Rewiring a home can seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and safety measures, it is possible for a homeowner to rewire their house without hiring an electrician. I wanted to rewire my home to upgrade the electrical system, but wanted to save on the high costs of hiring an electrician. After extensive research and preparation, I was able to rewire my entire home successfully all by myself. Follow these tips to learn how to rewire your home safely and legally without an electrician.
Research Electrical Codes and Permits
The first step is to research your local and national electrical codes to ensure any work you do complies. Most areas require permits for electrical work, so check your local permit office to see what is required. I researched the electrical code book for my area and visited my local permit office to obtain the proper permits before starting any work. This ensured my DIY rewiring job would meet all safety and legal requirements.
Plan Your New Circuit Layout
Next, map out a plan for the new circuit layout in your rewired home. Factor in any new appliances or devices you plan to add, and where you might need additional lighting or outlets. I mapped out each circuit on paper, labeling all the outlets, lights, and appliances for each circuit. Planning this layout ahead of time made the actual rewiring go much smoother.
Purchase Supplies and Tools
Make a list of all the supplies and tools you will need to complete the rewiring job. This includes things like:
-
Electrical wire - I chose 12-2 and 14-2 NM electrical wire sufficient for my planned circuit layout. Match wire gauge to circuit amperage.
-
Wire strippers
-
Voltage tester
-
Clamps and staples for securing wire
-
Wire nuts for connections
-
Electrical tape
-
drywall saw for cutting access holes
-
Conduit for protecting exposed wires
-
Outlet and switch boxes
Having all supplies ready ahead of time made my DIY rewiring project go much more efficiently.
Turn Off Power and Remove Old Wiring
Safety first! Turn off power at the main breaker panel before doing any work. Verify power is off by testing outlets with a voltage tester throughout the home. Once power is confirmed off, I removed all the old wiring from the walls, attic, and basement. Remove wires from outlets, switches and appliances as you progress.
Feed and Connect New Wiring
Here is where the rewiring work begins! I started by feeding the new electrical wires from the main panel throughout the house following my circuit layout plan. Anchor wires securely along the way. Connect wires to outlets, switches and appliances by stripping insulation, twisting copper wires together with wire nuts, and covering with electrical tape. Follow diagrams properly.
Connect New Breakers and Test Circuits
With all new wiring run and connected, it's time to connect circuits at the main breaker panel. Shut off main power and connect each new circuit to a fresh breaker. Turn power back on and carefully test each circuit using a voltage tester and by turning on lights/devices. Thoroughly checking for faults before reconnecting devices and outlet covers.
Add Wall Coverings and Outlet Covers
With all electrical working properly, the last step is to finish up the rewired areas. Patch drywall, add conduit to protect any exposed wiring, install outlet and switch covers, and add any needed wall or ceiling coverings where removed for access. Once everything is properly concealed and finished, you can turn power back on and enjoy your upgraded electrical system!
Rewiring your home without an electrician is very rewarding, and can save thousands in electrician fees. Just be sure to do thorough research, follow electrical codes, use safe procedures, and get all necessary permits. Take your time and be meticulous at each step. Follow these tips and with diligent preparation and caution, you can successfully rewire your home all on your own just like I did! Let me know in the comments if you have any other tips for DIY electrical work.