Rewiring your home can seem like a daunting task, but with the right planning and some clever tricks, it doesn't have to be. Here are my top tips for rewiring your home safely and efficiently.
Assess Your Electrical Needs
Before beginning any rewiring project, it's important to assess your home's electrical needs.
-
Make a list of all the electrical appliances and devices in your home. Consider lighting, heating and cooling systems, home entertainment systems, computers, large appliances, etc. This will give you an idea of how much power your home requires.
-
Figure out which circuits are overloaded or faulty. Note any rooms where you frequently trip breakers, experience flickering lights, or have outdated wiring. These should be prioritized for rewiring.
-
Decide if you need to upgrade your electrical service. If your home still has 60 amp service, an upgrade to 100 or 200 amps may be needed to meet all your electrical needs.
Create a Rewiring Plan
Once you've assessed your electrical needs, it's time to map out a plan for the rewiring project.
-
Draw up a floor plan showing all outlets, switches, appliances, and lighting. Note which circuits they are on.
-
Plan where you want to add new outlets and switches. Factor in appliances and devices you may add in the future.
-
Decide if you will do the rewiring room by room or the entire house at once. Doing it all at once takes more pre-planning but minimizes walls being torn up multiple times.
-
Determine what wiring method to use - conduit, armored cable, non-metallic cable, etc. Consider safety, cost, and code requirements.
Safety First!
Rewiring a home comes with some serious safety risks if not done properly. Here are some key safety tips:
-
Turn off power at the main breaker before doing any work. Test wires with a non-contact voltage tester to be sure they are dead.
-
Wear rubber-soled shoes and gloves when handling wires. Never touch wires with wet hands.
-
Ensure all wiring is up to code. Consult the National Electrical Code (NEC) for specifics. Improper wiring can cause fires or shock.
-
Have an electrician install the new breaker panel and inspect final connections. They can ensure safety and compliance with electrical codes.
Useful Rewiring Tricks
Beyond fundamental safety and planning, there are some handy tricks that can make a rewiring job go smoother:
-
Use wire lubricant when pulling wires through conduits. It lets wires slide easily and prevents damage.
-
Label all wires and cables at both ends with masking tape. This avoids confusion down the road.
-
Run new wiring through walls via strategically placed access holes rather than huge channels. Just drill holes in wall studs and feed wires through.
-
Only open up small sections of drywall at a time during rewiring. This minimizes dust and debris in your home.
-
Consider aluminum wiring rather than more expensive copper. It's lighter weight and still safe when properly installed.
Final Touches
Once all the new wires are installed and connected, there are a few finishing touches:
-
Attach wire protectors to protect cables from drywall screws or nails. Electrical tape also works.
-
Install blank cover plates over unused junction boxes to avoid exposed wires.
-
Label the new breakers clearly in the breaker panel. Update your electrical plan accordingly.
-
Test all outlets and switches with a circuit tester to make sure they are wired correctly.
With good planning, safety diligence, and some clever tricks, you can tackle a full home rewiring project yourself and gain the satisfaction of modernized, up-to-code electrical. Just take it one step at a time. Stay safe and you'll reap the benefits for years to come!