Questions Regarding Electrical Service, Among other things

[Weliczko]

I am looking at biding on an inexpensive property in a small town. I've looked at the house from the outside and peeked in a few windows. I noticed today that the electrical service has been cut (literally). There is no meter and there are a few of the old style Braided wires sticking out where I asume the meter used to be. Could someone tell me what this might mean. Also is there a chance that the Electric company may not reinstall this service duet to old wireing? Thanks a bunch. Also any other info you might be able to provide a newbie would be greatly appreciated. Is there any "Checklist" i can go through to help me decide on this property? THANKS SO MUCH. KINDA STRESSED ABOUT my first tax sale purchase.
D.W

[kenb]

There is no meter and there are a few of the old style Braided wires sticking out where I asume the meter used to be. Could someone tell me what this might mean. Also is there a chance that the Electric company may not reinstall this service due to old wireing?

If the hydro line to the property has been snipped at the pole, that generally means that the utility has discovered an unsafe condition that they don't want attached to the grid anymore.  The only way to get back on the grid is to complete the nessessary repairs to the electrical service and have the electrical inspector sign off on it.

[Weliczko]

I called HYDRO ONE and they said that 'IF THE METER HAS BEEN REMOVED THEN IN ORDER TO GET THE SERVICE RECONNECTED YOU WOULD HAVE TO HAVE IT FULLY INSPECTED BY THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY AUTHORITY. According to the Electrical Safety Authority all the wiring and connections would have to be visible, meaning fully gutting the place and making sure everything is visible. Not such a bargain anymore. Glad I noticed the missing meter. Thanks for your help KENB.

[Dave2]

One other issue you may face if it is the "old style knob and tude wiring inside"

Most insurance companies will not write an insurance policy with knob and tube wiring and of course no insurance / no financing. 

Replacing the entire wiring in a house can cost a lot in addition to electrical costs.
Trying to replace wiring on old plaster lath walls can be interesting to put it mildly

You maybe able to sign up as an actor in the next filming of "ghostbusters"

Dave2

[twinn1]

Chances are that the house has numerous outstanding work orders from the city on it.  The electrical could have been disconnected as people might have stealing hydro or more likely, was deemed a risk to public saftey.

For ESA to clear the house they would need to see all of the connections/junction points/switch connections etc...

One other issue you may face if it is the "old style knob and tude wiring inside"

As far as I know, TD Primmum is the only insurance company that will touch knot and tube wiring.  That might have changed so do your due dillegence. 

Also, regarding insurance, it is possible that any insurance company will insure knot and tube on a temp basis until you get it rewired. A co-worker of mine got his insurance company (I don't remeber which one now) to insure his newlly purcahsed house in Toronto on the basis that he would replace all the wiring within 120 days.  It is doable so talk to your insurance broker.

FYI- knot and tube was not all that bad, it became a problem when lazy/reckless homeowner or tenants started to put larger amperage fuses then what was called for because they got tires of blowing fuses.  The biggest problem used to be the energy hungry appliances of the 60/70/80's that required an insane amount of voltage to run.  A bigger fuse meant that a old style wiring would overheat and short out, sparks flying plus insulation and old rotted wood= bad news