How to Rewire Your Home Without an Electrician and Not Get Killed

Introduction

Rewiring a home can be a daunting task, but with proper preparation and safety precautions, it is possible for a homeowner to do it themselves without hiring an electrician. While there are risks involved, educating yourself and following important safety guidelines can allow you to update your home's wiring safely.

Assess Your Electrical System

Before beginning any rewiring project, take time to thoroughly assess the current state of your home's electrical system. Here are key things to evaluate:

Age of the wiring. Old knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum wiring will likely need upgrading.
Voltage. Most homes today have 240 volt service, while very old homes may have just 120 volts. Rewiring presents a good opportunity to upgrade voltage.
Amperage rating on the electrical panel. As you add lights, appliances and other electrical devices, an outdated 60 or 100 amp panel may need upgrading to 200 amps or more.
Check for overloaded circuits by noting dimming lights, buzzing transformers, frequent breaker trips and outlets that are warm to the touch.
Grounding. Proper grounding is essential for safety, so check that your system is adequately grounded.

Create a Rewiring Plan

Once you have thoroughly assessed your electrical system, you can begin planning your rewiring project.

Decide which sections to rewire first. Focus on overused, underpowered or hazardous areas of your home.
Choose appropriate wiring. Romex is common for 15-20 amp household circuits. Use thicker gauge wire for higher loads.
Consider aluminum vs. copper wire. Aluminum is cheaper but more prone to corrosion.
Include a cost estimate for materials and compare to hiring an electrician.
Determine which permits and inspections are required by checking with your local building department.
Create a circuit map to guide your wiring work. Note all circuits, outlets, switches and junction points.

Safety First!

Rewiring a home comes with ample risk of shock or electrocution. Follow these safety guidelines:

Turn off power at the main breaker before beginning work. Test wires with a non-contact voltage tester before touching.
Wear rubber-soled shoes and insulated gloves when handling wires.
Cover exposed wires with wire nuts or electrical tape and avoid leaving them unattended.
Be cautious of old insulation that can easily crumble and expose live wires.
Keep a fire extinguisher on hand. Fraying wires can overheat and spark fires in walls.
Never work on live wires! Turn power completely off before doing any rewiring.

Running New Wires

Once safety preparations are in place, you're ready to run new electrical wiring:

Carefully remove any old knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring.
Map out your wire routing through walls, ceilings and floors. Plan each run meticulously.
Select the drill bit size matched for your wiring's gauge. Drill carefully along planned routes.
Use wire staples every 2-3 feet when running wires through framing. Keep wires secure and isolate live wires.
Utilize junction boxes to house wire connections and splices. Keep wires orderly.
Label all wires clearly at endpoints and leave 6-8 inches of slack at outlets and switches.
Install boxes, outlets, switches and other devices properly seated to avoid exposed live terminals.

Wrapping Up the Job

Once all new wires are run and devices are installed, there are final steps to ensure you get the job done right:

Seal all openings in walls, floors and ceilings to prevent fire spread. Use fire-rated caulk if possible.
Attach wall plates and install fixtures like lights, fans and chandeliers.
Group all wires traveling through common paths in cables or conduits. Avoid a tangled mess.
Take photos at every step to document your work thoroughly. They will be handy for repairs down the road.
When the work is complete, restore power and methodically test every single outlet and switch. Fix any issues immediately.
Request an inspection, secure your permits and submit any final paperwork required by your municipality.

In Closing

Rewiring a home without professional help is achievable if you educate yourself, create a solid plan, exercise extreme caution and diligently complete all steps. While hiring an electrician is ideal, your budget may demand a DIY approach. Take it slowly and safely, and you can upgrade your electrical system successfully.