How to Rewire Your Home Without an Electrician

Introduction

Rewiring a home can seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning and precautions, it is possible for a homeowner to rewire their house themselves without hiring an electrician. Rewiring a home allows you to upgrade and modernize your electrical system, add more circuits, or replace old and dangerous wiring. While complex, with research and preparation, rewiring your home is an achievable DIY project that can save thousands of dollars in electrician fees.

Reasons to Rewire Your Home

There are several good reasons why a homeowner may want to rewire their house:

• Upgrading the electrical system - Rewiring allows you to upgrade from an old 60 amp system to a modern 200 amp system that can handle more electricity load. This is especially important for running multiple high draw appliances and electronics.

• Expanding circuits - Additional circuits can be added to portions of the home that need more outlets and lighting fixtures. Rewiring allows circuits to be strategically placed.

• Replacing knob and tube wiring - This old style wiring is outdated and dangerous. Replacing it reduces fire risk.

• Fixing faulty wiring - If you have frequent tripped breakers, flickering lights, or other wiring issues, a rewire can fix these problems.

• Improving home value - Updating the electrical system improves home value and makes the property more attractive to potential buyers.

Dangers and Precautions

Working with electrical wiring can be extremely dangerous if proper precautions are not taken:

• Turn off power - The electrical panel should be shut off to ensure circuits are dead before working.

• Personal safety gear - Wear insulated gloves, eyewear, durable clothing, and rubber-soled shoes when handling wires.

• Use caution - Take things slow and be aware of all wires in the space you are working. Any contact between wires can cause electrocution or fire.

• Follow codes - All wiring and materials must meet local building codes and electrical code requirements.

• Consider complexity - Some rewiring jobs are very complicated, like replacing the main service panel. Bring in professional help if needed.

What You'll Need

Rewiring a house is labor intensive and requires having the right materials and tools:

Materials

• Wire - Use copper wiring of appropriate gauge for the amperage on the circuit. Have plenty extra.

• Boxes - Electrical boxes house wiring connections. Have boxes for outlets, switches, and junction points.

• Conduit - Protective tubing that houses wiring between boxes. Use rigid metal or flexible plastic conduit.

• Breakers - New breakers may be needed in the panel for new circuits. Follow amperage limits.

• Miscellaneous - Other items include outlet covers, connectors, staples, insulation, and labeling tape.

Tools

• Voltage tester - Test wires to ensure power is off before working.

• Wire strippers - Used for removing insulation from wiring.

• Cable ripper - Tool for safely pulling wires through conduit.

• Hammer and drill - For installing electrical boxes and conduit.

• Ladder - For accessing ceiling spaces like the attic.

• Electrical tape - Secures connections and splices.

• Multimeter - Tests continuity and current flow in circuits.

Step-by-Step Process

With the right materials and safety gear, you can methodically rewire your home circuit-by-circuit:

1. Create a Plan

• Make detailed notes and drawings of the current wiring system. Note all circuits, existing wires, and the main panel layout.

• Plan out the new circuits you intend to add, where they will go, and what amperage the breakers will need to be.

• Ensure your main service panel can accommodate the new load you plan to add. Upgrade if needed.

2. Turn Off Power

• Turn off the main breaker in the service panel. Use a voltage tester to verify power is off throughout the house before working.

3. Remove Old Wiring

• Take down the drywall in renovation areas to access the old wiring. Remove staples securing wires.

• Carefully pull out the old wires. Remove abandoned wires to avoid confusion.

4. Install New Wiring System

• Lay out the new wiring system according to code. Use conduit between boxes.

• Pull wires through conduit, leaving plenty of extra length in boxes. Label wires clearly.

• Make safe connections using wire nuts and terminal screws. Connect grounds first.

5. Update the Service Panel

• Shut off the main breaker again before working in the panel.

• Add new breakers for new circuits. Follow amperage limits for breakers.

• Organize and neatly label all new and existing wires in the panel.

6. Install Devices and Covers

• Place all electrical boxes and mount devices like lights, switches, and outlets.

• Attach covers and light fixtures. Caulk around boxes to prevent air leaks.

7. Connect Power and Test

• Carefully turn the main breaker back on. Flip breakers individually to feed power to each circuit.

• Use a voltage tester to verify power to outlets and lights on all updated and new circuits.

• Plug in devices and test lighting to ensure proper function. Fix any issues.

8. Add Finishing Touches

• Patch drywall, add trim, paint, etc to restore the renovated areas.

• Verify proper grounding using a multimeter.

• Have an electrician inspect the system if desired.

Final Considerations

While rewiring your home without an electrician is completely doable, there are some final factors to keep in mind:

• Get permits - Building permits are required for home electrical work in most areas. Call your local permit office.

• Insurance implications - Your home insurance company may need to be notified about renovation plans.

• Handle complex jobs - Some rewiring jobs, like replacing the main panel or heavy appliance circuits, benefit from professional assistance.

• Future remodels - During any future work, like kitchen or bath remodels, opening walls provides an opportunity to further improve wiring.

With research, diligence, and caution, the ambitious DIYer can take on rewiring their home and enjoy the benefits of an upgraded electrical system without the high cost of hiring an electrician. Pay close attention to safety, enlist some help from experienced friends if needed, and don't be afraid to call in a professional electrician if any part of the rewiring project becomes overly daunting.