Introduction
Rewiring a home can seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning and safety precautions, I was able to rewire my entire house and save thousands of dollars in electrician fees. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the step-by-step process I followed to safely and successfully rewire my home as an amateur.
Reasons to Rewire Your Home
Here are some of the top reasons you may want to consider rewiring your home:
Upgrading to a 200 Amp Electrical Service
- Most older homes only have 60-100 amp electrical service. This may not provide enough power for modern appliances and electronics.
- Upgrading to 200 amp service provides more power and allows you to run more high wattage appliances simultaneously.
- This usually requires running new wire from the electrical meter to the breaker panel.
Replacing Outdated and Unsafe Wiring
- Older homes often have outdated wiring that are safety hazards like:
- Knob and tube wiring - outdated, dangerous
- Aluminum wiring - prone to overheating
- Unsgrounded outlets - risk of shocks
- Replacing old wiring with modern copper wire eliminates fire and shock risks.
Adding More Circuits and Outlets
- Older homes often lack enough circuits and outlets.
- Rewiring allows you to add more 20 amp circuits for power hungry appliances.
- Also lets you add more outlets in convenient locations.
Safety Precautions
Rewiring a home involves dealing with dangerous high voltage electricity. Take these safety steps:
- Turn off power at the breaker panel - Lock it on with a padlock so it stays off.
- Test wires with a multimeter to confirm power is off before handling.
- Wear insulated gloves and shoes - Reduce risk of accidental shocks.
- Never work on live wires - Always confirm power is off first.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby - Be prepared in case of electrical fires.
Step-by-Step Process for Rewiring
Follow these key steps to systematically rewire your home room by room:
1. Turn Off Power and Install New Breaker Panel
- Shut off power at the main breaker.
- Remove the old breaker panel carefully.
- Install a new 200 amp breaker panel according to code.
- Ensure proper grounding and bonding.
2. Run New Wire to Each Room
- Start with one room at a time.
- Run new 12/2 and 14/2 NM electrical wire from breaker panel to room.
- Use wire staples to securely fasten wires to framing.
3. Replace Switches and Outlets
- Remove old switches, receptacles, light fixtures.
- Install new grounded outlets and code compliant switches.
- Properly connect new wire to outlets using pigtails.
4. Connect Devices and Lights
- Connect all hardwired appliances like ceiling fans, AC units.
- Screw in light bulbs and ensure all lights work properly.
5. Install Wall Plates and Covers
- Put wire nuts on unused wires.
- Attach wall plates to outlets and switches.
- Install covers on all junction boxes.
6. Repeat Steps for Each Room
- Systematically work through each room in the home.
- Follow safety procedures at all times.
- Get electrical inspection once complete.
Cost Savings from Rewiring Yourself
Rewiring a whole house yourself can save thousands in electrician costs:
- Average price electricians charge for home rewiring:
- Rewiring one room - $1000
- Whole house rewiring - $5000 to $10,000
- Doing it yourself costs only about $1000 to $1500 for materials.
- Savings by being your own electrician: $4000 to $8500!
The upfront investment in tools and materials ends up saving lots of money in the long run. Also gives you the satisfaction of accomplishing the rewiring solo!
Final Thoughts
While not simple, rewiring your home is very doable without hiring an electrician if you take the proper safety steps. The cost savings are tremendous. Just be sure to get the final electrical work inspected once complete to ensure you did everything to code. Then you can relax and enjoy your newly rewired home!