How to Replace Old Copper Wiring Yourself on the Cheap

Introduction

Replacing old and outdated copper wiring in your home can provide many benefits, including improved electrical safety, increased power to run modern appliances and electronics, and peace of mind knowing your home's electrical system is up-to-date. However, rewiring a home is often viewed as an expensive and complex job best left to electricians. With some research, preparation, and elbow grease, you can replace old copper wiring yourself and save thousands of dollars in the process.

In this comprehensive DIY guide, I'll share tips and steps for replacing copper wiring in your home safely and economically. We'll cover:

• Evaluating if your home's wiring needs replacement
• Understanding important electrical codes and permits
• Choosing the right gauge and type of copper wire
• Materials needed for a DIY rewire project
• Safely removing old wiring and installing new circuits
• Helpful tools and tips for doing it yourself on a budget
• Testing your work and connecting new wiring to the electrical panel

Whether you want to upgrade from outdated 60-amp service or replace worn-out, cloth-wrapped wiring, this guide will help you complete your own electrical rewiring project with confidence. Let's get started!

Evaluating If Your Home's Wiring Needs Replacement

The first step is determining if your home would actually benefit from rewiring. Here are some signs it may be time to replace outdated copper wiring:

• Fuses frequently blowing or circuit breakers tripping - This indicates the wiring is overloaded and can't handle modern power demands. Rewiring provides more capacity.

• Not enough circuits or outlets - Most homes today need at least 100 amp electrical service and 12-14 circuits to handle all our electronics and appliances. Rewiring allows you to add more circuits and outlets.

• Dimming lights or flickering - This points to possibly unsafe and faulty old wiring that needs replacement for fire safety.

• Cloth-wrapped wiring - This old type of wiring is more prone to cracking and deterioration over time. Replacing with modern NM (nonmetallic) wire is safer.

• Multiple wires joined by twisting - This outdated technique often leads to loose connections and voltage drops. New solid copper wiring and properly spliced connections are safer and more reliable.

• No grounding wires - Modern codes require grounded outlets for safety. Rewiring lets you add proper grounding.

If your home shows any of these signs, rewiring the electrical system should be strongly considered. Consult with a licensed electrician if you are unsure if your wiring needs replacement.

Understanding Electrical Codes and Permits

Before beginning any electrical project, it's critical to understand your local electrical codes and secure any required permits. Key things to research include:

• National and local building codes - The National Electrical Code (NEC) forms the basis of local electrical codes. Review these codes to ensure full compliance.

• Required electrical permits - Most areas require permits for whole home rewiring projects. Learn what electrical permits you'll need and how to obtain them.

• Required inspections - As part of the permit process, your local building department will likely require inspections at certain stages of the rewiring. Know when these inspections need to happen.

• Homeowner restrictions - Some jurisdictions restrict DIY electrical work in favor of hiring licensed electricians, so check if any limitations apply.

Thoroughly researching codes and permits will ensure your project adheres to local requirements and passes inspections. Consider having your rewiring plans reviewed by your local building department before starting as well.

Choosing the Right Gauge and Type of Copper Wire

When rewiring a home, you'll need to choose what gauge and type of copper wire to use for your new electrical circuits. Key factors to consider include:

• Your electrical service's amperage - Match the amp capacity of your home's electrical service. For a 100 amp panel, use #2 or #3 gauge wire for the main feeders.

• Voltage of circuits - Most household circuits carry 120V. Choose wire gauges like #12 or #14 AWG for 15-20 amp, 120V branch circuits.

• Length of wire runs - Longer wire runs may require thicker wires to minimize voltage drop. Refer to voltage drop tables.

• Copper wire types - Romex NM-B and THHN/THWN-2 are common. Choose wire with enough insulation and heat tolerance for its application.

• Conduit or nonmetallic - Conduit provides more physical protection but requires more work. NM wires are easier to install.

Consult electrical code books to determine the proper wire gauge and type for the amperage, voltage, and length of each circuit. Choosing the right copper wire is crucial for safety and performance.

Gathering Materials and Tools Needed

Before starting demo of old wiring, be sure to gather all the necessary materials and tools for the rewiring project:

Materials

• NM or THHN/THWN-2 copper wire - Have 10-15% more than your total wire run length needs to allow for waste.

• Electrical boxes - Have new boxes for outlets, switches, and junctions. Plastic or metal are fine.

• Conduit - If using, have proper sizes with fittings for number and type of wires.

• Circuit breakers - New breakers sized for the amperage of each new circuit you'll install.

• Outlets and switches - Buy GFCI outlets for kitchen, bath, garage, and exterior locations.

Tools

• Voltage tester - Essential for safely checking wires are de-energized before working.

• Wire stripper - For stripping insulation from new wires.

• Cable ripper - For safely removing old wires from walls.

• Fish tapes - For pulling wires through walls and ceilings between access points.

