How to Rewire Your Entire Home in One Afternoon

Rewiring your entire home in a single afternoon is an ambitious project that requires careful planning and preparation. As a homeowner, I decided to take on this daunting task myself. Here is a step-by-step guide on how I was able to rewire my entire house in one afternoon.

Assessing the Electrical System

Before beginning any electrical work, it's crucial to thoroughly assess the existing wiring.

Researching Permit Requirements

• I researched my local building codes to determine if I needed any permits or inspections for rewiring a home. This ensured I followed proper safety protocols.

Creating a Home Electrical Plan

• I mapped out my home's current electrical layout. This included lighting, outlets, appliances, and the electrical panel. Having a plan made the rewiring process more efficient.

Inspecting the Electrical Panel

• I inspected the circuit breakers in my electrical panel for any signs of damage or arching. Faulty breakers needed to be replaced before rewiring.

Testing Outlets and Lighting

• Using a multimeter, I tested all existing outlets and lights for proper voltage and amperage. This identified any problem wiring I needed to replace.

Preparing for the Rewire

With the diagnostic complete, it was time to get ready for the main event.

Organizing Tools and Materials

• I gathered all the necessary tools, wire, outlets, switches, and other electrical supplies. Having everything I needed saved time and trips to the hardware store.

Scheduling Time Off Work

• Rewiring an entire house requires at least 1 full day. I scheduled a day off work when I could devote my full attention to the project.

Turning Off Power at the Panel

• Before touching any wiring, I switched the main breaker off at my electrical panel. Working on live wires could result in serious injury or death.

Establishing a Temporary Power Source

• I set up a gasoline generator outside my home to power essential appliances like refrigerator/freezer while rewiring.

Rewiring the House

With preparations complete, I was ready to get to work rewiring.

Running New Wiring and Outlets

• I drilled holes and fed new 12/2 NM electrical wire through walls and ceilings to each outlet and light fixture. Adding extra wiring provided capacity for more circuits.

Installing GFCI Outlets

• Any outlets near water sources were replaced with GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) outlets for added protection from shocks.

Upgrading the Electrical Panel

• I upgraded my outdated 60 amp breaker panel to a 200 amp panel to handle increased electrical demand. This also gave me extra space for adding new circuits.

Labeling All Circuits

• I labeled each new circuit at the panel and outlets for easy identification. This helps track down any tripped breakers.

Testing Circuits Before Turning Power On

• Using a multimeter, I tested each circuit for continuity before restoring power. This ensured all connections were secure.

Restoring Power and Finishing Touches

Once the new wiring was installed and tested, it was safe to turn the power back on.

Turning Power Back On at Panel

• I switched the main breaker on and then turned on individual circuits one at a time. Checking for problems before fully powering up prevented blown fuses.

Installing Wall Plates and Light Fixtures

• With all circuits functioning properly, I was able to install outlets, light switches, and light fixtures in their permanent positions.

Cleaning Up and Securing Exposed Wiring

• I used cable ties and wire anchors as needed to neatly secure any exposed sections of wiring. Safety should always be the top priority.

Testing GFCIs and Smoke Detectors

• As a final safety check, I tested all GFCI outlets and smoke detectors. This ensured my family's protection after the rewire was complete.

Conclusion

While rewiring an entire house in one day requires extensive planning and effort, it can be accomplished. The result is a safer, more modern electrical system able to handle all of a home's wiring needs. Taking proper precautions and following local codes makes a challenging DIY project completely doable. The sense of accomplishment makes it worthwhile.