Rewiring your home can seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning and precautions, a homeowner can complete basic electrical work safely and legally without hiring an electrician or obtaining a permit. I share tips below on how to approach common rewiring projects to update outdated wiring or add new circuits on your own.
Evaluating Your Electrical System
Before beginning any electrical project, it's important to assess the current state of your home's electrical system. Here are some key steps:
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Check the main service panel - Open the main panel and look at the service size printed on the main breaker (e.g. 100 amps, 150 amps). This indicates how much power your home's electrical system can deliver. If it's an older home, the service may be undersized for today's electricity usage.
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Count the number of circuits - Most panels have room for 20-30 circuits. If all the slots are full, your home may need additional circuits added to power more outlets and lights. This often requires rewiring work.
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Identify the wire gauge - Open an outlet box and look at the wire size printed on the insulation. Older homes often have small 14 or 12 gauge wire that may need to be replaced with more standard 10 or 12 gauge wire.
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Test outlets and lights - Use a multimeter or outlet tester to check for proper voltage and wiring issues like open grounds or reverse polarity. This can identify problems to address.
Common Rewiring Projects
Here are some of the most common rewiring projects a homeowner can take on without an electrician:
Upgrading the Main Service Panel
Upgrading the main service panel provides more capacity and modern safety features. This usually requires pulling new wires from the main panel to the electrical meter. Steps include:
- Disconnect the power at the meter and main panel.
- Remove the old panel and install a new appropriately sized panel.
- Run new wires through the house framing from the meter to the new panel.
- Connect the neutral and ground wires and reinstall the breakers.
Adding a Subpanel
Adding a subpanel expands the number of available circuits. It's connected to the main panel and installed in a garage, basement, or addition. The process includes:
- Determine the subpanel location and mount it securely.
- Run wiring through framing from the main panel to the subpanel.
- Connect the neutral and ground wires and install breakers.
Running Additional Circuits
Running new circuits provides power to new parts of the home. The key steps are:
- Plan the new circuit route and turn off power to the area.
- Drill holes through framing and pull NM cable between outlets and lights.
- Attach the wires to outlets and fixtures, and connect the circuit at the panel.
Replacing Old Wiring
Replacing outdated wiring improves safety and allows for higher capacity. For full rewires:
- Turn off power at the main panel and remove old wires.
- Run new NM cables from the panel through the house framing.
- Install new outlets, switches, and lighting hooked up with the new wiring.
Doing the Work Safely
To ensure safety and code compliance when rewiring, follow these tips:
- Turn power off - Use the main breaker or remove fuses so wires are never live when working.
- Follow local codes - Research local building codes for proper wiring methods and technical requirements.
- Use GFCIs - Install GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet areas to prevent shocks.
- Label new wires - Mark all new wires at both ends identifying the related circuit.
- Check boxes - Outlet and switch boxes must remain accessible and have appropriate wire clamps.
- Hire an inspector - Have an independent home inspector verify the safety of the rewiring upon completion.
By carefully evaluating your home's electrical needs, creating a plan, safely running new wires, and getting inspections, you can take on major rewiring projects without professionals. Carefully following safety procedures and codes allows homeowners to legally perform their own electrical upgrades. With some diligence and caution, you can rewire your house to gain more capacity without permits.