Rewiring your entire home may seem like a daunting task, but with some planning and preparation, it is possible to complete in a single weekend for less than $50. As a homeowner and amateur electrician, I recently took on this challenge and was able to successfully rewire my 1,500 square foot house in just two days. Here is a step-by-step guide on how I made it happen.
Assess Your Electrical System
The first step is to thoroughly assess the existing electrical system in your home.
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Walk through each room and note where all the outlets, light fixtures, and switches are located. Pay attention to the location of the electrical panel as well.
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Check the amperage rating of the circuits coming into your electrical panel. Most modern homes will have 100 or 200 amp service.
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Identify the type of wiring used in your home. Homes built before the 1960s often have knob and tube wiring which will need to be completely replaced. Newer homes will have copper wiring.
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Look for signs of faulty or hazardous wiring such as scorch marks, exposed wires, frequently tripped breakers, or flickering lights. These will need to be addressed.
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Consider any upgrades you want to make such as additional circuits or 240-volt lines for large appliances.
Develop a Rewiring Plan
With a thorough assessment completed, you can now develop a plan for rewiring that addresses the needs and layout of your home.
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Decide which sections of wiring to replace. Focus on replacing any outdated or hazardous wiring first. For me, it was the knob and tube wiring in my older home.
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Map out new circuit routes. Draw up plans for where you want new outlet and lighting circuits to be run. Consider how to group rooms and appliances on shared circuits.
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Shop for materials. Make a list of everything you will need including wiring, boxes, outlets, breakers, and tools. Buy extra just in case.
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Schedule disconnecting power. Call your utility company to schedule a full power disconnect for the duration of the rewiring project.
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Plan your workflow. Figure out the order in which you will rewire each section of the home to be strategic and efficient.
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Enlist help. Recruit family members or friends to assist with demolition, pulling wires, and patching walls.
Shut Off Power and Remove Old Wiring
With a plan in place, it's time to dive into the rewiring!
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Shut off the main breaker and disconnect power. Use a contact voltage tester to verify power is off before touching any wires.
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Remove all cover plates from switches and outlets. This provides access to the old wiring.
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If possible, pull the wires out of the boxes rather than cutting them. This leaves more wire to work with for the new circuits.
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For knob and tube or damaged wiring, cut the wires and remove them entirely from the walls, attic, and basement.
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Remove old electrical boxes no longer needed. Patch over holes in walls and ceilings.
Run New Wiring Circuits
Now the fun part begins – running the new wires!
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Start by running wiring to the farthest rooms first. It is easier to pull wires through longer runs first.
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Drill holes through joists and studs to route wires between rooms and floors. Use protective plates to prevent damage.
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For outlets have a partner feed the wire, while you pull from the other end. This makes it easier to snake through walls.
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Staple wires every 4-6 feet for stability and to prevent sagging. Use pliers to bend wires around corners.
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Make sure to leave 8-10 inches of extra wire at boxes for easy connection.
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Carefully organize and label wires to correspond with circuits.
Install New Outlets and Switches
With all the new wiring run, it's time to install the devices.
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Mount new electrical boxes where desired for outlets, switches, and fixtures. Nail them securely in place.
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Feed wires into boxes, allowing 6 inches for outlet and switch connections.
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Carefully wire outlets and switches using proper connectors for the gauge of wire. Follow diagrams.
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Ground all outlets and switches properly as well. This provides critical safety.
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Use wire nuts to join multiple wires securely in boxes.
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Screw devices into boxes using snug fit. Don't allow wires to get pinched.
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Install cover plates once wires are connected and test each circuit before moving on.
Connect Wiring to Panel and Restore Power
The final stage is connecting all the new wiring to the main electrical panel.
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Organize and label all the circuit wires feeding into the panel with tags.
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Carefully connect wires to new circuit breakers, matching wire size to breaker capacity.
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Ensure all ground wires are properly bonded to the grounding bus bar.
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Double check that all connections are tight and no copper is exposed.
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Close up the panel and turn the main breaker on to restore power.
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Walk through the home testing each outlet and switch. Replace any faulty devices.
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Add labeling to the electrical panel identifying each new circuit.
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Finally, turn power back on at the meter outside once all checks are complete.
Safety Tips
Working with electrical wiring can be hazardous if proper precautions are not taken. Here are some key safety tips when rewiring a home:
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Turn off power at the main breaker and meter before starting work. Verify it is off.
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Wear rubber-soled shoes and work gloves when handling wires.
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Never touch bare copper or work on wires when energized.
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Use fiberglass ladders and insulated tools when working with wiring.
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Connect ground wires and GFCI outlets first for protection.
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Keep flammable materials away from electrical boxes and wires.
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Never overload circuits by connecting multiple devices.
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Hire an electrician if you are ever unsure about electrical safety.
Rewiring an entire house is a big endeavor, but also very rewarding. By following the right steps and safety precautions, you can take on this project yourself and save substantially on electrical costs. Just be strategic in your planning and take it room by room. Be patient and do your research when needed. Before you know it, those new wires and circuits will be running smoothly throughout your home.