Without going into too much detail, A LOT of Maine homes (and others) have older wiring still in operation. This includes Knob n Tube, ungrounded, metal conduit, and cloth covered (ungrounded)... Often a mix of these and newer romex wiring... two prong receptacles swapped out for newer three prong despite STILL not being grouned.
When performing an inspection and I come across these types of wiring I have to share this information with the client without causing too much of an alarm. Granted knob n tube is very old and becoming more and more unsafe as the insulation becomes more and more brittle and falls off... So providing the proper advice to the client is important.
First and formost I advise them the system will have to be evaluated by a licensed professional electrician. In all likelihood knob n tube will have to be upgraded (safety and insurance concerns)... Other forms of wiring can be deemed safe by the electrician and only areas that are really needed to be upgraded should be...
Upgrades can include complete rewiring of certain circuits or the entire home; upgrading ungrounded receptacles to GFCI receptacles using alternative grounding methods, ensuring that any ungrounded circuits have either two prong receptacles installed or the proper upgrades to acheive ground.
It is not safe to simply swap out a two prong receptacle for a three prong WITHOUT obtaining safe ground.
You can see how complicated it can get, but realize that often the ENTIRE home does not need a total $10,000 or more re-wire. Take each circuit or room on a case by case basis... upgrade where needed.
If you are plugging a lamp or alarm clock into a bedroom receptacle, you may not need to rewire an ungrounded circuit. If you plugging in a new plasma tv, newer appliances or computer (which should have its own UPS)... you may want to upgrade that particular circuit.
ULTIMATELY... consult a licensed professional electrician to evaluate your needs/wants and provide a safe environment. Home inspectors can certainly point out the issues, but it is up to the individual contractors to provide the end solution!
I hope this can help!
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