How to Rewire Your Home Electrical System Without Hiring an Electrician

Introduction

Rewiring a home can seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning and safety precautions, it is possible for a homeowner to rewire their electrical system without hiring a professional electrician. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk through the complete process of rewiring a home electrical system safely and correctly.

Reasons to Rewire Your Home

There are several reasons you may want to rewire your home electrical system:

• Upgrading to a higher amperage - If your home's electrical demand has increased over the years due to more appliances and electronics, rewiring can allow for a higher amperage to meet your needs.

• Faulty or outdated wiring - Older homes often have outdated wiring that is unsafe or insufficient for modern levels of electricity usage. Rewiring allows installation of modern wiring.

• Remodeling and additions - Any significant remodeling or room additions will likely require rewiring to update the electrical system.

• Safety concerns - Outdated wiring can present fire and electrocution risks. Rewiring improves safety by upgrading wiring and connections.

Dangers and Risks

Before starting any electrical work yourself, understand the risks involved:

• Electrocution - Mistakes can lead to electrocution, so make safety your top priority. Turn off power at the main breaker before working.

• Fire - Faulty wiring is a leading cause of electrical fires. Improper wire gauges or connections can overheat and ignite.

• Injury - Use caution when working in tight spaces and use proper eye and ear protection. Stepladders should be firmly positioned.

• Damaging your home - Mistakes in the rewiring process like drilling into pipes or wires where you shouldn't can damage your home.

• Legal issues - Most jurisdictions require electrical work to be performed by licensed electricians with permits. Doing your own rewiring may violate local laws.

Evaluating Your Electrical System

Before beginning a rewire, you need to thoroughly evaluate your existing electrical system:

• Examine the electrical panel - Note the amperage rating, number of circuits, any double-tapping, and condition of the components. Check for signs of arcing or overheating.

• Test outlets and switches - Verify they are wired correctly and grounded properly by using a multimeter and outlet tester. Check for reverse polarity and open neutral connections.

• Look for knob and tube wiring - This outdated wiring from before 1950 is dangerous and must be completely removed. Consult an electrician if you have knob and tube wiring.

• Check the wire gauge/size - Outdated wiring is often undersized for modern electricity demand. This can cause overheating.

• Note all junction boxes - These may need to be replaced or rewired. Document their location in advance.

• Map the circuit routes - Note where all the wiring runs so you can recreate proper circuit routing when rewiring.

• Label all connections - Labeling wire connections before disconnecting allows for accurate reconnecting.

Developing a Rewiring Plan

Carefully plan every aspect of the rewiring project in advance:

• Choose the amperage - Consider present and future electrical needs and choose an adequate service amperage (100, 150, 200 amps, etc).

• Select proper wire gauge - Heavier wire gauges efficiently handle higher amperages. Follow code requirements.

• Decide on wiring layout - Determine where to place new service panel, circuits, junction boxes, outlets, and switches.

• Account for safety systems - Important systems like smoke detectors, security alarms, emergency lighting, and appliances must remain powered. Plan accordingly.

• Consider expansion needs - Leave room in service panel for additional circuits if you anticipate future needs like EV charging stations or outbuildings.

• Research local building codes - Rewiring must follow electrical codes for your area. Review these thoroughly.

• Obtain necessary permits - In most areas electrical work requires permits from the local building department.

Choosing the Right Materials

Gather all the materials you will need according to your rewiring plan:

• Electrical panel - Select a main service panel rated for the amperage you need. Choose a reputable brand like Square D or Eaton.

• Circuit breakers - Use code-approved circuit breakers for all circuits. Follow amperage limits for lighting, receptacle, and appliance circuits.

• Wire - Use only copper wiring. Choose the appropriate gauge for each circuit's needed amperage and length. Have extra on hand.

• Conduit - Use conduit for wire runs through walls and ceilings. Flexible plastic conduit is easy to install.

• Junction boxes - Make sure all junction boxes are to code for number and size of wires inside. Use remodel boxes to replace existing.

• Receptacles and switches - Choose commercial-grade outlet and switch receptacles. Follow grounding requirements.

• Labeling supplies - Purchase wire markers, labels, and color tape to properly label all wires and connections.

• Safety gear - Wear eye protection, work gloves, ear protection from loud tools, dust masks, and headlamps when working in dark spaces.

• Tools - You will need basic hand tools plus wire strippers, junction box cutout tool, hammer drill, conduit bender, multimeter, and cable puller.

Step-by-Step Rewiring Process

With proper planning and materials, you're ready to rewire. Follow these steps:

1. Turn Off Power

Shut off the main breaker and verify power is off with a voltage tester before touching any wires. Turn off supplemental breakers as well.

2. Remove Old Wiring

Carefully remove existing wiring. Document and label wires before disconnecting anything. Remove abandoned wires back to the source. Warning: Do not remove wires you plan to reuse until new wiring is ready.

3. Install New Service Panel

Mount the new main service panel according to code requirements. Run conduit and wires from the electrical meter to the new service panel. Consult your utility company if moving the service location.

4. Run New Circuits

Follow your wiring plan to run new wires and conduits through walls, attics, and basements from the service panel to all locations that require power. Staple cables every 4-6 feet for stability.

5. Install Switches and Receptacles

Install all light switches, electrical outlets, and other receptacles in the planned locations. Follow codes for proper wiring, grounding, and box fill limits.

6. Connect Devices

Connect hardwired appliances like water heaters, AC units, and fixed lighting to the new circuits. Follow appliance manual instructions.

7. Label Everything

Use printed or handwritten wire labels to note all breakers and wire connections at both ends for clarity. This makes future troubleshooting much easier.

8. Inspect and Test

Visually inspect all work thoroughly. Replace cover plates. Turn on power and methodically test each circuit using receptacle testers and GFCI testing buttons. Fix any problems.

9. Contact Local Building Inspectors

In most areas electrical work requires an inspection to verify it meets local codes. Contact inspectors to arrange this final check before concealing new wiring.

Ensuring Electrical Safety

Follow best practices to ensure safe, reliable electricity:

• Use tamper-resistant receptacles - These prevent accidental electric shocks.

• Install arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) - AFCIs shut off power in the event of dangerous sparking.

• Use GFCI protection - Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) prevent electrocution from contact with water. Install them in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and garages.

• Label breaker box circuits - Identify which breaker controls each area so circuits can be quickly shut down in an emergency.

• Consider whole house surge protection - This protects electronics from electrical spikes.

Conclusion

Rewiring a home electrical system is an ambitious project that should only be tackled if you have mastered basic electrical skills, have a thorough plan, use extreme caution, follow codes, and get proper permits and inspections. While labor-intensive, it can save thousands of dollars in electrician fees if done meticulously. Pay close attention to safety above all else. With adequate knowledge and preparation, rewiring your own home is an achievable DIY project that allows upgrading and modernizing your electrical system on your own terms.