Introduction
Rewiring a home can seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and safety precautions, I was able to rewire my entire house and save thousands of dollars in the process. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk through all the steps I took to successfully rewire my home, from planning and safety to choosing wires and outlets. I'll also share tips on how I avoided common mistakes and worked efficiently to get the job done. Whether you want to upgrade your electrical, add more outlets, or fix faulty wiring, you can do it yourself and avoid expensive electrician fees.
Planning the Rewiring Project
Before I started ripping out wires, I took time to plan the rewiring project. Careful planning is crucial for a smooth rewiring process and to avoid potential hazards.
Determine Scope of Work
I walked through my whole house room by room and made notes about the existing wiring and outlets. I decided which rooms I wanted to fully rewire, and where I would leave the wiring alone. For me, the kitchen, living room, and bedroom needed complete rewiring while other rooms just needed minor upgrades like additional outlets. Determine the scope of work based on your needs and budget.
Choose a Layout
Next, I mapped out a layout for where I wanted switches, lights, and outlets placed in each room. Consider how you use the space and where you might need more plugs and switches. Reference building codes for required outlet spacing. I drew rough diagrams of each room's electrical layout to use as a guide during rewiring.
Turn Off Power and Inspect Electrical
Safety first! I turned off all the power at the main circuit breaker before touching any wires. Verify power is off by testing outlets with a voltage tester. Then, I removed cover plates and inspected the existing wiring to identify any problems like damaged wires or faulty connections. This informed my rewiring approach.
Purchase Materials and Tools
Based on my room diagrams, I made a list of all the wiring supplies needed - various gauges of wire, electrical boxes, outlets, etc. I also gathered essential tools like wire strippers, a voltage tester, staple gun, and more. Having all materials on hand avoided delays during rewiring.
Rewiring Room by Room
With my plan and supplies ready, I was able to methodically rewire my home one room at a time. Here are the key steps I followed in each room:
Remove Old Wiring
I detached wires from outlets and switches, pulled them out from the walls, and removed any unused wires. This created a blank slate for the new wiring. Tip: Label wires as you disconnect them to identify their circuit.
Run New Wires
I drilled holes and stapled or fished wires through the framing from my planned outlet and switch locations back to the main circuit panel. I color coded wires (black for hot, white for neutral) and made sure to size wires appropriately for the circuit amperage.
Install Electrical Boxes
I nailed new plastic electrical boxes in the studs at all my planned outlet, switch and fixture locations. I fed the new wires into each box to hook up later. Tip: Keep boxes accessible until inspection.
Connect Switches and Outlets
With the boxes in place, I was able to terminate the wires by connecting outlets, light switches, and fixtures. I matched wire colors, made tight connections, and secured the wires safely.
Inspect and Test Circuits
Before closing up the walls, I turned the power back on and thoroughly tested each outlet and switch on the new circuit. I used a voltage tester and outlet tester to confirm proper wiring. Testing ensured my safety and caught any mistakes.
Finish Walls and Add Cover Plates
Once I verified safe and working wiring, I finished closing up the walls and added cover plates to all boxes. The finishing touches like paint helped restore the rooms after all the electrical work.
Tips for Rewiring Success
Follow these tips and safety precautions as you tackle a DIY rewiring project:
- Turn power off at the breaker before starting and keep it off until you're ready to test.
- Only work on one circuit at a time to avoid mixing up wires.
- Use the right size wire for the circuit amperage (e.g. 15 amps needs 14 gauge).
- Keep wire connections tight and insulate with wire nuts.
- Label all wires so you know their circuit.
- Follow code spacing for outlet and switch boxes.
- Install sturdy electrical boxes securely fastened to framing.
- Protect wires inside walls with nail plates.
- Test all outlets and switches before finishing walls.
- Check with your city on required permits and inspections.
Conclusion
While rewiring a house is labor intensive, the electrical skills you’ll learn are invaluable. And you can save thousands by avoiding electrician labor costs. Just be sure to always put safety first, take your time, and don't be afraid to ask an electrician friend if you get stuck. The sense of accomplishment and money saved makes a DIY rewire extremely rewarding. I'm so glad I tackled it myself. Your home will gain more modern, robust electrical wiring that enhances safety, functionality and value.