How to Rewire Your Home Electrical System for Safety and Efficiency (Without an Electrician)

Introduction

Rewiring your home's electrical system can seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning and attention to safety, it is possible for a homeowner to do it themselves without hiring an electrician. There are several reasons why you may want to rewire your home, including upgrading to a more efficient system, fixing faulty or outdated wiring, or adding capacity for new appliances and devices.

In this comprehensive guide, I will walk through all the steps involved in rewiring a home electrical system safely and efficiently. I will cover planning and preparation, materials needed, wiring techniques, installing new breaker boxes and outlets, and testing your work. With some basic electrical knowledge and the right tools, you can take on this project to save money and end up with a safer, more effective electrical system.

Planning Your Electrical Rewiring Project

The first step is proper planning and preparation which will make the actual rewiring go smoothly. Here are some key things to consider:

Evaluating Your Current Electrical System

• Carefully inspect your current wiring to look for problems like worn or damaged insulation, corrosion, loose connections, or signs of overheating. This will help you identify areas that need to be rewired.

• Check the amperage rating of your electrical panel - if it's 60-100 amps, an upgrade to 200 amps may be needed to support more circuits and devices.

• Verify that your wiring is sufficient for all your home's electrical needs. If circuits are constantly tripping, the system may be outdated and need more capacity.

Developing a Rewiring Plan

• Map out a basic floor plan with all existing outlets, switches, appliances, and fixtures.

• Decide what parts of the home you want to rewire - select key circuits like kitchens, laundry, and air conditioning that may need updates.

• Plan any new lighting, outlets, appliances etc. you want to add and factor those into the rewiring.

• Determine if you need to upgrade your main electrical service panel and if so, to what amperage.

Safety Gear and Materials

Rewiring a home comes with electrical risks, so safety is paramount. Be sure to wear insulated gloves, eye protection, sturdy shoes, and turn off all power at the main breaker panel before starting any work.

You will need:

• New circuit breakers of the correct amperage
• Electrical wire - both 14 and 12 AWG solid core copper wire for 15-20 amp and 20-30 amp circuits respectively
• Plastic wire nut connectors and electrical tape
• Junction boxes, outlet and switch boxes
• New outlets, switches, and cover plates
• Cable staples, straps, and hangers to secure the wiring

Permits and Inspections

Check with your local permitting office on requirements for home electrical work. A permit and inspections are needed to ensure the rewiring is done properly. Failing to get a permit can risk insurance problems if an electrical fire occurs.

Shutting Off Power and Removing Old Wiring

Once you've planned the project and have the right gear, you are ready to safely remove existing wiring:

• Turn off all the circuit breakers and unplug all appliances before starting work. Verify power is off by testing outlets with a multimeter or plug-in tester.

• Remove cover plates from switches and outlets you are replacing.

• Take note of all wire connections and locations of wires as you remove them. Taking photos as you go can help remember later.

• Carefully extract staples or hangers securing wires and cables.

• Pull wires out of boxes and conduit. For difficult pulls, use wire pulling lubricant.

• Vacuum dust and debris from boxes and conduits once old wiring is removed.

• Disconnect old breakers and remove from panel - take note of which circuit each controlled.

With the old wiring dismantled, you can move on to installing the new system.

Installing New Wiring and Components

Installing new wires, boxes, breakers, and devices is the most time-consuming part of rewiring, but taking it step-by-step ensures it goes smoothly:

Running New Wires

• Begin by routing new cables between the breaker panel and destinations like outlets and switches. Refer to your rewiring plan map.

• Use the appropriate wire size - for 15 amp circuits use 14 AWG wire; for 20-30 amp circuits use 12 AWG wire.

• Anchor wires at regular intervals using staples, straps, or hangers. Keep home runs together and avoid crossing over other wires.

• Pull all the neutral wires into the breaker panel and bond them to the neutral bus bar.

• Carefully connect the hot wires to their corresponding new breakers, keeping good, tight connections. Double check black wires go to breakers, white to neutral bus.

Installing Boxes and Devices

• Mount new electrical boxes where existing boxes were and also any new locations planned in the rewiring.

• Make clean wire connections using wire nuts: Line wire to device, load to line, neutral wire to the next outlet, and ground.

• Anchor device to box securely, keeping wires orderly. Verify ground wires are connected.

• Attach cover plate and test device. Cover plates must fit flush to box with no gaps.

Upgrading Breaker Panel

If your main service panel needs an upgrade:

• Select a new panel with enough spaces and correct amp rating - 100 amps, 150 amps etc.

• Locate the new panel near the existing one on an exterior wall if possible.

• With the power off, remove panel cover and detach all wires from breakers. Unmount the panel.

• Carefully connect the incoming utility feed wires to the lugs in new service panel. Follow exact wire placement.

• Securely mount the new panel and re-attach all branch circuit wires to new breakers.

• Attach and screw in all new breakers for circuits. Ensure unused openings are covered.

• Verify solid neutral and ground connections. Double check wiring, then restore power.

Testing the System and Finalizing the Project

With all new wiring in place, it's crucial to test everything and make sure it is safe:

• Turn power back on at the main breaker and press test button for GFCI outlets. Verify reset works.

• Go to breaker panel and switch each breaker on to test for power. Trip each one to confirm it works.

• Plug in devices and turn on lights at all outlets to confirm proper operation.

• Use a multimeter to check voltages - should be 110-120V between hot and neutral.

• Carefully inspect all connections are tight with no exposed copper.

Once testing is complete, finish up:

• Check permit office about required inspections before covering walls. Make any corrections needed.

• Secure all boxes and panels. Install insulation and wall material.

• Label breakers clearly. Update electrical plans for the home.

• Dispose of old wiring and breakers properly. They contain hazardous materials.

With careful attention to safety and detail, you can successfully rewire your home electrical system, gaining an efficient, robust, and safe power system. But don't hesitate to call an electrician if any issues are beyond your skill level.

Conclusion

Rewiring a home electrical system is an involved project that requires research, planning, and attention to detail. But it allows you to upgrade and take control of your home's electrical system to make it safer and more effective. The effort can pay off for decades in more stable, sufficient power delivery throughout the home. Just be sure to always put safety first by using caution, wearing protective gear, turning off power, and calling for professional help when needed. With some perseverance and care, you can take on rewiring key parts of your electrical system and see significant improvements.