How to Rewire Your Home Without an Electrician And Save Thousands

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 themselves and save thousands of dollars in the process. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk through all the key steps involved in rewiring a home safely and legally without hiring a professional electrician.

Reasons to Rewire Your Home

There are several good reasons why you may want to rewire your home:

• Upgrading to a larger electrical service - If your home's electrical needs have increased, you may need to upgrade to a 200 amp or 400 amp service. Rewiring provides an opportunity to increase capacity.

• Safety hazards - Outdated wiring can present fire and electrocution risks. Upgrading the wiring improves safety.

• Remodeling projects - Any major remodel usually requires some rewiring to accommodate updated appliances, lighting, layouts.

• Energy efficiency - Newer wiring is more energy efficient. Rewiring allows installation of things like motion sensors, programmable thermostats.

• Aesthetics - Rewiring allows you to remove old, outdated wiring and switches.

Evaluating Your Electrical System

Before beginning a rewiring project, it's important to thoroughly evaluate the existing electrical system. Here are some things to inspect:

• Age of wiring - Older homes may have outdated, insufficient wiring that needs replacement.

• Condition of insulation - Brittle, cracked wire insulation can present fire and shock risks.

• Grounding - Proper grounding is essential for safety. Check for 3-prong outlets.

• Voltage drop - Outlets far from the electrical panel may experience voltage drop.

• Circuit capacity - Frequent tripped breakers suggest circuits are overloaded and need upgrading.

• Electrical panel - Assess if the panel needs upgrading due to age, insufficient circuits, or small capacity.

Creating a Rewiring Plan

Careful planning is crucial when rewiring a home. Important steps in creating a plan include:

• Make an accurate floor plan showing existing wiring.

• Plan the layout for the new wiring system.

• Determine the circuit load requirements for each room.

• Select the appropriate wire gauge for each circuit.

• Choose a location for a new panel if needed.

• Decide on adding any new circuits or outlets.

• Develop a sequence of steps for the rewiring project.

• Determine the required materials and tools.

• Research local permitting requirements.

Safety Tips

Rewiring a house involves dealing with live electrical wires, so safety is paramount. Here are some key safety tips:

• Turn off power at the main breaker - This is an absolute must! Turn off the main breaker before working on any wiring.

• Test wires before touching - Verify power is off with a voltage tester.

• Work one circuit at a time - Focus your attention when working on a live circuit.

• Wear insulating gloves - Use arc-flash rated gloves designed for electrical work.

• Never work alone - Have someone present in case an emergency arises.

• Use fiberglass ladder - Make sure your ladder won't conduct electricity.

• Inspect all connections - Double check that all wire connections are tight and insulated properly.

Removing Old Wiring

Once you've turned off power at the main breaker, you can start removing the old wiring:

• Remove switches, receptacles, light fixtures from walls and ceilings.

• Cut old wires leaving 6-8 inches attached to boxes.

• Carefully pull wires out from walls and ceilings. Use care not to damage insulation.

• Remove old panel cover and disconnect all wires.

• If replacing panel, remove screws or bolts holding it to the wall.

• Take notes on all wiring connections for accurate reassembly.

• Properly dispose of old wiring at approved recycling centers.

Installing New Wiring

The key steps for installing new wiring include:

• Mount the new electrical panel if replacing the old one.

• Run circuit wires from panel to all outlets and switches.

• Make sure proper color coding is followed (black for hot, white for neutral, green for ground).

• Use code-approved junction boxes when splicing wires.

• Secure wires properly using staples, cable ties, or other methods per code.

• Attach wires to switches, receptacles, and devices. Follow diagrams.

• Use wire nuts to join multiple wires at connections.

• Ground all devices properly through wires or metal boxes.

Finishing Touches

To complete the rewiring project:

• Install new switches, receptacles, light fixtures and cover plates.

• Properly connect all grounded devices to ground wires.

• Attach cover plates to all boxes.

• Label all circuits clearly on the electrical panel.

• Make sure all connections are tight and secure.

• Replace any insulation, drywall, molding disrupted during the rewiring.

• Have an electrician inspect the system before turning power back on.

• Turn circuits on one at a time while checking for proper function.

Conclusion

While rewiring a house is extremely labor-intensive, the job can be successfully managed by a diligent DIYer without professional help. The key is taking the time to create a detailed plan, following safety procedures, adhering to electrical code, and having the necessary skills. But for many homeowners, the significant cost savings - potentially thousands of dollars - makes the effort very worthwhile. Just be sure to research local permitting requirements and have the completed work inspected before turning the power back on. With adequate care and attention to detail, you can avoid hiring an electrician and enjoy the satisfaction and cost savings of rewiring your home yourself.