How to Rewire Your Home Without an Electrician and Stop Getting Ripped Off

Introduction

Rewiring a home can seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning and safety precautions, it's entirely possible for a homeowner to do it themselves without hiring an electrician. I've successfully rewired parts of my own home, saving thousands of dollars in the process. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know to rewire your home safely and legally without getting ripped off by electricians.

Dangers of Rewiring

Before diving in, it's important to understand the dangers of working with electrical wiring if you don't know what you're doing.

Risk of Electrocution

• Touching live wires can result in serious injury or death from electrocution. Always turn off power at the breaker before working.

Risk of Fire

• Faulty wiring can overheat and spark, igniting fires in walls and ceilings. Use proper gauge wire for loads and ensure solid connections.

Risk of Shock

• Poor grounding can lead to shocks from touching appliances and fixtures. Ensure proper grounding throughout.

Legal Issues

• Rewiring without permits and inspections may violate local laws. Research regulations in your area.

Learning About Electrical Systems

To rewire your home safely, you'll need to understand basic electrical principles and terminology. Here are some key concepts:

Electrical Safety

• Learn how to use a multimeter to test for power.
• Understand how circuit breakers and fuses operate.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment like insulated gloves.

Electrical Circuits

• Know the difference between series and parallel circuits.
• Learn how voltage, current, and resistance are related.
• Understand how grounding provides a safe path for fault currents.

Electrical Wiring and Code

• Learn how to read wire gauge tables and calculate voltage drop.
• Understand important National Electrical Code requirements.
• Know how to size wires, boxes, conduits, and circuit breakers.

Electrical Tools

• Invest in essentials like a voltage tester, wire strippers, crimpers, and fish tape.
• Learn how to use a drill, reciprocating saw, and hole saw kit.
• Consider renting a trencher for burying exterior wiring.

Creating a Rewiring Plan

Careful planning is crucial when taking on a rewiring project. Here are some key steps:

Evaluate Your Electrical Needs

• Consider how your power needs may change in the future.
• Plan enough circuits and adequate amperages for appliances and devices.

Map Out Your New Wiring

• Diagram proposed circuit routes and junction boxes.
• Plan wire gauges and breaker sizes.
• Designate spaces for new outlets and switches.

Research Permits and Codes

• Contact your local building department to learn about permit needs.
• Review the electrical code book for your area.
• Plan to have an inspector sign off at completion.

Consider Phased Approach

• Rewiring an entire house at once can be overwhelming.
• Consider rewiring one room or circuit at a time.
• Start with easier, more accessible areas.

Safety Tips for Rewiring

Follow these tips to ensure safety throughout your rewiring project:

Turn Off Power at the Breaker

• Shut off the main breaker switch before starting any work.
• Verify power is off with a contactless voltage tester.
• Tag the breaker box so others don't turn it on accidentally.

Use Insulated Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

• Wear insulated gloves and eye protection when handling wires.
• Cover exposed skin and wear rubber-soled shoes.
• Use insulated tools and ladders when working.

Connect to Grounding Rods

• Connect appliances like soldering irons to a grounding rod when in use.
• This provides a safe path for stray currents.
• Drive ground rods into the earth outside your home.

Have an Assistant Present

• Rewiring alone can be dangerous if an accident occurs.
• Have a friend or family member present to call for help if needed.
• Establish emergency procedures beforehand.

Step-by-Step Rewiring Instructions

Once you are fully prepared, you're ready to get to work. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn Off Power and Remove Old Wiring

• Shut off power at the main breaker.
• Remove outlet and switch cover plates.
• Unscrew and disconnect wires from devices.
• Carefully pull wires out of boxes and conduit.

2. Plan New Wiring Runs

• Measure straight wire runs from panel to boxes.
• Plan any necessary hole drilling for routing wires.
• Leave an extra 2-3 feet of wire at ends to work with.

3. Pull New Wires

• Use fish tape to pull wires through walls and ceilings.
• Lubricants like wire pulling gel help wires slide easily.
• Pull all wires for each circuit at the same time.

4. Install Outlet and Switch Boxes

• Secure new plastic or metal boxes with appropriate screws.
• Drill holes as need to run wires into boxes.
• Use nail guards to protect wires from drywall nails.

5. Connect Wires to Devices

• Carefully strip wire ends using sharp wire strippers.
• Securely fasten wires clockwise under terminal screws.
• Follow proper color coding conventions.

6. Secure Wires

• Neatly fold and bundle wires into boxes, leaving some slack.
• Secure cables to boxes with cable clamps.
• Anchor long wire runs to joists and studs for support.

7. Attach Cover Plates and Test

• Screw tightly fitted cover plates over boxes.
• Carefully restore power and test outlets and switches.
• Verify grounding with receptacle tester.

Final Steps

You're in the home stretch once the new wiring is installed. Follow these final important steps:

Get Inspected

• Call the building department to have an electrical inspector visit.
• An approved inspection is required before covering walls.
• Make any corrections noted in the inspection report.

Add Wall and Ceiling Coverings

• Once wiring passes inspection, close up walls and ceilings.
• Use drywall, plaster, or paneling to cover new wire runs.
• Take care not to damage wiring with screws or nails.

Connect Large Appliances

• Hire an electrician if uncomfortable connecting major appliances.
• Use thick, appropriately rated wires for ranges, dryers, etc.
• Ground the frames of appliances to ensure safety.

Update Electrical Documents

• Add new circuits to your breaker panel directory.
• Save all receipts and permits for future homeowners.
• Rework your home insurance to account for upgrades.

Final Thoughts

Rewiring your home without an electrician is very rewarding, saving thousands in labor costs. But it also comes with great responsibility. Follow all safety precautions, research local codes, and be realistic about your abilities before beginning such a major project. Proceed carefully and methodically, and don't be afraid to hire a professional if at any point you feel unsure about continuing on your own. With good planning, attention to detail, and common sense, you can take control of your home wiring projects, potentially adding value and improving safety for many years to come.