Introduction
Rewiring a home can seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning and precautions, it is possible for a homeowner to rewire their house without hiring an electrician. I have successfully rewired parts of my home, saving thousands of dollars in the process. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk through all the steps I took to safely rewire my home as an amateur.
Assessing the Existing Electrical System
Before beginning any rewiring project, it is crucial to thoroughly assess the existing electrical system. Here are some key steps I took:
Circuit Breaker Box
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Examine the circuit breaker box and make note of what each breaker controls. Labeling each circuit will help immensely when it comes time to connect the new wiring.
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Inspect the condition of the breakers and bus bars inside the box. Signs of corrosion, damage or overheating are red flags. Consider upgrading the breaker box if issues are found.
Wiring and Fixtures
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Check the type and gauge of wiring used throughout the house. Very old wiring may need to be completely replaced.
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Test outlets and switches to make sure they operate properly and are grounded.
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Inspect light fixtures, fans, hardwired appliances etc. Damaged or outdated fixtures should be upgraded.
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Look for signs of amateur or improper electrical work done previously. This can indicate potentially dangerous issues.
Electrical Load
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Take note of the number of outlets in each room and the household appliances used. This will help determine if additional circuits are needed.
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Consider how usage needs may change in the future based on family size and appliance upgrades. More capacity may be needed.
Developing a Rewiring Plan
Once I fully understood the existing electrical system and areas needing improvement, I developed a room-by-room rewiring plan.
Prioritize Rooms
Focus first on rooms with the greatest need - those with insufficient outlets, outdated wiring or old fixtures due for an upgrade. Leave easier spaces for later.
Choose Wiring Type
For most rooms, I opted for 14/2 NM cable with ground. Heavier 12/2 cable was used for the kitchen due to larger appliance loads.
Breaker Box Expansion
Based on my electrical load calculations, I determined that 8 new circuit breaker spaces were needed. I installed a new 30 space panel alongside the existing box.
Add Switch Loops
I incorporated new switch loops to control lights from multiple locations in certain rooms as per the family's request.
Include Extras
In the kitchen, additional circuits were added just for the refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher. This prevents overloading a circuit. I also included dedicated 20 amp circuits for larger appliances in the garage and laundry room.
Safety Precautions
Safety should be the top priority. Here are some key precautions I took:
Power Off at Breaker Box
The main breaker was shut off, then each individual circuit was turned off before touching any wires. I verified power was off using a non-contact voltage tester.
Personal Protective Equipment
When handling wiring, I always wore thick rubber gloves and used insulation mats when working on conductors. Safety glasses were worn to prevent eye injuries.
Review Electrical Codes
Local electrical codes provide important guidelines on things like wire gauge required, outlet spacing, grounding methods and more. I thoroughly reviewed codes applicable to my area.
Fire Extinguisher on Hand
As an added precaution against an electrical fire, I kept a fire extinguisher nearby at all times. ABC type extinguishers are suitable for electrical fires.
Avoid Working Alone
For safety reasons, I only performed rewiring work when someone else was home and aware of what I was doing. They periodically checked on my progress.
Step-by-Step Rewiring Process
With proper planning and safety gear in place, I was ready to get to work. Here is an overview of the rewiring process in each room:
Removing Old Wiring
The first step was disconnecting and removing any outdated wiring.
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Existing wires were detached from outlets, switches and light fixtures. Wire nuts secured the exposed ends.
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Once detached, I was able to pull the wires out of the wall cavities and remove them entirely.
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For fully embedded wires, openings were cut into the drywall to access and remove them.
Running New Wires
Next new cables were run from the breaker to each outlet and switch location.
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I drilled small holes to route the wires between wall cavities and through framing. Fire caulk was used to seal openings.
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Junction boxes were installed to join wires and provide access for making connections.
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I stapled the cables every few feet for proper support as per electrical codes.
Connecting the Wires
With the new wires in place, connections were made.
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Matching the breaker box labels, I connected the wires to the appropriate circuit breakers.
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Outlet and switch wires were connected following standard black/white/ground color coding.
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Wire nuts secured each connection point, with extra electrical tape for additional protection.
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Grounds were properly bonded throughout according to code. Surge protectors added for electronics.
Testing and Finish Work
Before closing walls, I turned the power back on to thoroughly test each outlet, switch and light. Once fully satisfied with the new wiring, drywall patches were completed.
Final Thoughts
While not a simple DIY project, rewiring a home without an electrician is totally doable with proper planning and care. By taking it step-by-step and putting safety first, I was able to upgrade the electrical system in my home - without getting shocked in the process! Feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions.