I'm flipping a '50s ranch and have an issue with the existing wiring.  It still has all the original outlets - non polarized and obviously non grounded.  By code I can install a GFI at the start of the circuit and have all the following outlets protected and use a 3  pin outlet.  All well and good -- except-  all the outlets in the rooms go to one central point -- the ceiling light.  For lack of a better term I call this "spider" wiring, wondering if there is an actual term to describe this method/style of wiring.

I've been scratching my head for the easiest way to rectify this, nothing seems a like an easy fix.   Only option I can come up with is identify the power wire going to the ceiling box, cut it, feed it to the nearest outlet and feed back from that point. 

This house is on a slab, so all the wiring is in the attic, but I'm dealing with 12"+ of blown cellulous insulation.  Anyone come across this issue and solve it?  And just a disclaimer -- I've been wiring and rewiring houses for over 40 years, all my stuff passes inspection and I am totally comfortable working with all aspects of wiring.

That is a thought I had, but not my first choice as it is more work and money than I want to spend.  The code I'm following states that the first outlet should be a GFI and the subsequent outlets simply have to be labeled " No equipment Ground", the stickers are usually included with the GFI.

On a semi related note, this is one of those situations where I need to pull myself back a bit.  I tend to want to do too much to a property, and I have to remind myself I'm not going to live there.  I do feel somewhat like a steward since I'm leaving my mark on the property and I want it to stand the test of time. For me it's quite easy to do these things and I know that 98% of folks buying the home will not have the knowledge or money to do this, so I want it right.

Only reason not to use GFCI breakers is cost.  I picked up 8 gfi outlets for $28.

Still wondering if that style of wiring had a name.  I find it odd.  But I think I know why it was used in this application.  This is a true brick house, and they attached 1X2" directly to the brick with cement nails.  Then they applied a sheet of foil "insulation" ( I use that term loosely...) then another 1X2" to which they applied the plaster board.  There was no way to run wire through the studs as you normally would.

Well I tore into it today.  Interesting results.  I was able to correct 3/4 of the house's original wiring easily.  Actually it was done correctly - 2 circuits in each room ( for the most part...) lights of differing circuits from the outlets in the room and so on.  I had to remove the old shallow nail on boxes to install the gfi outlets but other then some minor plaster issues it went well. Living room and 2 bedrooms all ran through the wall as usual, except for one outlet in the mast br, that will get it's own GFI.

Two problem rooms remain, the 3rd bedroom, all on one circuit, and definite drop down wiring, and the same in the dining room.  Luckily when i gutted the bath it is next to the 3rd bedroom and it will be relatively easy to get to that wiring.  Dining room a bit more challenge but not by much.  It is only a few feet from the panel  so I may just run a new feed to the nearest outlet and feed it from there, killing the original power feed.  I had rewired the kitchen and baths as well as the family room years ago  so they are fine.  Turned out to be much less of an issue than I expected.  And now it's much safer and should be usable for another 60 years.