Rewiring your entire home is a major project, but with proper planning and precautions it can be done safely without hiring an electrician. I took on this ambitious task in my own home last year, and successfully rewired my entire house over the course of a few months. Here is an in-depth guide on how I did it.
Assessing Your Electrical System
Before diving into a full rewire, the first step is to thoroughly assess the current state of your electrical system. Here are some key things I looked at:
Understanding the Current Wiring
-
Examine the electrical panel to see the current amperage rating, the number and type of circuits, if the wiring is copper or aluminum, and if it uses modern breakers or outdated fuses. This gave me a sense of how outdated my wiring was.
-
Look inside outlets and switch boxes to see if the wiring is neat and organized, or messy and hastily done. Messy and disorganized wiring is usually a red flag of an amateur job.
-
Identify the locations of all outlets, switches, and light fixtures. I drew up plans of each room to document this.
Checking for Safety Issues
-
Test outlets with a outlet tester tool. This allowed me to find any with wiring faults or improper grounding.
-
Check for outlets and switches that are overly warm, smell burnt, or frequently trip breakers - signs of dangerous wiring issues.
-
Inspect the electrical panel for signs of burn marks or rust, which can indicate malfunctioning equipment.
Considering Future Needs
- Document where I might want additional outlets, switches, or circuits for larger appliances in the future. This allowed me to plan ahead.
Developing a Rewiring Plan
Once I fully understood the state of my existing wiring, I developed a detailed plan for the new wiring:
Choosing a Realistic Timeline
- I planned to rewire my house one room or area at a time over many weekends. Attempting too much at once increases the chances of mistakes.
Selecting the Right Wire Gauge
- For standard indoor 15 to 20 amp circuits I chose 12 AWG copper wiring. Using adequate gauge wire prevents fires from overheating.
Allowing for Expansion
- I added extra circuits and outlets than strictly needed for potential future uses. It is much easier to do this during initial wiring.
Mapping the Circuit Layout
- I drew up detailed plans of where each circuit would run and what it would serve, minimizing splicing.
Sourcing Materials
- I researched and purchased sufficient high-quality copper wiring,outlet and switch boxes, breakers, and other supplies for the entire project upfront to avoid delays.
Rewiring Each Room
With my plan fully prepared, I was ready to start the rewiring process one room at a time:
Turning Off Power
- I flipped the main breaker off at the panel and used a contact voltage tester to verify power was off before working on any wiring.
Removing Old Wiring
- I took out all of the old wiring, including outlets, switches, and light fixtures. This gave me a clean slate for the new wiring.
Running New Circuits
- I mapped out new circuits following my plans, running new wiring through the walls and attic. I stapled the wires neatly every 1-2 feet for safety and organization.
Installing New Outlets and Switches
- Using new uniform boxes, I installed outlets, switches, and fixtures in their planned locations once the wires were run.
Connecting Devices to Circuits
- I meticulously followed my circuit map, connecting each device to the planned circuit at the panel. This minimized confusion.
Testing and Turning Circuits Back On
- Once a room was fully wired, I turned the breaker on and thoroughly tested each outlet and switch before moving on.
Helpful Precautions
Rewiring an entire house is an ambitious task, so I followed some key safety precautions:
-
I wore electrical gloves, glasses, and other protective equipment when working on wiring.
-
I carefully labeled each wire and connection while working to prevent errors.
-
I turned power fully off and repeatedly tested with a contact voltage tester before touching any wires.
-
I inspected all connections for tightness and insulation integrity before energizing.
-
For complicated multi-wire branches, I brought in an electrician friend to double-check the connections.
Final Testing and Inspection
Once the full rewiring was complete, I scheduled an inspection with the local building department. I also thoroughly tested all new outlets, switches, and fixtures in each room before allowing my family to move back in. Though challenging, with proper precautions and planning, I successfully rewired my entire home without needing to hire an electrician, saving thousands of dollars. Let me know if you have any other questions!