How to Rewire Your Outlets for Added Safety Without Hiring an Electrician

Upgrading the electrical wiring in your home can add safety, convenience, and value. While it's best to hire a licensed electrician for major rewiring projects, I have successfully changed outlets and switches in my home safely without professional help. Here is my guide to basic outlet and switch upgrades you can safely DIY if you educate yourself, work carefully, and get the proper materials.

Understanding Electrical Basics

Before attempting any electrical project, it's crucial to understand some key principles about how residential electricity works. This knowledge will help you work safely. Some key points:

• Electricity wants to flow to ground - Electric current is always looking for the shortest, easiest path to ground (the literal earth under your home). This is why grounding is so important.

• The hot wire carries power - In modern wiring, the hot wire brings electricity from your electrical panel to outlets and fixtures. It is usually black or red. The neutral wire returns unused electricity to the panel to complete the circuit.

• Circuits have limits - Most residential circuits are 15 or 20 amps. This means you can safely power 1500-2000 watts of devices on each circuit before tripping a breaker. Check your breaker box to understand your home's circuits.

• Electricity can shock, burn, or kill - Always turn off power at the breaker before working. Test wires with a non-contact voltage tester. Respect electricity and work carefully.

With this basic knowledge, you can start simple upgrades with proper caution.

What You'll Need

Before beginning any electrical project, assemble the right tools and materials:

• Electrical tape - To insulate wire connections
• Wire strippers - For stripping wire insulation
• Voltage tester - To safely check if wires are live
• Outlet tester - For verifying outlet wiring
• Wire nuts - For joining wires together
• Circuit finder - For identifying circuits
• Torpedo level - For mounting boxes straight
• Safety gear - Eye protection, work gloves, etc.

For outlets specifically:

• Replacement outlets - Match amp/voltage rating and number of ports
• Junction boxes - If adding new outlets without existing boxes
• Wall plates - Match style of existing plates

Having the proper supplies will make your project go smoothly.

Turn Off Power and Verify It's Off

Before touching any wires, use your circuit breaker to turn off power to the circuit you'll be working on. Turn off the main breaker if unsure.

Verify power is off by testing wires with a non-contact voltage tester. Check each wire, even if you think you turned off the right breaker. Working on live wires can injure or kill you.

If your tester detects electricity, it means there is still live power feeding the wires. Turn off breakers one by one until all wiring reads as dead.

Removing the Old Outlet or Switch

With power confirmed off, you can now remove the outlet or switch:

1. Unscrew the wall plate - Use a screwdriver to remove any screws holding the cover plate.

2. Disconnect wires - There will likely be 2-4 wires attached to the outlet with screw terminals. Loosen each screw and remove wires one by one.

3. Remove outlet - Unscrew any remaining screws holding the outlet in its junction box. Carefully pull it out.

4. Inspect the box - Check for any hazards like rodent damage or burnt wires. Upgrade damaged boxes.

5. Prepare wires - Strip insulation and neaten any twisted conductors so they are ready to connect.

The old outlet or switch can now be set aside. Be sure to dispose of it properly.

Installing the New Outlet or Switch

Installation is the reverse process. Follow these tips for smooth wiring:

• Refer to wiring diagrams on the new outlet. These show proper wire connections.

• Match each wire coming from the box to the correct terminal on the new outlet. Hot to hot, neutral to neutral, etc.

• When joining multiple grounds, pigtail them with a wire nut and connect that pigtail to the ground terminal.

• Wrap connections clockwise with electrical tape for insulation.

• Don't overtighten terminal screws or you can damage wires. Tug gently on each wire to ensure good contact.

• Use a torque screwdriver designed for outlet terminals if you have one.

• Make sure no bare wire or connections are exposed.

With all wires securely connected, push the outlet into the box and screw it in place. Attach the new cover plate straight with a torpedo level. Restore power and test operation. The new outlet or switch is now upgraded and safer than before!

Adding New Outlets and Circuits

While swapping existing outlets is relatively straightforward, running new wiring for additional outlets requires advanced skills. Consider hiring an electrician for:

• Adding circuits - To power outlets in a room without enough existing capacity.

• Running new wire - If there is no power source near the desired new outlet location.

• Large appliance circuits - For outlets powering stoves, laundry machines, etc.

• Aluminum wiring upgrades - Outdated aluminum wiring should be inspected by a pro.

• Working with multi-wire branch circuits - Shared neutral wires require special handling.

However, adding outlets in locations that already have access to power is a DIY possibility. Exercise extreme caution and consult an electrician if you're unsure.

Working Safely is Critical

Electrical projects have inherent hazards, but you can manage the risks with proper safety steps:

• Turn off power and verify - This first step is critical before touching any wires.

• Wear protective gear - Eyewear, gloves, clothing covering your skin, and rubber-soled shoes.

• Use non-contact testing - Check wires with a proximity voltage tester before touching.

• Mind junction boxes - Don't overfill boxes with crumpled wires or insulation.

• Double-check connections - Verify tight wire terminal contacts and good insulating tape wrap.

• Keep dry - Never work on outlets standing in water or with wet hands.

• Know when to call a pro - Some electrical projects require professional expertise.

By combining safety consciousness with general electrical knowledge, I have successfully taken on many basic outlet and switch upgrades over the years. With prudence and the right tools, you can too. Just take it slow and be extremely cautious around this potentially hazardous, yet indispensable utility.