How to Rewire Your Home Without an Electrician (and Not Get Electrocuted)

Introduction

Rewiring a home can seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning and safety precautions, I was able to completely rewire my home without hiring an electrician. As a DIYer with some electrical experience, I wanted to save money by doing it myself. However, working with electricity poses serious hazards if safety rules are not followed. By educating myself, creating a plan, using the right tools and materials, and working carefully, I successfully rewired my entire home safely over a few weekends. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how I safely navigated this major electrical project without professional help.

Research and Create a Rewiring Plan

Before starting any work, I spent time learning about home electrical systems and wiring codes. I read books, watched online tutorials, and consulted local electrical codes to understand exactly what needed to be done. I mapped out my home’s existing wiring circuit by circuit to formulate a plan for the new wiring.

I decided to completely rewire my home with new copper wiring and upgrade from fuse box to circuit breaker panel. My plan specified the required wire gauge for each circuit, number of circuits needed, and layout of the new breaker panel. I obtained the necessary permit from the town building department before starting.

Gather the Right Tools and Materials

Based on my plan, I made a list of all materials needed, including:

Romex NM-B Wiring - I used 12 AWG and 14 AWG sizes. The required gauge depends on circuit amperage and length.
Circuit Breaker Panel - I opted for a 200 Amp panel with 24 circuit breakers. Match panel amperage to your home’s total load.
Breakers - Get the correct breaker amp rating for each circuit.
Junction Boxes - For connecting wiring.
Cable Staples/Clips - To fasten wiring to studs and joists.
Wire Strippers - For removing sheathing from NM cables.
Voltage Tester - Essential safety tool for testing power.

I also gathered basic hand tools like hammers, screwdrivers, ladders, and drills. Make sure all tools are in good condition and electrically insulated. Never use power tools without a ground wire.

Safety First - Vital Precautions

Before touching any wiring, I turned off power at the main breaker and verified it was off with a voltage tester. I left the old wiring in place until the new circuits were complete to maintain power in the house during the project.

Here are crucial safety steps I followed:

De-energize circuits before working on them.
Verify power is off with a voltage tester.
Disconnect the old wiring only once the new circuit is complete.
Keep others away from the work area.
Wear insulated gloves and non-conductive work boots.
Never work alone - have someone there in case of emergency.
Keep a fire extinguisher and first aid kit handy.
Use fiberglass ladders and insulated tools.

I know these may sound excessive but electrical safety cannot be taken lightly. Shock, burns, falls and electrocution are all real risks.

Running New Circuits

With my safety gear on and tools at the ready, I was ready to start running the new wiring. I started in the attic and worked my way down.

Here is the process I followed for each circuit:

Measure and cut NM cables to required length, leaving extra at ends for connections.
Drill holes through joists and studs for routing cables. Avoid plumbing and ventilation.
Secure cables using cable staples or clips. Leave no loose or dangling wires.
Run cables into electrical boxes and junction boxes. Leave 6-8 inches of slack.
Carefully strip wire ends using sharp cable strippers.
Securely fasten cables to terminals with screwdriver. Follow wiring diagram.
Anchor boxes to studs and joists for stability. No loose connections.
Attach cover plates and outlet covers.

I repeated this process for each room, gradually replacing the old wiring with new circuits. I was extremely diligent about leaving no live wires exposed.

Install New Breaker Panel

After running all the new wiring, it was time to install the new 200 Amp breaker panel and get rid of the old fuse box. I carefully mapped out the circuit plan for the panel including which breaker would control each outlet and light fixture.

With the power still off, I terminated the old main service wires to the new panel's main lugs. Using the wiring diagram, I attached the ground and neutral wires to the panel's bus bars, then connected the hot wires to their designated breakers one at a time.

Once wired up completely, I turned the main breaker on and tested each circuit using my voltage tester. The feeling of seeing that new panel fully energized was so gratifying!

Helpful Tips

Here are a few helpful pointers from my experience for a smooth wiring project:

Label all wires as you disconnect them to avoid confusion.
Take photos at each step to have a visual reference.
Only work on de-energized circuits to avoid getting shocked.
Carefully check your work and wiring diagram before re-energizing.
Keep area clean and organized. Don't leave stripped wires lying around.
Test GFCI and AFCI breakers to ensure proper function after connecting.
Hire an electrician if you are ever unsure about tackling a particular task.

Conclusion

Completing a full rewiring project on my own took careful planning, adherence to safety, patience, and attention to detail. But in the end, I saved thousands of dollars in electrician fees, gained invaluable knowledge, and have a safer, higher functioning electrical system. While not for everyone, with adequate research and preparation, rewiring your home without an electrician is entirely doable. Just be sure to always put safety first! Let me know if you have any other questions, and I'll be happy to help.