• Drill/driver - For drilling holes to run wires and installing hardware.

• Ladder or scaffolding - To access ceilings for running wires and installing boxes.

• Clamps and staples - To securely fasten wires against studs and joists.

• Drywall tools - For patching walls and ceilings after running new wires.

• Heat gun - For loosening old rusted junction boxes without damage.

Having all needed materials and tools on hand will make your wiring project go smoothly and efficiently.

Safely Removing Old Wiring

Once your materials are ready, it's time to demo the old wiring. Make sure power is shut off at the main breaker panel before beginning. Use extreme caution when removing old wires, as they can still hold dangerous residual charge if not properly checked and grounded out.

Follow these tips for safe removal:

• Wear personal protective equipment - glasses, work gloves, etc. for safety.

• Carefully open up walls and ceilings to access old wiring. Remove drywall using a keyhole saw or drywall tools.

• Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm wires are de-energized before touching them.

• Cut wires into manageable segments, testing each one.

• For old junction boxes, use a heat gun to soften rusted screws before unscrewing. This avoids damaging the surrounding wires.

• Once certain wires are dead, use a cable ripper tool to safely remove wires from their staples.

• Coil up wiring as you remove it, keeping it organized for disposal.

• Inspect junction boxes and remove any that are damaged. Disconnect old wires.

Work methodically and carefully. Don't rush the process. Remove wiring in the access areas first before demolishing additional surfaces elsewhere.

Running and Installing New Wiring Circuits

With the old wires cleared out, you can begin installing the new wiring system. Follow these best practices when running wires:

• Plan routes for each circuit, marking box and access locations. Run wires for one circuit at a time.

• Drill holes through joists and studs keeping holes centered and at least 1 1⁄4" away from faces. This avoids weakening their structure.

• Use clamps or staples snugly secured to fasten wires every 4-5 feet along their run. Don't overtighten.

• Leave an extra 1-2 feet of wire at endpoints to work with. You can trim back later.

• Pull all wires for a circuit at once. Use fish tape to easily pull through walls and ceilings.

• Use junction boxes to splice wire segments together, securing with wire nuts. Wrap connections with electrical tape.

• Install new electrical boxes snugly into openings. Secure with screws to studs.

Take your time fishing wires and avoid kinks or damage. Use junction boxes to splice as needed, not random spots in the walls.

Helpful Tools and Tips for DIY on a Budget

To complete a DIY rewiring job yourself and save money, having the right tools and learning handy tips can make a difference. Here are some suggestions:

• Invest in essential electrical tools like fish tape, cable ripper, wire strippers, and a voltage tester. Quality matters for safety.

• Check used marketplaces like Craigslist for unused spools of wire at discount prices. Just confirm it's good copper wiring.

• Consider renting a hammer drill for quickly making holes through masonry and studs. Much easier than a regular drill.

• Shop discount home improvement stores for electrical boxes, light switches, and other parts you may need in bulk.

• Label both ends of each wire run as you install so you know what circuit it belongs to.

• Take progress photos before and after concealing wires to document your work for inspectors.

• For DIY drywall repair, use fiberglass mesh tape for seams and all-purpose pre-mixed joint compound. Easy for beginners.

Following proven tips like pre-planning routes, buying materials strategically, and using specialized tools can help you save money and make the project more manageable.

Testing New Circuits and Connecting to the Panel

After running all planned wiring circuits through the home, the last stage is connecting them to the main electrical service panel and doing important safety tests. Follow these instructions when ready to energize your new wiring:

• Double check wires are securely held with clamps and tied into boxes cleanly before flipping main breaker.

• With the main breaker still off, use a multimeter to confirm no current is flowing to any new wires as an extra precaution.

• Flip the main breaker on, but leave the individual circuit breakers for the new wiring off initially for testing.

• Go to the "hot" end of each new wire run and use a non-contact voltage tester probe to confirm power is live at these points.

• Turn the individual circuit breakers on one at a time. Walk the run of each wire. Use probe to confirm no live power beyond the circuit endpoints.

• As an final check, turn on lights/outlets on each circuit to verify proper functionality before buttoning up all access points.

Thoroughly testing each wire run for correct power flow to only its intended endpoints ensures your new circuits are safe and ready for full use. Contact an electrician immediately if you observe any issues.

In Conclusion

Rewiring a home yourself requires careful planning, attention to safety, patience, and persistence to complete fully. While a significant DIY undertaking, modernizing your electrical system can be a manageable project by following the processes and tips outlined above. Maximizing used materials and discount tools also lets you accomplish the upgrade cost-effectively.

Always adhere closely to electrical codes and permit requirements. Be mindful of safety at every step. Pay close attention to testing before energizing wires. If at any point you feel unsure on how to proceed, don't hesitate to call in a licensed electrician to evaluate and make recommendations. While not quick or easy, a DIY rewire done properly can save you thousands and provide peace of mind knowing your home's electrical system is like new.