Introduction
Rewiring your home can seem like a daunting task, especially if you don't have any electrical experience. However, with the right preparation and safety precautions, even a total beginner can successfully rewire their home. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the entire process step-by-step, from planning and materials, to wiring circuits and installing new fixtures. With my instructions, you can save thousands on electrician fees and gain the confidence to take on basic electrical projects yourself.
Safety First
Before touching a single wire, the most crucial thing is taking precautions to avoid electrocuting yourself or burning down your house! Here are some key safety tips to follow:
- Turn off the main breaker - This cuts power to the whole house so you can work safely.
- Use a voltage tester - Double check wires are dead before working on them.
- Wear rubber-soled shoes - This prevents accidental shocks.
- Work one circuit at a time - Don't overload your abilities handling multiple wires.
- Connect ground wires first - Protect yourself in case of contact with live wires.
- Keep wires untangled - Prevent dangerous shorts.
- Use fiberglass ladder - Never use metal around live wiring.
Following basic electrical safety rules is the best way for an inexperienced person to avoid accidents on a DIY rewiring project.
Planning Your Rewiring Project
Careful planning and preparation will make the rewiring process smoother. Here are some planning steps to take:
Circuit Mapping
- Turn off all breakers and appliances.
- Turn on each breaker one at a time and test outlets to map which outlets are on which circuits.
- Label each outlet with tape according to its circuit.
Load Calculation
- Make a list of all lighting fixtures and appliances.
- Look up wattage of each fixture and appliance.
- Calculate total wattage on each circuit.
- Compare to circuit capacity to see if upgrades are needed.
Materials Needed
- Wire - Use correct wire gauge for circuit capacity.
- Junction boxes - For connecting wires.
- Conduit - Protect wires running through walls.
- Breakers - May need breaker upgrades for added circuits.
- Receptacles & switches - Match colors/styles to your home.
Obtain Permits
- Check with your city/town about permit requirements for rewiring work.
With good planning, you will know exactly what work needs to be done and have all necessary materials ready before starting.
Removing Old Wiring
Once you've mapped out your circuits and turned off the power, it's time to remove the old wiring.
Tools Needed
- Screwdriver - Remove outlet and switch cover plates.
- Voltage tester - Double check wires are dead.
- Cable ripper - Pull wires out of walls.
- Jab saw - Cut holes in wallboard to access wires.
Steps to Remove Wires
- Take pictures of existing wiring for reference.
- Disconnect all wires from outlets and switches and pull them out.
- If possible, pull wires out through holes/conduits.
- Use jab saw to cut access holes if necessary.
- Be sure to leave ground wires for reconnection later.
- Carefully pull wires out of holes and cut to remove.
- Cap all wires coming into the boxes so they are isolated.
Take your time dismantling the old wiring so you understand how it was run when it comes time to rewire.
Running New Wires
The key to a successful DIY rewiring job is properly running the new wires through your home's walls and ceilings.
Wiring Safety Tips
- Keep wire runs short - Don't wire across the whole house in one run.
- Use appropriate wire gauge - Match to circuit capacity.
- Use conduit for exposed runs to protect wires.
- Staple wires every 4-6 ft. for security and to prevent sagging.
- Leave extra wire at connections to work with easily.
Running Wire Through Walls
- Choose path for wires to run to each box.
- Drill holes through wall studs and joists.
- Run cables through holes and conduits.
- Use fish tape to pull wires through finished walls.
- Staple wire neatly along joists and studs.
Wire Types
- Non-metallic (NM) cable - Common for 15/20 amp residential circuits.
- Armored cable (AC) - Extra protection for exposed runs.
- Conduit - Metal or PVC tubing for protecting wires.
Running wires properly is crucial to avoiding shorts/fires and passing inspection.
Installing New Outlets and Switches
Once your wiring is in place, it's time to install the new receptacles, switches, and junction boxes that will bring your rewired home back to life.
Outlet Installation
- Choose locations for outlets and junction boxes.
- Mount new electrical boxes in walls/ceilings.
- Feed wires into box from all directions.
- Connect matching colors (black to black, white to white).
- Attach ground wire to green screw or box.
- Use wire nuts to secure connections.
- Attach receptacle to box and cover plate.
Switch Installation
- Shut off breaker to the switch you are replacing.
- Take note of which wires are connected.
- Disconnect and remove old switch.
- Connect wires to new switch properly.
- Secure it in electrical box and install cover plate.
Junction Boxes
- Use to join multiple wires/cables securely.
- Choose proper sized box for number of wires.
- Connect all same-color wires together with wire nuts.
Take it slowly to ensure every connection is done correctly.
Completing the Job
You're in the home stretch once all wiring and components are installed. Now you just need to:
- Label all circuits clearly in the breaker box.
- Test every outlet and switch to make sure they work properly.
- Check for loose connections, exposed wire, etc.
- Install wall plates to cover boxes.
- Seal up any holes/conduits with caulk.
- Turn the main breaker back on to restore power.
Be sure to get your work inspected by the town if required. Enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done!
Conclusion
While rewiring a home is a big project, it can be successfully accomplished by a dedicated DIYer who takes the proper precautions. By following this guide to planning your project, removing old wiring safely, running new wires correctly, and installing all new outlets and switches, you can rewire your home without hiring an electrician. Not only will you save on costs, but you'll gain invaluable electrical knowledge. Just be sure to always put safety first! Let me know if you have any other questions about how to tackle a DIY rewiring project.