Rewiring your home can seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and safety precautions, it is possible for a homeowner to rewire their house without hiring an electrician. There are several reasons why you may want to consider rewiring your home yourself.
Reasons to Rewire Your Home
Here are some of the top reasons to rewire your house:
Upgrading Outdated Wiring
If your home still has knob and tube wiring or aluminum wiring, the system is likely outdated and potentially dangerous. Replacing old wiring with modern copper wire wiring will make your home safer.
Improving Electrical Capacity
Rewiring can allow you to upgrade from a 60 amp to 100 amp or 200 amp service. This increased capacity will meet the needs of large appliances and modern electronics.
Fixing Faulty Wiring
If you've experienced frequent tripped breakers, flickering lights, or even electrical fires, your home's wiring is likely faulty. Rewiring can fix these issues.
Preparing for Remodeling or Additions
If you'll be remodeling your kitchen or bathroom or adding an addition like a garage, rewiring beforehand will provide enough power and lighting to the new spaces.
Dangers of Rewiring Your Home
While DIY rewiring can save money over hiring an electrician, there are risks if proper safety isn't followed:
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Electric shock - Live wires can cause serious injury or death through electrocution. Always turn off power at the breaker before working.
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Fire - Faulty wiring is the 3rd leading cause of home fires. Improper wire connections can overheat and ignite fires.
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Permit requirements - Most jurisdictions require an electrical permit and inspection of wiring work. Not obtaining a permit can risk fines.
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Inadequate experience - Rewiring requires specialized knowledge of electrical systems. Attempting to rewire without sufficient training can lead to risks.
When Rewiring Yourself Is Allowable
Most areas allow homeowners to perform their own electrical work, with the following conditions:
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You own and live in the home. Rewiring rental properties or commercial spaces often requires licensed electricians.
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You obtain the proper permits and schedule inspections of your work. Your local permitting office can provide rewiring permit requirements.
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The home's electrical service isn't being substantially upgraded. Service upgrades usually require an electrician.
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You familiarize yourself with electrical codes and safety procedures. Take precautions like turning off power, wearing PPE, and testing wires.
How to Rewire a Home
Follow this process to safely rewire your house:
1. Create a Wiring Plan
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Draw up a plan of your home's current wiring based on inspecting the electrical panel, outlets, switches and fixtures.
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Sketch a new wiring diagram, indicating proposed new switch, outlet and fixture locations.
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Calculate your home's expected electrical load to ensure the new wiring will meet capacity needs.
2. Obtain Permits
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Contact your local permitting office to apply for an electrical work permit. Provide your scope of work and wiring plan.
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If required, you may need to have the existing wiring and your plan reviewed by an electrician before a permit is issued.
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Permits for DIY rewiring often require passing an exam demonstrating your electrical knowledge.
3. Turn Off Power and Remove Old Wiring
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Turn off power at the main breaker panel. Test wires with a non-contact tester to be sure they are de-energized.
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Remove existing outlet, switch and fixture covers. Pull out all old wiring from the walls.
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Also remove any knob and tube or aluminum wiring back to the breaker panel.
4. Install New Wiring and Components
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Starting at the panel, run new cables through holes drilled in framing to each outlet and switch location. Follow your wiring plan.
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Splice wires together properly with wire nuts or crimp connectors. Secure with electrical tape.
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Attach the cables to outlet and switch boxes with clamps. Leave extra slack.
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Install new breakers in the panel for additional circuits. Follow amperage limits for breaker/wire combos.
5. Connect Fixtures and Devices
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Attach the wire leads to light fixtures following diagrams, securing with wire nuts and tape.
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For receptacles and switches, attach the hot, neutral and ground wires to the correct terminal screws.
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Install light switches and outlet covers. Take photos if wiring colors don't match terminal screw colors.
6. Test and Inspect Wiring
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Restore power. Test outlets with a receptacle tester to ensure correct wiring.
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Check that all lights, switches and appliances are functioning properly.
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Have an electrician or inspector verify all wiring meets code before closing up walls.
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They will check for correct wire sizes, circuit labeling, junction boxes, and safe connections.
7. Finish and Close Up
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Once wiring is approved, install insulation and drywall. Mud, tape, and paint.
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Reinstall trim, fixtures, and switches with updated cover plates.
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Avoid hazards by using nail plates to protect wiring behind walls from drywall screws and nails.
Tips for Safe and Successful Rewiring
Follow these tips to keep yourself and your home safe:
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Label all wires and circuits - This makes troubleshooting easier.
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Only work on de-energized circuits - Always double check wires are not live.
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Follow code for wire types and sizes - Improper wire gauge can overload circuits.
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Keep junction boxes accessible - Don't cover splices with drywall compound.
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Use GFCI outlets near plumbing fixtures - Protects from electrocution.
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Hire an electrician if feeling overwhelmed - It's better to be safe than take risks.
Conclusion
While rewiring your home is a big project, it certainly can be DIYed by an ambitious homeowner. Paying close attention to safety and getting proper permits and inspections are crucial. The end result will be a safer, more modern electrical system providing enough power for years to come. Just take it slow, follow codes, and don't be afraid to call a professional electrician if you ever feel unsure.