Wiring your own home electrical system can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and safety precautions, it can also lead to huge cost savings. I decided to wire my home electrical system myself to avoid paying electricians thousands of dollars in labor. Here's how I did it successfully while avoiding potential disasters.
Researching Electrical Codes and Permits
Before touching a single wire, I made sure to research the electrical codes for my area. Electrical codes provide critical safety guidelines and legal requirements for home electrical work. I consulted my local permitting office to determine:
- What electrical work requires a permit in my jurisdiction
- How to obtain permits for my electrical projects
- The electrical code used where I live (NEC, CEC etc)
Highlighting Key Electrical Code Requirements
Once I determined which electrical code applied to my jurisdiction, I carefully studied key requirements including:
- Minimum wire gauges for circuits like kitchens, laundry etc. Upgrading wire gauge prevents fires.
- Required GFCI and AFCI circuit breaker types by location. These prevent shocks and arc faults.
- Maximum outlet and lighting loads per circuit. Overloads can be hazardous.
- Allowable wiring and sheathing types like NM, UF, MC, etc. Proper cabling prevents electrocution.
- Minimum box fill calculations and box sizes. Undersized boxes are fire risks.
Carefully adhering to electrical code requirements ensured my safety and prevented rework down the line.
Choosing the Right Electrical Materials
With codes researched, I made material choices meeting code and functional requirements:
- Copper wiring for all branch circuits. Aluminum wiring risks loose connections.
- GFCI outlets for wet areas like kitchen, bathrooms. Prevent shocks.
- AFCI breakers for bedroom circuits. Critical for arc fault prevention.
- Metal conduit for garage, outdoor circuits. Rodents won't chew through.
- Commercial grade outlets and switches throughout. More durable than residential.
I also chose materials matching the look I wanted to achieve. For example, I selected:
- Matte black receptacles and switch plates for a sleek modern aesthetic.
- Cloth wiring with braided sheathing for exposed industrial piping.
- Timer switches for exterior holiday lighting. Automates lights!
Choosing code-approved materials in finishes matching my vision ensured functionality, safety and design harmony.
Wiring Essential Circuits and Outlets
With preparations complete, I progressed to wiring my home's essential electrical backbone - circuits powering lights, outlets, major appliances.
Running Circuit Wiring
I ran circuit wiring in stages:
- First I pulled wiring through walls and ceilings between the main panel, boxes, and fixtures.
- I left excess wire coiled in boxes to allow adjustments.
- For multi-wire branch circuits, I used colored tape to tag shared neutrals. Keeps wiring clear.
- I grouped wires entering a box, neatly training them together. Prevents cluttered boxes.
Installing Boxes and Devices
Next I installed boxes, devices, and plates:
- I used adjustable boxes where possible. Allows repositioning during drywall.
- For each box, I followed maximum fill limits, leaving room for devices. Prevented overstuffed boxes.
- I carefully wired devices like receptacles, switches, and fixtures to cables entering the box.
- I labeled wires consistently across boxes. For example, always black for hot.
- After wiring, I firmly screwed boxes in place and mounted device plates. Checked for level and plumb.
Testing Circuits
With everything connected, I thoroughly tested each circuit:
- At the panel, I confirmed hot connections to the correct breaker. Prevents crossed circuits.
- I turned circuits on and verified fixture/outlet functionality. Caught any wiring issues.
- For MWBCs, I checked for shared neutrals between hot wires. Critical for these circuits.
- I corrected any reversed hot and neutral wires. Vital for ensuring proper device functionality.
Carefully running, connecting, and testing each circuit ensured every outlet and light functioned properly and safely.
Installing the Electrical Service Panel
The electrical service panel distributes power from the utility lines throughout the home. I took care when installing this critical component:
Mounting the Panel
- I calculated the service wire size and breaker requirements for my home's loads. This determined the correct panel size.
- I mounted the panel centrally located in my home to optimize wire runs.
- The panel was placed at eye level with the cover easily accessible. For convenience and safety.
- Shutdown and lockout procedures were followed when connecting to existing wires. Prevented electrocution.
Breaker Installation
- I grouped breakers by type and purpose in the panel following standard conventions. Increased clarity.
- 240V circuits like HVAC units were given double-pole breakers. Needed for these circuits.
- A main disconnect breaker sized for the panel rating was installed. Allows complete power shutoff.
- Branch breakers were matched to wire size. Prevented overloaded breakers.
Labeling
- Each circuit was clearly labeled at its breaker identifying the location powered. Critical for maintenance.
- Warning signs were placed on the cover for hazards like multiple power sources. Improved safety.
Carefully installing and labeling the well-sized service panel established the critical central nervous system powering my home.
Considerations Before DIY Electrical Work
While wiring my own home saved thousands in labor costs, I also took care to avoid easily preventable mistakes by:
- Never attempting electrical work without researching permits, codes and safety procedures. Electrocutions can occur.
- Only using electrical tools and PPE designed for the task. Makes work safer.
- Taking time to neatly organize wires and label components. Sloppy work is hazardous.
- Double-checking circuits using a multimeter before closing walls. Catches mistakes.
- Admitting when a task was beyond my skill level and hiring a professional. No shame in getting help.
I enjoyed an incredible sense of satisfaction saving thousands wiring my home while also following critical safety practices. The power system functions flawlessly, and I now know its workings intimately. But electrical work should never be approached casually. Do diligent research and hire pros when prudent. The savings are not worth injury or losing your home.