here to protect your family’s safety and your home’s value.
📞 Schedule your electrical or HVAC consultation with GEN3 today!
