How to Easily Rewire Your Outlets for Better Safety and Efficiency

Introduction

Rewiring electrical outlets in your home can provide significant benefits in terms of safety, efficiency, and convenience. While it may seem daunting, with proper precautions and by following key steps, I can rewire outlets relatively easily as a DIY project. In this article, I will provide a comprehensive guide on rewiring outlets, covering critical information on safety, materials, processes, and costs. My goal is to equip readers with the knowledge to safely and successfully rewire outlets on their own.

Reasons to Rewire Outlets

There are several compelling reasons I may want to rewire outlets in my home:

Safety

• Outdated wiring can present fire and shock hazards. Rewiring enhances safety by:
  • Replacing old, cracked insulation
  • Upgrading to GFCI outlets in kitchen, bathroom, laundry, etc.
  • Ensuring strong, tight connections

Efficiency

• Newer wiring enables proper grounding, which can improve appliance performance.
• Rewiring allows upgrading to higher amperage ratings, enabling use of more powerful appliances.
• It also provides opportunity to add additional outlets where needed.

Convenience

• Rewiring allows relocating outlets to more convenient locations.
• It enables adding handy features like built-in USB charging ports.

Resale Value

• Updated wiring and outlets adds value by appealing to buyers.

Safety Precautions

Working with electrical wiring can be dangerous. To ensure safety, I take the following precautions:

• Turn off power at the main breaker before starting work. Verify it is off by testing outlets.
• Disconnect appliances and fixtures from outlets I'm rewiring.
• Wear personal protective equipment like insulated gloves and eyewear.
• Use insulated tools and check for damage before use. Replace damaged tools.
• Take precautions against shocks and falls when working with raised outlets.
• Cap, tape, or label all wires to avoid confusion and mistakes.

I also avoid working on outlets with damaged or severely corroded wiring. These should be inspected and repaired by a licensed electrician due to added hazards.

Materials Needed

Before starting an outlet rewiring project, I ensure I have all the necessary materials on hand:

• Electrical tape - for wrapping wire connections
• Wire strippers - for stripping insulation off wires
• Voltage tester - for verifying power is off
• Wire nuts - for joining copper wires together
• Electrical outlets - get the appropriate amperage rating and number of ports as needed
• Junction boxes - if wiring junctions are needed
• 12 or 14 gauge copper wiring - match the gauge of existing wiring
• Wall plates - match style of existing plates
• Wire fishing tools - for running new wiring through walls

I also gather key safety gear like insulated gloves, eye protection, a face mask, and a sturdy step ladder.

Process of Rewiring an Outlet

The specific steps I follow to rewire an outlet are:

1. Turn Off Power

I turn off power at the main breaker and verify it is off using a voltage tester. I also unplug all devices from the outlet I'm rewiring.

2. Remove Old Outlet

Using a screwdriver, I remove the cover plate and unscrew and disconnect the outlet from the electrical box. I carefully remove any wire connections.

3. Prepare Wires

I strip about 1/2" of insulation from each wire using wire strippers. I take precautions not to nick or damage the copper. I also cut and bend wires as needed to reconfigure the connections.

4. Connect Wires

I join the hot, neutral, and ground wires to the matching terminal screws on the new outlet using wire nuts. I wrap connections clockwise with electrical tape for a tight seal.

5. Mount New Outlet

I mount the new outlet securely into the electrical box and tighten all screws fully. I ensure no wires are pinched or crushed.

6. Replace Cover Plate

I install a new cover plate, matching style of existing plates. I carefully align it to avoid scratching walls.

7. Restore Power and Test

I restore power at the breaker and use a voltage tester to verify it is live. I plug in a lamp and turn it on to confirm proper outlet function.

Special Considerations

• For GFCI outlets, I take care to connect the load and line wires correctly.
• When relocating an outlet, I may need to drill holes and fish wiring through walls.
• For additional outlets, I pigtail off existing outlets or run new wire from the breaker.
• With aluminum wiring, I use special connectors rated for aluminum.
• For 240V circuits, I ensure proper connections of double-pole breakers.

Costs of Rewiring Outlets

Here are typical price ranges for rewiring outlets as a DIY project:

• $5-20 per outlet for materials - outlet, wire, wire nuts, wall plate
• $10-30 per hour for electrician - if hiring professional installation
• $40-100 for new breaker - if circuit needs upsizing
• $100+ for new wiring - if adding outlets in new locations

Factors like special outlets, conduit, and local electrician rates can increase costs. I budget approximately $100-200 to rewire a room with multiple outlets.

Conclusion

Rewiring electrical outlets is a project that provides valuable upgrades but requires great care and safety precautions. By turning off power, wearing protective gear, using proper materials, and following key steps, I can successfully rewire my outlets. This improves safety, efficiency, and convenience throughout my home. With proper precautions do-it-yourself outlet rewiring can be accomplished easily by most homeowners.