How to Rewire Your Outlets for Higher Amperage Without an Electrician

Introduction

Upgrading the electrical wiring in your home to support more amperage can seem like an intimidating task. However, with proper planning and attention to detail, I can rewire my outlets for higher amperage without hiring an electrician. This allows me to upgrade appliances and devices without the high cost of professional rewiring.

In this article, I will provide a step-by-step overview of the outlet rewiring process, covering safety precautions, materials needed, electrical concepts, and wiring techniques. I will also share tips and tricks I have learned from my experience to make the project go smoothly. With some basic DIY skills and this guide, you can gain the confidence to rewire your own outlets and handle more amperage in your home.

Understanding Electrical Circuits

Before getting into the specifics of rewiring an outlet, it's important to understand some key concepts about home electrical systems:

Current and Amperage

• Current is the flow of electrons through a conductor like a wire. It is measured in amps.
• Amperage (amps) indicates how much electric current a circuit can handle. Standard household circuits are often 15 or 20 amps.

Overcurrent Protection

• Overcurrent protection devices like circuit breakers and fuses stop excessive current flow that could cause overheating.
• If you upgrade an outlet, the circuit breaker must also be upgraded to match the increased amperage.

Gauges of Electrical Wiring

• Thicker wires can safely handle more amps. 14 gauge is typically used on 15 amp circuits, while 12 gauge is used for 20 amp circuits.

Grounding

• Proper grounding provides a safe path for excess current to flow to the ground in a fault condition. Outlets should always be grounded with a third ground wire.

Materials and Tools You'll Need

Before starting this project, I made sure to gather the necessary materials and tools:

• Electrical tape - To tape wire connections
• Wire strippers - For stripping wire insulation
• Voltage tester - To safely check for live wires
• Clamps and clips - For securing wires
• Wire nuts - To connect wires together
• Needle-nose pliers - For bending and cutting wire
• Phillips screwdriver - For removing outlet covers
• Slotted screwdriver - For loosening terminal screws
• Multimeter - For testing continuity and troubleshooting
• 12 gauge copper wiring - For 20 amp circuits
• 15 to 20 amp outlets - Match outlet amperage to breaker
• Junction boxes - For housing wire connections
• Conduit - For protecting wires between boxes

Turning Off Power and Working Safely

Safety should always be the top concern when working with electrical wiring. To work safely:

• Turn off the circuit breaker controlling the outlet you'll be wiring.
• Verify power is off by testing with a voltage tester or multimeter.
• Wear insulated gloves and be cautious not to touch exposed wires.
• Work carefully and avoid rash movements to prevent accidental shock.
• Keep electrical boxes covered when possible and do not leave exposed wires unattended.

Step-by-Step Outlet Rewiring

With proper preparation and safety in mind, here is an overview of the outlet rewiring process:

Step 1: Remove the Existing Outlet

• Unscrew and remove the outlet cover plate using a Phillips screwdriver.
• Loosen the screws on the outlet terminals and disconnect the attached wires.
• Carefully pull the outlet out of the electrical box in the wall.

Step 2: Examine the Existing Wiring

• Note where each existing wire was connected on the original outlet.
• Verify the gauge of the existing wires. 14 gauge wiring will need to be replaced with 12 gauge for 20 amps.
• Check if a ground wire is present. Adding a ground wire should be a priority if missing.

Step 3: Install New Electrical Box

• If reusing the existing box, examine it for sufficient size and depth to fit the new wiring.
• A new plastic or metal junction box meeting NEC code requirements may need to be installed if existing box is too small.
• Run 12 gauge cable and ground wire through the box holes into the box.

Step 4: Connect the New Wiring

• Use wire nuts to connect the new 12 gauge wires to the existing 14 gauge wires, matching hot, neutral and ground.
• Connect the new ground wire to the outlet ground screw or attach it to the grounded electrical box.
• Wrap connections in electrical tape for protection.

Step 5: Install the New Outlet

• Install the new 15 or 20 amp outlet into the electrical box.
• Reconnect the new 12 gauge wires to the correct hot and neutral outlet screws.
• For outlets with side screws, loop wires clockwise around screws and tighten.
• For outlets with back-fed clamps, insert stripped wires fully and tighten screws.

Step 6: Secure the Outlet and Cover Plate

• Carefully fold wires into the box, providing slack for outlet to be pulled out.
• Install outlet into box and securely tighten mounting screws.
• Install the outlet cover plate and secure with mounting screws.
• Turn circuit breaker back on and use voltage tester to verify power is running properly through new outlet.

Tips for a Successful Outlet Rewiring Project

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your outlet rewiring project goes smoothly:

• Work on only one outlet at a time - Avoid confusion by completing one outlet before moving to next.
• Take photos before dismantling outlet - Useful reference for reconnecting wires properly.
• Invest in high-quality materials - Don't risk safety with suspect tools or wiring.
• Label all wires - Use tape to label wires as you disconnect them.
• Check connections for tightness - Loose wires can cause arcing and fires.
• Double check the circuit is dead - Verify with a multimeter before touching any wires.
• Consult an electrician if unsure - It's better to be safe than risk electrocution and fires.

When to Call an Electrician

While upgrading outlets is doable for many DIYers, there are some scenarios where it is advisable to hire a professional electrician:

• Rewiring the entire house electrical system rather than just outlets.
• Installing new wiring in finished walls without accessible electrical boxes.
• Upgrading the main electrical service panel and service entrance wires.
• Tying new wiring into existing aluminum wiring, which requires special considerations.
• Fixing short circuits and other faults in existing wiring.
• Ensuring additions and renovations meet NEC code requirements.

An electrician can quickly and safely handle complex electrical work, saving you time and giving you peace of mind. They can also assess needs specific to your home and provide guidance on electrical planning. Costs of professional rewiring may pay off by preventing costly hazards.

Conclusion

Rewiring outlets to handle more amperage takes careful planning and attention to detail. By educating yourself about electrical systems, taking necessary safety precautions, using proper materials, and following the step-by-step process, you can upgrade your outlets without an electrician. Paying attention to code requirements and seeking professional advice when needed will ensure your home's electrical system remains safe and efficient for years to come. With this guide and some practical experience, you can gain the skills to rewire outlets like a pro.