How to Rewire Your Home Without an Electrician (And Not Burn it Down)

Introduction

Rewiring a home can seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning, safety precautions, and by following electrical codes, I was able to successfully rewire my home without hiring an electrician. This guide will walk through the entire process to help you safely rewire your home too.

Reasons to Rewire and When to Call a Professional

There are a few reasons why you may want to rewire your home:

• Updating outdated wiring - If your home still has knob and tube wiring or aluminum wiring, rewiring can make your home safer.

• Increasing capacity - Rewiring allows you to upgrade to a 200 amp or higher capacity to run more high wattage appliances and electronics.

• Remodeling - Anytime you do renovations or additions, it's a good idea to update the wiring.

However, there are some cases when you should call in a professional electrician:

• If you need to run new circuits or add new outlets, hiring an electrician is highly recommended to ensure it's done to code.

• For complex wiring like installing generators or EV chargers, you'll want a professional.

• If the panel needs upgrading, electricians have the expertise to size and install new panels safely.

Preparing to Rewire Your Home

Before getting started, take time to prepare so the project goes smoothly:

Create a Plan

• Map out all existing circuits, outlets, switches and lights on paper
• Decide if you're changing anything like adding circuits or outlets
• Plan the wire routing through walls, floors and ceilings

Purchase Supplies

• Buy the right gauge wire for each circuit (12 or 14 gauge for 15 & 20 amp circuits)
• Get wire nuts, junction boxes, conduits, etc. for making connections
• Ensure you have tools like wire strippers, drills, stud finder, voltmeter

Safety Gear

• Wear electrical gloves and glasses for protection
• Have a fire extinguisher handy just in case
• Turn off power at the main breaker and verify it's off with a voltmeter

Running New Wires

Once you're set up, it's time to run the new wiring through the house:

Access and Inspect

• Remove outlets and switches to access wires
• Inspect condition of existing wiring

Map Out New Wire Runs

• Plan each circuit's wire routing , avoiding plumbing pipes and ductwork
• Drill holes through studs for routing wire between rooms

Pull New Wires

• Use fish tape to pull Romex wires through walls and ceilings
• Staple wires every 4.5 ft as per electrical code
• Ensure wires are free of damage and covered with nonmetallic sheathing

Connect Wires

• Use approved connectors like wire nuts or crimp connectors
• Twist wires together securely before applying connectors
• Confirm tight connection with gentle pull test

Label Wires

• Use colored tape to label live, neutral, ground wires
• Indicate circuit number on each wire at junction points

Installing New Outlets and Switches

Once the wiring is complete, the outlets and switches need to be installed:

Outlet Boxes

• Choose appropriate size outlet box for number of wires
• Secure box to studs with mounting braces if needed
• Use cable clamps to secure wires entering box

Wiring Devices

• Attach the hot, neutral and ground wires to the outlet/switch
• Follow manufacturer wiring diagram for each device
• Use a voltage tester to confirm wires are correctly connected

Installing Devices

• Screw outlet or switch into place in box
• Use wall plates that fit properly over box and device

Testing Devices

• Turn power back on at the main breaker
• Check each outlet and switch with a voltage tester
• Verify ground connection with a receptacle tester

Important Safety Tips

Rewiring a home comes with electrical hazards if safety isn't made a priority:

• Turn off power at the main breaker panel before starting
• Wear insulated gloves and eye protection
• Never leave wire connections exposed - use junction boxes
• Avoid overloading circuits - balance loads appropriately
• Use GFCI outlets where required by code for added protection
• Have your work inspected by the local building department when complete

By following proper precautions, taking your time, and adhering to the electrical code, you can take on rewiring your home safely without an electrician. But when in doubt, call in a professional!