Installing electrical wiring in your home can seem like a daunting task, but with some planning and basic skills, it can be done safely and affordably. As a novice, I learned how to wire new circuits in my home all by myself, saving thousands of dollars in the process. Here's my step-by-step guide on how I did it.
Gather the Necessary Materials and Tools
Before starting any electrical project, you'll need to stock up on some basic supplies. Here's what I purchased to wire two new circuits in my home:
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Electrical wire - I used 12/2 NM-B wire with ground, which is suitable for 15 amp and 20 amp home circuits. Get enough wire to run from your electrical panel to all the outlet and switch locations in your planned circuit. It's better to get extra than to run short.
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Wire strippers - A basic pair of wire strippers is essential for stripping the plastic insulation off the ends of the wire.
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Voltage tester - This handy tool will let you safely test whether wires are live before you work on them.
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Wire nuts - Used to connect multiple wires together. Get a variety pack.
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Electrical tape - Used to wrap wire connections to provide insulation.
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Cable staples - Used to affix the wire to studs and joists.
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Electrical boxes - Plastic boxes used for mounting outlets, switches, and junction points.
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Wall plates - The decorative covers that go over the electrical boxes once wired. Get ones that match your existing switches/outlets.
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Circuit breaker(s) - Required to connect your new circuit to the main electrical panel. Match the amperage of your planned circuit.
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Basic hand tools - Hammer, screwdriver, measuring tape, drywall saw, keyhole saw, stud finder.
Many of these materials are available at your local hardware store. Shop around for the best prices.
Plan Your Wiring Circuit
Before starting the installation, you need to map out the circuit you intend to wire. Here are some tips:
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Decide which rooms or areas you want wired into the new circuit - kitchen, bedroom, home office, etc. Group rooms with similar electricity needs.
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Determine the amperage you need based on the largest appliances or devices that will be on the circuit. For most residential circuits, 15 amps or 20 amps is sufficient.
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Map where you want switches, outlets, and junction boxes placed in each room. Having this visualized on paper helps immensely when wiring.
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Calculate the total wiring needed based on the length between outlets and the length back to your electrical panel. It's better to overestimate than to come up short.
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Verify that your main electrical panel has open slots to install new circuit breakers. This is where your new circuit will originate.
Safety First! Turn Off Power and Working with Walls
Before doing any electrical work, safety should be your top concern. Here's what I did to ensure safety:
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Turn off all power to the circuits I would be working on at the main electrical panel. I also used a non-contact voltage tester to double check that all wires in the circuit were dead. Verify there is no power before working on any wires!
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Work slowly and cautiously when cutting drywall or drilling into walls. There could be existing wires behind the walls that you do not want to damage.
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Wear safety goggles, a mask, and gloves when making drywall cuts and drilling into walls. The dust can irritate eyes and lungs.
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Keep your work area clean and tidy. Tripping hazards can be dangerous when on a ladder working in a ceiling.
Follow these simple precautions and you can install wiring safely like a professional electrician.
Running and Securing the New Wires
Once my circuit plan was laid out and the materials were purchased, I was ready to start running the new wires through the house. Here are the steps I followed:
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I fed the new electrical wire into the planned outlets and switches first, leaving plenty of extra wire at the ends to work with.
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For solid walls, I drilled small holes through wall studs and fed the wire through. Use cable staples to secure the wire to the stud every 1-2 feet for stability and to prevent sagging.
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For attic runs, I laid the wire across the top of ceiling joists and secured with cable staples every 4-5 feet. Take care not to staple into the wire itself.
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I made sure to leave surplus wiring at all junction points and at the main electrical panel to have plenty of room for making connections. Don't run too tight!
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When running wire between floors, I fed the wire through holes drilled at top and bottom wall plates and stapled neatly.
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Use grommets when running wire through metal studs to prevent damage to the wire insulation.
The key is taking it slow and making each run neat and workmanlike. Well supported wires are safer and look more professional.
Making Secure Electrical Connections
Here are some tips for making great electrical connections when wiring:
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Carefully strip about 1/2" of insulation from wire ends using your wire strippers. Take care not to nick the copper.
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When joining two wires, twist the stripped ends together in a clockwise direction before securing with a wire nut.
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Twist wire nuts on tightly and wrap with electrical tape for a secure, non-conductive connection.
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When wiring switches and outlets, wrap the connection points with electrical tape for insulation.
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Use plastic electrical boxes for all connections, and secure them firmly into framing members.
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Ground all circuits by connecting copper ground wires to metal outlet and switch boxes. This is crucial for safety.
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Label all wires with masking tape to keep neutral/hot wires distinct at junction points. This helps avoid mixups.
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Clean up all wire clippings and leave no loose connections or unsecured wires. Sloppy work is unsafe.
Follow these guidelines and your wiring connections will be super solid for decades of use.
Install the Circuit Breaker and Connect to Panel
The last step was to connect my new circuit to the main electrical panel and install the new breaker:
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After running the wire through walls and ceilings back to the panel, I cut it to a comfortable length, leaving plenty of extra for adjustments.
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I selected an unused breaker slot in the panel that matched my circuit amperage and wired up the new breaker. Shut off main power before working inside the panel!
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I fed the new wire into the panel and securely terminated it on the new breaker using the screw terminals. Double check that polarity is correct.
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I neatly bundled up the excess wiring inside the panel with zip ties to prevent a tangled mess. A clean electrical panel is a safe panel!
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Lastly, I labeled the new breaker according to the rooms it powers for easy reference. Always label new circuits!
With the new circuit terminations complete and the breaker installed, I could finally switch the main power back on and start testing out my new wiring.
Helpful Tips and Tricks I Learned
During my first DIY electrical project, I picked up some helpful tips that served me well:
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Take it slow and work carefully. Rushing leads to mistakes and unsafe conditions.
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Turn power OFF and verify it's off before doing any work. This is so important for not getting shocked!
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Ask for help if you are unsure or feel unsafe about any part of the job. Electricity is not to be messed with.
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Buy a few extra supplies and materials than calculated to have reserves on hand.
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Label everything - wires, boxes, breakers, etc. This prevents confusion down the road.
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Work cleanly and organized. Pick up any dust and scraps promptly to prevent slipping or tripping hazards.
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Follow local electrical codes. Permitted work ensures proper, safe installation.
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Check your work by turning on power and testing functionality before finishing up. Verify ground connections with a multimeter.
Take these tips to heart and you'll gain the confidence to wire like a pro!
Conclusion
While it takes careful planning and attention to safety, installing basic household electrical wiring is totally achievable for a dedicated DIYer. I found it to be an extremely rewarding project that saved me thousands of dollars. This guide covers the essential steps involved so you can wire new circuits in your own home with confidence. Always prioritize safety, work methodically, use quality materials, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Follow these principles and you can become a skilled home electrician! Let me know if you have any other tips for wiring a house yourself on the cheap. I'd love to hear how your project goes!