How to Do Home Wiring Yourself on the Cheap

Doing your own home wiring can seem daunting, but with some planning and basic skills, you can upgrade or repair your home's electrical system safely and affordably. Here's how to do it right.

Learning the Basics

Before tackling any electrical project, you need to understand some key principles about home wiring. Here are the basics:

Electrical Safety

• I always turn off the power at the main breaker panel before working on any circuits. Testing wires while they are live can result in shock or electrocution.

• I wear insulated gloves and use insulated tools when handling wires. I avoid jewelry which could conduct electricity.

• I check that all wiring and connections are properly insulated and enclosed in electrical boxes. Exposed wires can cause fires or shocks.

Electrical Circuits

• Home circuits operate on either 120 volts or 240 volts. Knowing the voltage helps me select compatible components.

• I check the amperage rating on circuits to avoid overloading them. 15 amp circuits are common for lighting while 20 amp circuits work for major appliances.

• I understand the difference between series and parallel circuits. Series circuits provide a continuous loop while parallel circuits branch off from hot wires.

Wiring Types and Sizes

• Romex NM-B wire is commonly used for home wiring. I match the wire gauge to the circuit amperage. 12 AWG works for 20 amp circuits, 14 AWG for 15 amp circuits.

• I use the proper wire for the location. Underground or exterior wiring needs moisture-resistant sheathing.

Electrical Codes

• I check the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local regulations for proper installation procedures, minimum clearances, box sizes, and other rules. Following codes prevents fires.

Gathering Supplies

I make sure to have all the necessary supplies before starting a wiring project. This includes:

• Wire - I purchase spools of Romex NM-B wire in 12 or 14 AWG. I get extra so I don't run short.

• Electrical boxes - I use plastic or metal boxes rated for the task, whether mounting outlets or switches or joining wires.

• Conduit - For exposed wiring runs, I use plastic or metal conduit to protect the wires.

• Breakers - For new circuits, I buy a circuit breaker that fits my panel and matches the wire size.

• Switches and outlets - I choose spec-grade outlets and switches in the style I want.

• Wire connectors - I use twist-on wire connectors (wire nuts) to join wires securely.

• Tools - Lineman's pliers, cable cutters, fish tape, drill, level, tape measure, and other tools make the job easier.

Adding a New Outlet

If I need more outlets in my home, I don't hesitate to add them myself. I follow these general steps:

1. Turn off the main breaker panel before working.

2. Map out the wiring run and outlet location - access below or above and use least visible route.

3. Drill holes through floor/ceiling joists for wire runs and cut access holes if needed. Use clamps to secure wire to joists.

4. Fish NM-B wire through holes. Pull several feet extra on each end.

5. Strip wire ends and connect to outlet, matching hot/neutral/ground wires. Secure tightly with wire nuts.

6. Mount outlet into a new electrical box sized for the space - never overstuff boxes.

7. Secure box into the wall if surface mounted or ceiling if overhead.

8. Label the new breaker connecting the outlet.

9. Test outlet thoroughly once the power is back on.

Following the proper procedures results in safe, durable outlet additions that look professional.

Repairing Faulty Outlets and Switches

I don't just replace faulty outlets or switches. I troubleshoot to try fixing them first using these steps:

• Test with a multimeter or voltage tester to confirm power is reaching the device. No power means checking connections at the breaker or along the wire run for problems.

• Tighten loose screw terminals. Loose hot or neutral wires can cause defects.

• Clean contacts with electrical contact cleaner spray and cotton swabs. Dirty contacts can lead to erratic performance or failure.

• Check for backstabbed wires that have come loose from outlet terminals. These backwire connections are prone to loosening or failure over time. I replace them with securely looped or screwed terminal connections.

• Test components like GFCI outlet test and reset buttons or switch mechanical components. If defective, I replace just the faulty component.

• As a last resort, I replace the outlet or switch completely with a spec-grade new device. For frequent failures, I'd upgrade to a heavy-duty commercial model. I ensure it matches the circuit voltage and hardware configuration.

Installing New Light Fixtures

With basic wiring skills, I can upgrade outdated or broken light fixtures in my home:

• I turn off power at the switch before disconnecting the old light. I verify power is off with a voltage tester.

• I disconnect the old fixture, labeling wires as I remove them if it's not obvious. Ceiling fans also have a bracket that must be dismantled.

• I install mounting brackets for the new fixture and bring wires through the center hole.

• I connect like-colored wires - hot to hot, neutral to neutral, ground to ground. I secure with wire nuts and electrical tape.

• If wires don't match colors, I use a multimeter to test and determine hot vs. neutral. I label mystery wires with masking tape.

• I tuck wires neatly into the electrical box and mount the fixture base. I assemble the new fixture and install lightbulbs.

• Turning the power back on at the switch, I test that the light works properly.

With good planning and attention to safety, I can take on all kinds of DIY electrical projects like adding circuits or installing fixtures. The cost savings are worth the effort!