Introduction
Rewiring a home can be an intimidating process, but it doesn't have to be if you use some tried and true obsolete and forgotten techniques. Rewiring a house yourself using old school methods can save thousands of dollars in contractor fees. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know to rewire your home safely and efficiently using obsolete and forgotten techniques.
Gather The Right Tools and Materials
Before you begin, you need to ensure you have the proper tools and materials on hand. Here is what you will need:
Tools
- Wire strippers - To strip insulation from wires
- Needle nose pliers - For manipulating wires in tight spaces
- Voltage tester - To ensure power is off before working
- Stud finder - For locating studs to run wires
- Hammer and nails - For securing wires
- Ladder - For accessing high ceiling spaces
Materials
- NM-B Wire - The standard wire for residential rewiring projects
- Electrical tape - For insulating wires and connections
- Wire nuts - For joining wires together
- Electrical boxes - For housing connections and devices
- Conduit - For protecting exposed wires
- Cable staples - For securing wires
Ensuring you have all of these tools and materials on hand will make the rewiring process go much smoother.
Turn Off Power and Remove Old Wiring
Safety should always be your top priority when rewiring a home. Before doing any work, you need to turn off power to the entire house at the main circuit breaker. Test outlets with a voltage tester to be 100% sure power is off.
Next, you need to remove any old knob and tube wiring. This type of obsolete wiring is not safe and does not meet modern electrical codes. Carefully remove any old wiring from the attic, walls, and crawlspaces. Be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles when handling old wires as they may contain asbestos.
Once all old wiring is removed, you have a blank slate to work with for rewiring.
Map Out Your New Wiring Plan
Rewiring a house is like solving a puzzle - you need a plan. On a house diagram, mark where all outlets, switches, lights, and appliances will be located. This is crucial for determining how much wiring you need and the routes you will take.
Consider the following when mapping out your wiring:
- Number of circuits needed
- Where the electrical panel is located
- Whether you want smart switches and outlets
- Appliance locations (stove, AC units, water heater etc)
- Any special needs like basement wiring
Planning each circuit meticulously on paper first is an obsolete but effective technique to prepare for a smooth wiring process.
Run Wires Through Walls and Ceilings
Now comes the fun part - running the new wires! Start by drilling holes through walls and ceilings where you want wires to pass. Make holes mid-way between studs using a long flexible drill bit.
Fish NM-B wires through the holes using either a wire coat hanger or fish tape - two old school tricks that still work great. Leave at least 12-18 inches of extra wire at the end to make connections.
Secure wires with cable staples every 4-5 feet and ensure wires do not lay across any heating elements or ceiling fan boxes. Having a helper to feed wire makes fishing wire much easier.
Always run wire through the middle of studs - never through exterior walls or near plumbing pipes. Protect any exposed wire with conduit.
Make Connections and Install Devices
It's time to start joining the wires and installing devices like switches, outlets and light fixtures.
Carefully strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from wire ends using wire strippers. Twist wires together clockwise to join, then secure connections with wire nuts. Wrap electrical tape around nuts for extra protection.
Finally, tuck wires neatly into electrical boxes and secure devices with mounting screws. Make sure devices are properly grounded by attaching ground wires.
Label circuits clearly on the electrical panel so you know what each controls. Take it slowly and double check your work - faulty wiring can lead to fires or electrocution.
Have an Electrician Inspect Your Work
Once all wiring is completed, call a licensed electrician to inspect the job thoroughly. They will check that all circuits are properly sized, connections are secure, and code requirements are met.
It is always wise to have a professional review even if you are confident in your DIY skills - better safe than sorry! Make any corrections the electrician suggests before turning power back on.
Then flip that main breaker and check your work by testing outlets and operating lights. Take pride in a job well done!
Conclusion
While rewiring a home yourself using obsolete techniques may seem daunting, with proper planning and safety it can be accomplished successfully. The satisfaction of upgrading your electrical with your own two hands is well worth it.
As long as you turn off power, remove old wiring completely, run new wires properly, make secure connections, and get professional inspection, you can rewire your home safely using time-tested obsolete methods. Just be sure to research building codes thoroughly so your work complies with regulations in your local area.
With the right tools and materials, adequate electrical knowledge, attention to detail, and help from an electrician, you can rewire your home in an affordable, safe, and efficient manner using tried and true obsolete techniques.