"Don Young" wrote in message
...

"Eigenvector" wrote in message
. ..

"Doug Miller" wrote in message
. net...
In article , "Eigenvector"
wrote:
One question, when re-wiring an outlet, for instance to replace the old
useless Romex with clipped grounds, with fresh new 12/2 - how do you
tell
where the wire goes? I mean how do you tell without hacking chunks out
of
the wall?

Why do you *care* where the old cable goes?

Run the new cable however you can, or however you must, to get it to
where you
need to get it. Disconnect the old cable at both ends and abandon it in
place.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)


There are a few reasons why someone might care. One it's sloppy
construction, but that's not a big deal to me. Two, I would like to
recycle the old wire. Three, it would be nice to be able to use the old
wire to pull the cable run for the new wire - which is why I care where
it goes.

Fishing a new cable into an existing box is routine for old work
electricians. There are a lot of ways to do it. If you have attic access
you can try pulling the old cable out but it is pretty unlikely to work. A
small sash chain dropped down and a long wire with a hook will work most
times. You can get a little access around the box where the repair will be
covered by the plate. The best thing is a friend who has experience as an
old work electrician.

Don Young

I got one of those (friend who's done lots of old work electrical). I
watched him pull his old aluminum Romex at his place and replace it with
copper - so it can't be useless or impossible to pull the old stuff like
Miller is claiming. It wasn't easy though and he did need to punch a few
holes in the wall. I guess I'll wait then, he doesn't fly back into the
country until May'ish.