Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Older house wiring problems

I have an older house (1924) that I was trying to update a kitchen light that never worked right. The light I was replacing was installed by previous owners, not a 1924 light. I found a nice fixture I wanted to install. As I pulled the old light off, I found that the old fixture had insulation inside the base and only two wires from the house, both fabric covered type. I also noticed that the fabric was charred a little.

I decided that I should probably update this wiring, especially considering the possibly fire hazard that I used to have. However, I was curious if it would be possible to rewire this as a DIY project, or should I find an electrician to update this wiring?

Thanks in advance

Welcome to the forums! Of all the projects you could mention as a DIY project, unless you have really good knowledge of electrical, and in some areas you must be licensed, it would be better off with an electrician doing this type project.

My house was built in 1923 and I have done some extensive electrical work rewiring, etc.

It sounds as if you have old nob and tube wiring still in your kitchen ceiling. The farbric insulation was impregrated with a tar-like substance way back in the day. Provided that it has not been distrubed that much in the past and there is no insulation missing from the conductors the amperage rating is sufficient to carry the load of a ceiling light.

Re-wiring your kitchen would be tricky, the old wiring would have to be safety abandoned with would be a difficult task if you do not know exactly where it originates or what else it feeds.

If you really feel weary about re-using it then your best action is to hire an electrician to do the work for you.