Introduction
Upgrading the electrical outlets in your home can provide more power to run larger appliances and electronics. Rewiring outlets is a project a homeowner can take on without hiring an electrician, as long as you educate yourself on electrical safety and follow proper procedures. In this guide, I'll walk through the step-by-step process to safely rewire outlets for more power in a code-compliant way.
Reasons to Rewire Outlets
There are a few key reasons you may want to rewire the outlets in your home:
Insufficient Amperage
Many older homes only have 15 amp circuits, which limits the power available through each outlet to 1800 watts. Newer major appliances like air conditioners, clothes dryers, and ovens require 20 amp circuits and outlets to handle their electrical load. Rewiring with 12 gauge wire and 20 amp outlets provides the extra power needed.
Grounding
Outlets in older homes often lack a grounding wire, which is an important safety feature. Rewiring outlets allows you to install grounded outlets, protecting your electronics and appliances.
Additional Circuits
Adding moreoutlet circuits prevents overloading as you add more devices and appliances. The more circuits available, the less likely you'll trip breakers or blow fuses.
Convenience
Extra outlets in places like the kitchen, office, or garage make it easier to plug in devices without extension cords. Rewiring allows flexibility in placing outlets where you need them most.
Safety Precautions
Electrical work does carry shock and fire hazards if not done properly. Here are some key safety steps to take:
- Turn off the circuit breaker for the outlet you'll be working on. Use a contact voltage tester to confirm power is off.
- Wear insulated gloves and safety goggles when handling wires.
- Double check all wire connections are tight and well insulated with wire nuts. Loose connections can spark.
- Use caution not to nick or damage wires, which could lead to shorts.
- Have an ABC fire extinguisher on hand in case of accidents.
- Inspect the finished outlets carefully before restoring power.
What You'll Need
To rewire outlets, you'll need the following supplies:
- Wire strippers to strip insulation from wires
- Voltage tester to confirm power is off
- 12/2 cable with ground for 20 amp circuits
- Wire nuts to join wires together
- Electrical tape to insulate connections
- Screwdrivers to unscrew outlet covers and terminals
- 20 amp outlet receptacles
- ** Junction box** if adding new outlet locations
Optional tools:
- Cable ripper to remove old cable from walls
- Stud finder to locate studs for new boxes
- Fish tape to route new wiring through walls
Steps to Rewire an Outlet
Follow these steps to upgrade an existing 15 amp outlet to a 20 amp grounded outlet:
1. Turn Off Power
Turn off the circuit breaker for the outlet you'll be working on. Use a contact voltage tester to confirm power is off before working.
2. Remove Old Outlet
Unscrew the outlet cover and outlet from the electrical box. Carefully remove wires from the terminals one at a time.
3. Install New Cable
Run a length of 12/2 cable from the outlet box to the breaker panel. Staple the cable to studs every 1-2 feet.
4. Connect Wires
Connect the new cable's black (hot), white (neutral), and bare copper (ground) wires to the matching terminals on the outlet.
5. Mount New Outlet
Position the outlet in the box, screw it in place, and secure the cover plate. Make sure no bare wires are exposed.
6. Restore Power and Test
Turn the circuit breaker back on. Use a voltage tester and lamp to verify proper outlet function.
Adding a New Outlet
To add outlets in new locations:
- Use a stud finder to mark stud locations.
- Place new electrical boxes secured to the studs.
- Run 12/2 cable between the outlet boxes and breaker panel.
- Connect the wires to the terminals on the outlet and install as above.
Be sure to leave an extra length of wire coiled in the boxes for flexibility.
Call an Electrician for Panel Upgrades
While you can DIY the wiring for new outlets, any upgrades to your main electrical panel should be left to a licensed electrician. They have the knowledge to properly size new circuit breakers and ensure your home's electrical capacity can handle added circuits.
Conclusion
Rewiring outlets to add amperage, circuits, and safety grounding is a DIY project any homeowner can accomplish. Make sure to educate yourself on proper procedures and safety. Be meticulous at each step, and don't hesitate to call a professional if you ever feel unsure. Taking your time will result in upgraded outlets that provide the power you need, safely.