How to Rewire Your Home Without An Electrician

Introduction

Rewiring a home can seem like a daunting task, but with some preparation and by following safety precautions, it is possible for a homeowner to rewire their house without hiring an electrician. Rewiring a home allows you to update the electrical system to match the needs of modern devices and appliances, as well as fix any safety issues caused by outdated or damaged wiring. With careful planning and adherence to electrical codes, you can successfully rewire your home and avoid the high costs of hiring an electrician.

Reasons for Rewiring

There are several reasons why you may want to rewire your home:

Upgrading the Electrical System

• If your home still has knob and tube wiring, which was common in homes built before the 1960s, rewiring lets you upgrade to safer and more efficient modern wiring.
• Rewiring also allows you to increase the amperage of your electrical system. This is important if you need to support major appliances like central air conditioning, electric dryers, or EV chargers.
• You can also upgrade from fuse boxes to circuit breaker panels for improved safety and easier troubleshooting.

Fixing Faulty Wiring

• Damaged or worn wiring insulation can present serious safety hazards like electrical fires and shocks. Replacing old wiring eliminates these risks.
• Grounding issues in outdated wiring can also be very hazardous. Rewiring allows proper grounding to be installed.
• Replacing aluminum wiring prone to overheating and faulty connections with new copper wiring significantly improves safety.

Supporting Smart Home Devices

• Many smart home devices like home automation systems, security cameras, and digital assistants need strong WiFi signals to work properly. Rewiring can support modern networking needs.
• Rewiring also allows the installation of smart switches, outlets, and lighting controls.

Dangers of DIY Electrical Work

While rewiring your home without an electrician is possible, it does come with risks that you need to carefully consider:

• Electrocution is perhaps the most serious risk. Always turn off the power at the main breaker before doing any electrical work.
• Fire hazards arise if wiring is not properly installed and secured. All electrical boxes and connections must be securely covered to prevent exposed wires.
• Any mistakes in adhering to electrical codes could lead to inspections failing. This can require redoing the work.
• If you do not feel fully confident in your electrical skills, mistakes could leave your home's electrical system in an unsafe state. Consider hiring an electrician if you have any doubts.

Preparing to Rewire

Thorough preparation is absolutely essential before beginning a full home rewiring project. Rushing into the job without proper planning can be disastrous. Here is what you need to do to get ready:

Study Electrical Theory

• Read guides and watch tutorial videos to understand basic electrical circuits and wiring methods. Know how current, voltage, resistance, and other concepts work.
• Understand how to follow wiring diagrams - you will rely on these when rewiring.
• Study up on safety procedures like identifying live wires and proper use of PPE when handling electricity.

Review Electrical Codes

• Your local jurisdiction follows either the National Electrical Code (NEC) or a modified version of it. Read through the code book to know the requirements.
• Pay special attention to codes for cable types allowed, wire sizing, overcurrent protection, and grounding.

Get Necessary Permits

• Contact your local building department to get electrical and building permits for the rewiring work. Doing unpermitted work can risk hefty fines.

Buy Tools and Materials

• Get basic tools like wire strippers, screwdrivers, drills, and clamps. A voltage tester is vital for safety.
• Carefully plan your wiring needs and purchase sufficient electrical boxes, cable, conduit, receptacles, breakers, etc.

Create a Rewiring Plan

• Map out your home's current wiring and develop a full rewiring plan per code requirements. Mark locations for new circuits, switches, receptacles, and the panel.

Running New Wiring

Once preparations are complete, it is time to start the hands-on work of rewiring your home. Follow these key steps:

Turn Off Power and Install New Panel

• Shut off the main breaker and verify power is off with a voltage tester before touching any wiring.
• If needed, install a new breaker panel centrally located in the house. Feed the input and grounding connections first.

Run New Circuit Wiring

• Map out circuit locations and start running cables. Ensure proper cable gauge for breaker amp ratings.
• Use staples to securely attach cables to studs and joists every 4.5 feet as per code.
• Install junction boxes and make safe connections when splicing wires.

Install Receptacles and Switches

• With the walls open, install new receptacle and switch boxes at measured locations. Run connecting wires.
• Make sure receptacles are grounded. Follow code for GFCI and AFCI outlet requirements.
• Attach devices and covers once wiring to boxes is complete.

Connect Fixtures and Devices

• Run wiring from lights, fans, appliances etc. to the new circuits. Make connections.
• Properly terminate wires into the devices and attach covers for safety.

Inspect and Test Circuits

• Visually inspect all connections and cable runs to ensure proper installation before turning power back on.
• Flip the main breaker on and carefully test each circuit using a voltage tester to catch any mistakes.

Finalizing the Project

After new wiring is installed, there are still some final steps to wrap up the project:

Get Inspections

• Call the building department to have an inspector review your rewiring work. They will check for code compliance.
• Make any corrections noted in the inspection report. Only continue using the wiring after passing inspection.

Update Electrical Documentation

• Draw up a detailed wiring diagram showing all new circuits and post it at the panel for reference.
• Place blank panels over unused spaces in the breaker box.

Add Safety Labels

• Properly label all breakers to indicate which circuits they control. This aids troubleshooting.
• Place warning signs on the panel to caution non-qualified persons against opening it.

Finish Walls and Floors

• Once wiring is approved, close up all opened walls and ceilings. Refinish them to match the existing finishes.
• Similarly, refinish floors and other surfaces disrupted by the rewiring work.

Conclusion

While rewiring an entire house is a major undertaking, it is an achievable DIY project if you properly educate yourself, follow safety procedures, adhere to electrical codes, and are diligent in your work. Pay attention to details in the planning and execution, get all necessary permits, and work carefully. Be ready to call in an electrician if you feel overwhelmed. With patience and commitment to doing the job right, you can save on electrician fees by safely rewiring your home yourself. Just take it one step at a time.