Why You May Want to Wire Your Home Yourself

As a homeowner, you may find yourself needing to do some electrical work around your house. Hiring an electrician can be expensive, with average service call fees ranging from $50 to $100. For larger jobs, you could end up paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars in labor costs alone.

Doing the electrical work yourself can save you a significant amount of money. With some basic skills and the right precautions, homeowners can safely handle many common wiring projects.

Some reasons you may want to consider wiring your home yourself include:

However, safety should always be the top priority when working with electrical wiring.

Evaluating Your Skill Level

Before beginning any electrical project, honestly evaluate your skill level and comfort working with wiring. Certain projects are only recommended for those with experience.

Consider the following before deciding to wire your home without help:

If you are uncomfortable working with household wiring, it's usually safest to hire a professional. But for those willing to learn, many projects can be successfully completed without an electrician.

Safety Tips When Wiring Your Home

Working with electrical wiring can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Here are some key safety tips to follow:

Working on wiring without proper knowledge and safety practices can lead to electrocution or a fire. But when adequate precautions are taken, many projects can be completed safely.

Choosing the Right Materials

To complete a wiring project successfully, you need the right materials selected for the specific application.

Wire

Select the gauge and type of wire suitable for the circuit:

Outlets and switches

Choose products listed by Underwriters Laboratories:

Connectors

Proper connectors create safe, secure connections:

Purchase quality materials from electrical supply stores. Avoid inferior products that can present safety hazards.

Common Household Wiring Projects

Here are some of the most common DIY wiring projects encountered in homes:

Installing a New Light Fixture

Adding lighting is a basic project many homeowners can tackle.

Follow these general steps:

  1. Turn off power at the breaker.
  2. Remove old fixture and disconnect wires.
  3. Feed wires from new fixture through the electrical box.
  4. Connect matching wires using wire nuts.
  5. Mount new fixture to box.
  6. Turn power back on and test operation.

Be sure to consult the manufacturer's wiring diagram for specifics.

Replacing an Electrical Outlet

Upgrading outlets is a straightforward wiring task.

To replace an outlet:

  1. Turn off power and verify it's off.
  2. Remove cover plate screws and outlet mounting screws.
  3. Disconnect and remove old outlet.
  4. Secure new outlet's wires clockwise around screws.
  5. Remount outlet to box and reattach cover plate.
  6. Turn power back on and test with a lamp or voltage tester.

Match wire colors and use cable clamps for a safe connection.

Installing a GFCI Outlet

GFCI outlets prevent shocks in wet areas of the home.

Follow these steps to add a GFCI outlet:

  1. Turn off power to the outlet box.
  2. Disconnect and remove the old outlet.
  3. Connect the GFCI's LINE wires to the home's wires.
  4. Connect additional outlets to the GFCI's LOAD terminals.
  5. Mount the GFCI outlet in the box and attach the cover plate.
  6. Restore power and press the "Test" button to verify protection.

Be sure to connect the GFCI as the first outlet in the circuit.

Adding a 240V Circuit for an Appliance

Large appliances like dryers often require 240V circuits.

To add a 240V circuit:

  1. Determine the required circuit amperage based on appliance load.
  2. Install appropriate gauge cable between main panel and outlet.
  3. Connect black wires to each 240V breaker terminal.
  4. Connect white wire to neutral bus bar in panel.
  5. Install 240V outlet and connect wires.
  6. Verify polarity with a voltage tester before use.

Always confirm appliance requirements and install suitable overcurrent protection.

Following Code Requirements

All electrical work should be done according to local building codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC). Key requirements include:

Consult your local codes before beginning a project. Passing inspections will ensure your home's electrical system is safe.

When to Call An Electrician

While many wiring projects can be DIYed, some are best left to the professionals:

Hire a licensed electrician for large, complex wiring jobs. They have the proper training and experience to handle potentially dangerous electrical work.

Working Safely on Your Home's Electrical System

Home electrical projects require working carefully and cautiously. But with proper precautions, you can safely wire many things in your home without calling an electrician.

Follow safety procedures, research all projects thoroughly, use quality materials, and don't hesitate to call a pro when needed. Paying close attention to details will allow you to take control of your home's wiring while avoiding hazards. With practice and experience, you may find that many electrical projects are perfectly manageable on your own.