Introduction
Rewiring a home can be an intimidating task, but with proper planning and safety precautions, it can be done without hiring an electrician. I have successfully rewired parts of my home, saving thousands of dollars in the process. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the entire process step-by-step, from assessing your electrical needs to handling the wiring yourself.
Determine If a Rewire Is Necessary
The first step is deciding if a rewire is actually needed. Here are some signs it's time to rewire:
- Frequent tripped breakers or blown fuses: This indicates the wiring cannot handle the household's electrical load. Upgrading the wiring will allow for more power usage.
- Old or damaged wiring: Wiring over 40-50 years old may be brittle or deteriorating. Newer wiring is safer.
- Not enough circuits or outlets: Additional lighting, appliances, or devices may require new wiring and breaker circuits.
- Light fixtures dimming or flickering: This could signal insufficient wiring to fixtures. A rewire provides consistent power.
- Grounding issues: Ungrounded outlets or 3-prong outlets with an open ground can pose safety risks. Rewiring provides proper grounding.
If you notice any of these issues, it's wise to rewire. The existing wiring is outdated or insufficient and rewiring will make your home's electrical system safer and more effective.
Develop a Rewiring Plan
Once you decide to rewire, you need a plan. Take the following steps:
- Decide which sections to rewire: Focus on the oldest or damaged wiring first. Leave accessible and grounded wiring for later.
- Determine power needs: Account for larger appliances and future power requirements.
- Choose breaker size and number of circuits: Calculate your household's amperage needs to decide circuit capacity and amount.
- Select wiring gauge: Heavier 12 or 10 gauge wire is best for 15-20 amp home circuits. Use copper wiring.
- Create a layout: Map where to run wiring and place outlets/switches. Sketching a layout helps visualize the process.
- Establish a schedule: Order supplies first, then schedule time to work. Rewiring one room at a time works best. Expect to rewire about one room per week.
- Apply for permits: Permits are required for home electrical work in most areas. Apply 1-2 months in advance.
Thorough planning and preparation makes the rewiring process smoother.
Shut Off Power and Remove Old Wiring
Safety first! Switching off power and removing old wiring comes next:
- Turn off main breaker: Shut off power at the main panel before working. Use a contact voltage tester to confirm it's off.
- Remove switches/outlets: Take out existing switches, outlets, and light fixtures in the rooms you are rewiring.
- Pull out wires: Detach and pull out all the old wires from the walls, attic, and basement. Wear gloves to avoid skin contact.
- Inspect for damage: Before rewiring, check that your electrical panel, junction boxes, and conduits are in good shape. Replace anything worn or damaged.
- Consider adding smarthome features: If you want to integrate smarthome devices, run additional low voltage wiring for them alongside the main wiring.
Removing old wiring is time consuming, but necessary for safety. Take your time to do it properly.
Purchase Electrical Supplies
For the project, you will need:
- Wire: Use only copper wiring in an adequate gauge like 12 or 10 gauge. Buy more than you think you need.
- Breakers: Choose breakers with amperage ratings matching your wire gauge. Get arc fault and GFCI breakers for safety.
- Outlets and switches: Buy premium commercial grade outlets for durability. Get matching switches.
- Junction boxes and conduit: You may need new junction boxes if expanding wiring. Conduit protects wire runs.
- Cable clamps and connectors: These properly join and secure wires. Use only listed electrical connectors.
- Label maker: For labeling breaker panels and wires.
- Electrical tape: Tape connections and splice points.
- Tools: Lineman pliers, screwdrivers, fish tape, cable ripper, wire strippers, drill, ladder.
Purchase quality electrical supplies from reputable supply stores. Ask an employee for assistance selecting the right items if unsure.
Run New Wiring Through Walls, Attic, and Basement
Running the new wiring is the most labor intensive stage:
- Plan routing: Determine the best routes between the panel, outlets, switches and fixtures. Run vertically through walls then horizontally where possible.
- Fish wires: Use fish tape to pull wires through walls and ceilings between outlets and junction boxes. Have a helper feed wire from the other end.
- Drill holes: Drill holes in wall studs for running wire horizontally between outlets. Use edge guards to protect wire.
- Use conduit: Run wiring through conduit for protection where exposed like in the basement or attic. Use metal conduit for safety.
- Connect wires: When running multiple wires, bundle them together and secure with cable ties. Don't run wire loose.
- Observe capacity: Do not overload wiring - maximum is 30 amps for 10 gauge or 20 amps for 12 gauge wire.
Take it slow and be careful when handling live electrical wiring. Having an extra set of hands helps the process go more smoothly.
Install New Outlets, Switches and Breakers
After the wires are run, it's time to install the new electrical components:
- Mount outlet and switch boxes: Securely fasten boxes in the walls at planned locations. Maintain proper spacing between boxes.
- Install grounds: Connect ground wires to ground screws or clips in boxes and outlets. Continuity is critical for safety.
- Connect outlets and switches: Attach hot and neutral wires to outlets and switches using screw terminals or push-in connections.
- Install breakers: Shut off main power then mount new breakers in the panel as per your plan. Label all breakers clearly.
- Connect wires to breakers: Organize and run wire bundles neatly into the breaker panel. Affix cable clamps then terminate wire ends to breakers.
- inspector test outlets and fixtures: With power on, use a voltage tester and GFCI tester to confirm proper function and grounding. Fix any issues before inspection.
Follow local codes and manufacturer instructions for installing components. Take photos of wire connections for reference.
Have an Electrical Inspection
Arranging an inspection by the local building department is a crucial final step:
- Call to schedule: Contact your municipality's building department to have an electrical inspector come. Provide project details.
- Complete pre-inspection checklist: Fix any issues found like loose connections, uncovered junction boxes, or missing strain reliefs.
- Review work with inspector: Walk through the rewiring with the inspector. Answer any questions.
- Make corrections: If the inspector identifies any needed changes, make them before completing the project.
- Obtain approval: The inspector will sign off on the project once everything passes. Keep this documentation.
The inspector will check that the rewiring meets National Electrical Code standards. Their approval is required before using your new wiring.
Complete the Project and Use Safely
Once you've passed inspection, finish up:
- Install switches, outlets and plates: Snap in all switches, outlets, and cover plates. Ensure outlets are grounded.
- Affix warning labels: Place "No Equipment Ground" labels on 2-prong outlets that don't have a ground wire.
- Confirm GFCI functioning: Press test and reset buttons on GFCI outlets to verify protection.
- Replace light fixtures: Install any new light fixtures and test them. Use bulbs with the right wattage.
- Clean up: Vacuum dust and properly dispose of old wiring and boxes.
- Make a diagram: Creating a wiring diagram shows connections for future reference.
- Use carefully: Avoid overloading circuits and plug high-draw appliances directly into outlets instead of using extensions cords.
Take your time and double check your work. Once the rewire is compete, you can enjoy a safer, more effective electrical system!
Conclusion
While rewiring your home is very involved, it can be completed by a diligent DIYer. Pay close attention to safety. Create a detailed plan before starting. Allow sufficient time for the project and get all necessary permits. With caution and patience, you can take care of a home rewire without hiring an electrician, saving substantial cost while learning new skills. Your improved wiring will provide peace of mind and better meet your household's electrical needs.