How to Rewire Your Home Without an Electrician - Save Thousands on Wiring Costs

Assess Your Electrical Needs

Before attempting to rewire your home, I first take stock of what needs to be rewired. I make a list of the circuits, outlets, switches, and fixtures that need updating. This helps me determine the scope of the project and allows me to budget accordingly. For example, rewiring a few outlets is a much simpler task than rewiring an entire room or floor of my house.

Learn Electrical Safety

Electrical work can be extremely dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Before touching any wires, I make sure to turn off the power at the circuit breaker. I also test wires with a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the power is off. I never work on live wires. Additionally, I wear insulated gloves and use insulated tools for added protection. Understanding basic electrical safety is crucial for this type of DIY project.

Purchase Supplies

Once I know which circuits I need to upgrade, I make a list of all necessary supplies. This includes new wires, outlet and switch boxes, wire connectors, conduit, breakers, and tools I may need like wire strippers and a volt meter. I buy supplies that match my home's existing wiring - typically 12 or 14 gauge wire for 15 to 20 amp circuits. I also get the appropriate size breakers for my electrical panel. Buying quality supplies helps ensure safe and lasting results.

Turn Off Power and Remove Old Wires

I start by shutting off power to the circuit I'm working on at the breaker box. I then remove any cover plates and outlet/switch boxes to access the wires. Once accessible, I carefully detach the wires connecting to the existing outlet or switch. I keep track of which wires connect to which terminal so I can replicate the connections later. I also take pictures before disconnecting anything as an extra precaution. I then remove the outlet or switch and pull the old wires out from the wall.

Install New Wires and Components

I thread the new wire through the wall cavity from box to box, leaving a few extra inches at each end. I secure the wires by anchoring them to the boxes. I then reconnect the wires to the terminals on the new outlet or switch according to my previous notes. I match the new breaker amperage to the gauge of the new wire. If replacing a 15 amp breaker, I use 14 gauge wire. For a 20 amp breaker, I use 12 gauge wire. I make sure all connections are tight and secure before restoring power.

Inspect, Test and Restore Power

Once everything is installed, I turn the power back on at the breaker box. I test my work using an outlet tester and voltmeter. This allows me to catch any loose connections or wiring errors. If everything checks out, I screw on the cover plates and restore power to the circuit. I label the new breaker according to what it controls. As a final safety check, I test each outlet, switch and light to ensure proper operation.

Consider Hiring an Electrician for Big Jobs

While DIY electrical work can definitely save money, I only take on what I am comfortable handling. For larger jobs like rewiring an entire room or upgrading my main service panel, I hire a licensed electrician. The added cost is worthwhile considering the increased complexity, regulations, and safety factors. I also get my work inspected to ensure it meets National Electrical Code standards. While I enjoy the challenge of basic electrical projects, safety is my top priority.