Introduction
Rewiring your backyard can seem like a daunting task if you've never done it before. However, with the right preparation and safety precautions, it's completely doable without hiring an expensive electrician. I recently rewired my backyard fountain and lighting myself, and it was much easier than I expected. In this guide, I'll walk you step-by-step through the process I followed to rewire my backyard efficiently and safely without any professional assistance.
Reasons to Rewire Your Backyard
Here are some of the most common reasons you may want to rewire your backyard:
Upgrading Outdated Wiring
Old or faulty wiring in your backyard can be a safety hazard. Upgrading will allow you to use newer, safer electrical codes and materials.
Installing New Lighting Features
Rewiring enables you to install new lighting features like pathway lights, flood lights, or LED string lights to illuminate your landscaping.
Powering Water Features
Running new wiring allows you to add exciting water features like ponds or fountains that require an electrical source.
Charging Outdoor Devices
New outdoor kitchens, TVs, heat lamps, and other gadgets require outlets. Rewiring lets you add outlets where you need them.
Preventing Damage from Weather and Animals
Burying and protecting wires underground keeps them safe from weather damage and curious animals.
Evaluating Your Backyard's Electrical Needs
Before getting started, you need to evaluate what type of wiring your backyard requires.
Lighting
Consider lighting elements like flood lights on a house or fence, path lights along walkways, spotlights to highlight plants, and string lights for ambiance.
Outlets
Determine if and where you need outlets for devices like speakers, TVs, or phone chargers.
Voltage
Standard voltage is fine for most backyard needs, but higher voltage may be required for things like hot tubs.
Location
Decide where you want lighting fixtures and outlets located for optimal utility.
Electrical Load
Factor in the total wattage of all lighting, devices, and fixtures to determine electrical load.
Gathering Necessary Materials
Rewiring a backyard requires some electrical materials and tools you may not already have. Here's what you'll need:
- Underground electrical wiring rated for outdoor use
- Weatherproof electrical boxes and conduit
- Copper wire connectors and splicing tools
- A trenching shovel and underground electrical tape
- An electrical tester/multimeter
- Exterior lighting fixtures and mounts
- GFCI outlets with waterproof covers
- Wire strippers, cutters, and screwdrivers
- Electrical tape and labels
- A voltage meter and safety gloves
Make sure to buy only outdoor-rated materials to handle weather exposure. Consult local electrical codes for specific requirements.
Safety Tips for Rewiring Your Backyard
Working with electricity can be hazardous if proper precautions aren't taken. Here are some key safety tips:
- Turn off the main circuit breaker to ensure no live wires are energized during work.
- Call 811 before any digging to locate buried utility lines.
- Wear insulated gloves and eye protection when handling wires.
- Keep wires coiled or covered to avoid accidental contact.
- Use GFCI protected circuits for all outdoor outlets.
- Check wires with a voltage tester before touching to confirm power is off.
- Only work in dry conditions and never when it's raining.
- Connect copper wires properly and ensure junction boxes are sealed.
- Label all circuit breakers and wires clearly for future reference.
Following basic electrical safety goes a long way in preventing shocks, fires, or other hazardous mishaps. Exercise caution at all times.
Step-by-Step Guide to Rewiring Your Backyard
Once you've evaluated your needs and gathered supplies, you're ready to start rewiring. Follow these key steps:
1. Turn Off Power and Inspect Existing Wiring
Shut off the main circuit breaker then locate and assess the existing wiring situation. This informs your new wiring plan.
2. Map Out New Wiring Route
Decide where you want new lighting, outlets, and wiring located. Map out an optimal route to trench and lay new wires.
3. Dig Underground Trenches
Use a trenching shovel to dig trenches about 12-18 inches deep wherever wires will be buried.
4. Lay and Connect New Wiring
Run new wires through conduit in the trenches between fixtures and junction boxes. Splicing connects them.
5. Attach Lighting Fixtures and Outlets
Connect new lights, outlets, and fixtures to the wiring using waterproof exterior electrical boxes.
6. Seal Connections
Use waterproof tape and sealant at all splice connections and ends to prevent moisture damage.
7. Backfill Trenches
Bury conduits, junction boxes, and sensors at proper depths by backfilling trenches with soil.
8. Test and Restore Power
Confirm circuits work safely with a voltage tester before restoring power at the breaker.
Follow all electrical codes and permit requirements for your area.
Mistakes to Avoid When Rewiring Your Backyard
It's important to sidestep these common mistakes that can create safety issues or code violations:
- Using interior wiring not rated for outdoor exposure
- Placing conduits, wires, or boxes at shallow depths
- Failing to connect copper wires properly or cap ends
- Not sealing outdoor connections and splices thoroughly
- Overloading circuits beyond recommended capacity
- Using undersized wiring that can't handle electrical load
- Skipping electrical permits and inspections
- Leaving wires exposed rather than burying underground
- Not calling 811 to locate buried utility lines before digging
- Trenching by hand without proper shovel and technique
Conclusion
While rewiring your backyard takes planning and care, it can be executed safely without an electrician if you take precautions. The result is an upgraded outdoor space with better lighting, more power outlets, and up-to-date electrical systems. Just be sure to follow local permit requirements. With the right materials and some electrical know-how, you can enjoy a fully rewired backyard.