Introduction
Rewiring your home can seem like a daunting task, but with some preparation and care, you can totally do it yourself and avoid the high costs of hiring an electrician. I successfully rewired my entire home office on my own, and I will walk you through the process step-by-step in this guide.
You will learn everything you need to know, from obtaining permits, to wiring circuits, to installing new outlets and fixtures. I will also provide tips for safety and legal compliance. You can save thousands of dollars by DIYing this project.
Gather Tools and Materials
Before getting started, you will need to acquire some basic tools and materials:
Tools
- Wire strippers
- Voltmeter
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Needle nose pliers
- Electrical tape
- Safety glasses
Materials
- Romex NM-B wiring (gauge will depend on application)
- Electrical boxes
- Wire nuts
- Cable clamps/staples
- Wall plates
- GFCI outlets
- Circuit breakers
- Conduit (as needed)
Make sure you have all of these items handy before you begin. You may also want to pick up a basic electrical book as a reference.
Permits and Inspections
Check with your local building department to determine if you need any permits or inspections for your rewiring project. At minimum, you will probably need an electrical inspection after you complete the work.
Getting the proper permits is crucial for safety and making sure your home's electrical system meets code requirements. Research your jurisdiction's specific rules.
Turn Off Power and Remove Old Wiring
Before touching anything, locate your home's breaker box and turn off the main power. Verify power is off by testing outlets with a voltmeter and turning on lights.
Then, you can start removing the old wiring. Take pictures as you go so you remember how everything was originally wired. Remove all outlet and switch covers and the receptacles/switches themselves. Take out old wiring and dispose of properly.
If you plan to reuse any parts of the existing system, clean them thoroughly first. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris.
Map Out New Wiring System
With the old wiring gone, you can map out your new circuitry. Decide where you want switches, lights, and outlets placed. Draw up a wiring diagram with measurements.
Plan circuits carefully - don't overload them. Follow local codes for required GFCI outlets, AFCI breakers, and maximum amperage per circuit. Leave extra length in the wires.
Consider where you'll need to fish wires through walls/ceilings and if conduit is necessary. Plan wisely at this stage.
Install New Wiring and Components
Now the fun part - running the new wiring! Start by mounting the electrical boxes where needed. Use cable clamps to secure the Romex wire in place.
Run the Romex between boxes, leaving extra length. Use wire nuts to make connections. Attach switches, outlets, and other components. Verify ground wires are connected properly.
repeatedly check wires with a voltmeter to be sure they aren't live. Use extreme caution and turn off the main breaker if you feel unsure. Take it slow and double check everything.
Connect to Breaker Panel
With the basic wiring complete, you can connect the circuits to the breaker panel. Turn off the main breaker again before working inside the panel.
Install appropriate amperage breakers for each new circuit. Securely connect the Romex to the breakers, matching hot, neutral, and ground wires.
Verify all connections are tight and that insulation properly enters the panel. Mount a cover on the panel before turning main power back on.
Add Fixtures and Covers
Almost done! Now you just need to attach any lighting fixtures, fans, outlets, and switch/outlet covers. Make sure connections are tight.
At outlets, attach the white wire to the silver screw, black to brass, and ground wire to green. Install outlet and switch plate covers.
Caution: If you made any mistakes in the wiring, inserting fixtures may blow a breaker or create a hazard.
Testing and Inspections
With everything hooked up, carefully turn the main breaker back on. Flip breakers on one at a time and test fixtures on each circuit. Verify proper operation and no shorts.
If all lights/outlets work properly, you likely did a good job! But still have an electrician inspect before using the system extensively.
Call your city to have an official electrical inspector come verify you met code. Only use your new wiring after it passes inspection.
You did it - saved thousands of dollars by safely wiring your home without an electrician! Enjoy your rewired space.
Tips and Warnings
Rewiring a home is complicated, but you can totally DIY it. Here are some additional pointers:
- Turn off power at the breaker box before starting and verify it's off
- Only work on small sections at a time, de-energizing wires as you go
- Carefully follow local building codes and permit requirements
- Never work on live wires; this can cause electrocution
- Use thick gloves and other PPE when handling wires
- Double-check all connections before flipping breakers back on
- Have an experienced electrician handy to consult if needed
- Hire a pro if you don't feel fully confident in your abilities
Follow safety precautions and building codes, take your time, and you can successfully rewire your home! You'll save big bucks doing it yourself rather than hiring an electrician.