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, I can rewire my home safely without hiring an electrician, saving thousands of dollars in the process. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk through all the key steps and considerations for a DIY home rewiring project.

Reasons To Rewire Without An Electrician

There are several compelling reasons I may want to take on a home rewiring project myself:

• Save money - Electricians can charge $3,000-$10,000 or more for a whole home rewire. I can do it for a fraction of the cost in materials.
• Gain experience - Rewiring a home builds valuable electrical skills and knowledge.
• Customize - I can upgrade and alter the wiring exactly how I want.
• Renovations - Rewiring may be needed for additions, kitchen upgrades, etc.

However, I need to weigh the risks and be prepared before starting a rewiring project without professional help.

Dangers And Risks Of Rewiring Without A Pro

• Electrocution - Mistakes can be fatal with live wires. This is the most serious risk.
• Fire hazard - Faulty wiring can overheat and cause fires. Building codes exist for safety.
• Insurance issues - Insurance may not cover DIY electrical work. Check policies.
• Resale value - Rewiring by a licensed electrician raises home value versus DIY work.
• Lack of experience - No training in best practices or code requirements.

Safety should be the top priority. There are ways to mitigate the risks if I educate myself and work carefully.

Educating Myself On Electrical Systems

Before beginning a rewiring project, I need to learn about:

• Electrical basics - Current, voltage, power, conductors, insulators, etc.
• Electrical code requirements - NEC, local codes, permits, inspections.
• Circuit types - Lighting, receptacles, appliances, monitoring systems.
• Cable and wire sizing - Match wire gauge to circuit amperage needs.
• Devices and hardware - Outlets, switches, junction boxes, conduit.
• Distribution panels - Main service panel, subpanels, breakers, grounding.

I can study home electrical books and manuals, watch online tutorials, take courses, and assist professional electricians to learn the fundamentals. The more education I get ahead of time, the safer I can work.

Creating A Rewiring Plan

Before touching the existing wiring, it's critical to map out a plan:

• Map the existing wiring - Note all circuits, wire runs, fuse/breaker boxes. Take photos.
• Plan new circuits - Determine additional circuits needed and wire runs.
• Select wiring method - Conduit, armored cable, non-metallic sheathed cable.
• Calculate electrical loads - Factor in all lights, equipment, and increased demand.
• Choose replacement hardware - Panel, breakers, receptacles, disconnects, switches.
• Draw diagrams - Detail all circuits and hardware plans.
• Order supplies and materials - Breakers, wire, outlets, boxes, conduit, tools.
• Pull permits - Have licensed electrician review and validate plan.

Thorough planning makes the actual rewiring go smoothly and safely. I don't want to make critical mistakes once the walls are open with live wiring exposed.

Securing Necessary Permits

Permits from local building departments are required for any significant electrical work:

• Building permit - Overall construction/improvement projects.
• Electrical permit - Rewiring, new circuits, upgrades to electrical service.

The permit process serves several purposes:

• Ensure work meets National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
• Allow inspectors to review plans and check work for safety.
• Confirm qualified electricians are used for portions of complex jobs.
• Verify finished work before concealment behind walls.

I will need to have my rewiring plan reviewed by a licensed electrician to obtain permits and pass inspections. The right permits guarantee my DIY project doesn't compromise safety.

Preparing The Work Area

Before wiring, I need to set up a safe workspace:

• Turn off power - Shut off main breaker and verify power is off with a voltage tester.
• Personal protective equipment - Wear insulating gloves and boots, eye protection.
• Secure work area - Prevent accidental contact with live wires.
• Temporary wiring - Set up extension cords and lights.
• Organize supplies - Have all necessary materials on hand.
• Photograph - Document original wiring in walls before alteration.

Taking these precautions reduces the chance of hazards and mistakes once the rewiring begins.

Removing Old Wiring

With the power off, I can start removing outdated wiring:

• Inspect - Look for insulation damage, corrosion, junction points.
• Unmount devices - Remove outlets, switches, and light fixtures.
• Locate hidden junction boxes - Find where wires branch and disconnect.
• Clip wires - Carefully cut wires leading into and out of each junction box.
• Label - Tag wires to identify hot, neutral, ground for each circuit.
• Pull wires - Extract wires from walls, attic, basement.
• Remove empty boxes - Take out now unused electrical boxes.
• Dispose properly - Place old wires and insulation in marked bags.

Taking it slowly and systematically helps avoid leaving any live wires I might not be aware of.

Installing New Wiring

Once old wiring is removed, I can position the new wiring:

• Map routes - Plan exactly where wiring will be run to each device and junction.
• Pull permits - Gain approval for all installation before concealing new wiring.
• Mount boxes and hardware - Secure in walls, attic, basement per code.
• Run cables - Anchor properly and avoid damage during drywall, insulation.
• Connect devices - Wire all switches, fixtures, outlets, panels.
• Label - Indicate hot, neutral, ground, and circuit number on each wire.
• Ground - Connect grounds to all devices properly.
• Cover boxes - Install blank plates until ready for devices.

Taking it step-by-step ensures all new wiring is protected and conforms to electrical code.

Wrapping Up The Project

Once new wiring is roughed in, I can finish the rewire project:

• Schedule inspections - Have work checked at multiple stages before concealment.
• Connect devices - Power up lights, switches, outlets, appliances.
• Close walls - Patch drywall or paneling over new wire runs.
• Test thoroughly - Verify proper function, no shorts on all circuits.
• Add safety devices - GFCI outlets, AFCI breakers, surge protectors.
• Weatherproof - Caulk conduits, boxes to prevent moisture issues.
• Document work - Save diagrams, photos, notes on the rewiring project.

Passing inspections gives me documentation that the DIY rewire meets code - critical for safety and resale value.

Conclusion

Rewiring a home without an electrician can save thousands of dollars if done very carefully. Extensive learning, planning, permitting, and inspections will allow me to gain valuable electrical skills while creating a safer, more modern wiring system. Patience and caution are essential when working with dangerous electrical hazards. My priority should always be safety rather than cost savings when rewiring without a professional.