Introduction

Rewiring your home can seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and safety measures, it is possible for a homeowner to rewire their house themselves without hiring an electrician. Rewiring a home provides an opportunity to upgrade and modernize your electrical system to meet your home's needs. With proper materials and by following local electrical codes, you can safely rewire your home as long as you have a basic knowledge of electrical systems.

This guide will walk you step-by-step through the process of rewiring a home on your own. I'll cover how to plan your rewiring project, what materials you'll need, safety tips, how to do the wiring, connecting the wires to your electrical panel, and testing your work. Let's get started!

How to Plan Your Home Rewiring Project

Before you start ripping out walls and electrical boxes, careful planning is crucial for a successful DIY home rewiring project. Follow these steps to plan out your rewire:

Determine the Scope of Your Project

• Decide if you want to do a full rewire of your entire home, or focus on certain problem areas or upgrades. A full rewire replaces all wiring, whereas a partial rewire addresses issues in some rooms.

• Examine your current electrical panel - its amperage capacity and number of circuits will impact the rewiring plan.

• Check local building codes for any regulations and permits needed when rewiring.

Map Out Your New Wiring System

• Diagram the layout of your new wiring circuit by circuit. Mark locations of outlets, switches, and fixtures.

• Plan circuit layouts to prevent overloading circuits. Follow any amperage limits for lighting and outlet circuits.

• Ensure your wiring provides enough circuits for your home's electricity needs. Add new circuits if needed.

Purchase the Right Rewiring Materials

• Buy the correct wire gauge (thickness) and types of wire for home wiring - typically 12 or 14 gauge copper wire. Use wire rated for the amperage on each circuit.

• Purchase enough wire and supplies for the full scope of the project. You'll need boxes, connectors, staples, insulation, and tools.

Safety Tips

• Turn off the main breaker to disconnect power during rewiring. Use a contact voltage tester.

• Working with live wires is extremely dangerous - avoid until the new system is complete and tested.

• Wear protective gear like gloves and eye protection when handling wires.

How to Rewire a Home Step-By-Step

Once your project is planned out, you're ready to rewire. Follow these key steps:

Remove Old Wiring

• With the power off, remove existing wiring from attic to basement. Take out old boxes, receptacles, and fixtures too.

• Use caution when pulling wires - don't damage insulation. Disconnect wires from the panel last.

• Remove or drill holes through wall studs and joists to run new wiring through the framing.

Run New Wiring Circuits

• Start by wiring the main circuits from the electrical panel through the house. Feed wire through holes in studs.

• Staple wiring to framing using insulated staples every 2-3 feet as you go to secure them. Keep wire neat and tidy.

• Run wire to each outlet and switch box location according to your circuit diagram. Leave extra wire.

• Use junction boxes to splice wires as needed. Secure excess wire into loops.

Install New Outlets, Switches and Fixtures

• Mount new electrical boxes where needed. Feed circuit wire into each box.

• Install new outlets, switches, lights, fans, etc. connecting wires properly to each one. Use wire nuts to join.

• Ensure connections are tight and insulated. Follow diagrams on each device. Use cable clamps.

• Attach cover plates when done with each box. Label circuits at panels and outlets.

Connect Wiring to the Service Panel

• Run main circuit wires from rooms into the main panel. Keep different circuits' wires together.

• Carefully connect circuit wires to new circuit breakers in the panel. Follow color coding and terminal labels.

• Ensure wires are securely fastened. Double check connections against wiring diagram.

• Neatly organize and label wires in the panel. Replace cover safely when complete.

Testing and Finalizing the New Wiring

With all new wiring in place, it's time to test:

• Do an insulation test to confirm no bare wires are touching. Repair any shorts.

• Turn the main power back on and test each outlet for power. Flip switches to test.

• Visually inspect wiring connections and exposed sections for signs of problems.

• Install insulation, wall boards, fixtures, covers, etc now that wiring is complete and tested.

• Have an electrician inspect your work if desired or required where you live before using the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rewiring a house difficult for a beginner?

Rewiring an entire house is an advanced project, but with proper planning, materials, and safety practices, it can absolutely be DIYed by someone with basic electrical knowledge. Take it slow and be extremely cautious when working with wiring.

Does all wiring need to be replaced when rewiring?

It depends. For a full rewire, all old wiring is removed and replaced. But for some projects, you may only need to run new wires from the panel to certain areas, like a kitchen or bathroom remodel.

What size wire should I use to rewire a house?

12 AWG is recommended for 15- to 20-amp home wiring circuits. #14 AWG can be used for smaller 15-amp circuits like lighting and outlets. Follow local codes for required wire gauges.

Can I connect copper and aluminum wires when rewiring?

No, you should use only copper wiring when rewiring a home and avoid joining dissimilar metals. Use copper pigtails or connectors if needed to adapt between metals.

How much will it cost to rewire an average size house?

For materials, budget around $1-3 per square foot, so $3,000-$9,000 for a 2,000 sq ft house. Hiring an electrician averages $6-8k for a full rewire but can go over $15k.

Final Thoughts

Rewiring a house yourself can save money but shouldn't be rushed. Always put safety first by shutting off power, wearing PPE, and having new wiring inspected. Follow the steps outlined above and you can take on a DIY rewiring project with proper preparation. Take your time and be cautious when handling wiring.