How to Rewire Your Home Electrical System for Added Safety and Convenience

Upgrading and rewiring the electrical system in your home can provide a range of benefits, from added convenience to improved safety. As an experienced homeowner, I wanted to share my insights on rewiring a house based on my own recent project.

Reasons for Rewiring

There were several key factors that prompted me to rewire my home:

Safety

• The existing electrical wiring in my home was over 40 years old. Outdated wiring can present safety hazards like electrical fires or shocks.
• Rewiring lets me update the system to meet modern safety standards. Newer wiring is less prone to dangerous faults.

Expanding Electrical Capacity

• My home's electrical load has increased over the years due to more appliances and devices.
• Upgrading the wiring provides more power capacity to handle additional electrical demand.

Convenience

• The old wiring only had a few electrical outlets in each room. Additional outlets in more areas allow convenient access.
• Installing new lighting circuits lets me control lights separately instead of on just one switch.

Planning the Rewire

Careful planning ensures my project goes smoothly and cost-effectively:

• I created a home electrical plan marking allcircuits, outlets, switches and fixtures. This helps organize the rewiring.
• I got quotes from licensed electricians to estimate costs. I budgeted extra for surprises.
• I applied for necessary permits for electrical work with my local building department.

Doing the Rewire

The process involves methodically replacing the old wiring:

Phase 1: Running New Wiring

• The electrician team shuts off power at the main breaker before starting. Safety first!
• They remove old wires and run new copper wires through the walls and ceilings from the panel to outlets and switches.
• I decided to also run new wiring for ceiling fans, lights and phone lines while the walls are open.

Phase 2: Installing Devices

• The electricians install new breakers in the panel and wire new outlets and switches throughout the home.
• They label all the different circuits at the panel and outlets. Organization is key!

Phase 3: Connecting Fixtures

• Light fixtures, fans, appliances and electronics get connected to the new outlets and switches.
• Minor sheetrock repairs may be needed after everything is wired up.

Safety Precautions

It's crucial to take safety seriously during a rewire:

• Turn the main power off and check wires with a voltage tester before working. Live wires can kill!
• Wear rubber-soled shoes and insulated gloves when handling wires.
• Never leave wires exposed - use wire connectors and junction boxes.

By following proper precautions, my home's electrical rewire project achieved the goals of improving safety, adding capacity, and making living there much more convenient. The improvements make the considerable effort and expense worthwhile.