How to Rewire Your Entire Home in Just One Afternoon

Rewiring your entire home in just one afternoon may seem like an impossible task, but with the right preparation and tools, it can be done efficiently and safely. Here's a step-by-step guide on how I was able to rewire my entire house in a single afternoon:

Gather the Necessary Materials and Tools

Before starting any electrical project, it's crucial to have the proper materials and tools on hand. For rewiring a whole house, you'll need:

• Electrical wire - I used 12/2 NM cable with ground wire for all the branch circuits. Calculate how much wire you'll need for each room beforehand. Get extra just in case.

• Wire strippers - To strip insulation off wires.

• Voltage tester - To safely check if power is off to wires before working on them.

• Cable staples or clips - To fasten cables to studs or joists.

• Wire nuts - For connecting wires together.

• Electrical tape - For covering splices and connections.

• Phillips screwdriver - For removing outlet and switch cover plates.

• Circuit breakers - Have spares on hand for replacing old breakers.

• Junction boxes - For housing wire connections.

Turn Off Power and Remove Old Wiring

Before touching any wiring, shut off power to the entire house at the main breaker panel. Use a non-contact voltage tester on wires to double-check power is off.

Start by removing all outlet and switch cover plates with a screwdriver. Take notes on what wires are connected where. Carefully detach all wires from outlets, switches and light fixtures. Remove the old wires from the walls by pulling them out of holes drilled through wall studs.

If reusing any parts of the old wiring system, inspect them to ensure they're in good condition and up to code. Replace any worn or damaged wires, outlets, switches or breakers.

Map Out New Circuits

Draw up plans deciding how many circuits you need for lighting, outlets, appliances, etc. Mark locations where you'll install junction boxes for housing connections and splices.

Leave extra slack at various points along wire runs for any future changes. I also labeled wires with tape to identify each circuit.

Run New Wires from Breaker Panel

Start by turning off all breakers in the panel and removing any old breakers that will be abandoned. Run 14/2 NM cables from the main breaker panel to each new circuit location per your plans.

Staple the cables to wall studs and floor joists for support. Follow any local code requirements regarding cable type, staple size/spacing, etc. Leave pigtails at every junction box for making connections.

Connect Switches, Outlets and Fixtures

With all new cables run, begin connecting devices starting with light fixtures and ceiling boxes, then switches, and finally outlets. Consult your circuit plans to connect wires properly.

Match wire colors consistently across circuits. Pigtail multiple hot/neutral/ground wires together in boxes with wire nuts. Wrap all splices with electrical tape.

Label and Test Circuits

Before capping everything off, go to the breaker panel and turn circuits on one at a time. Switch light switches on and off and test outlets to ensure each circuit works as intended. Shut off power again and install outlet/switch cover plates and light fixtures.

Finally, turn the main power back on and do a final test of all lights/outlets. Label each new circuit clearly at the breaker panel. Enjoy your new up-to-code home electrical system!

Final Thoughts

Rewiring an entire house in an afternoon requires diligent planning, organization of materials, safely shutting off power, and methodically working through each step. With determination and attention to detail, it can be accomplished. Always follow proper precautions and have an electrical permit if required by code. Never rush the critical steps of turning off power and testing wires. Work carefully and you can upgrade your home's electrical system quickly and properly.