Rewiring your home can seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and safety precautions, it is possible for a non-electrician to complete basic rewiring projects. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to rewire your home without hiring a professional electrician.
Understanding Electrical Basics
Before attempting any electrical project, it's crucial to understand some basic electrical terms and concepts:
- Voltage - The force that pushes electrical current, measured in volts (V)
- Current - The flow of electricity, measured in amps (A)
- Wires - Conductors that carry current, typically made of copper
- Circuit breaker - A safety switch that trips and cuts power when a circuit is overloaded
- GFCI outlet - Ground fault circuit interrupter outlet that prevents electrocution
- ** Junction box** - An enclosure in the wall where multiple wires are connected
Having a solid grasp of these fundamental electrical principles will ensure your rewiring project goes smoothly and safely. Consider reviewing electrical guides or textbooks to fill any knowledge gaps.
Gather the Right Rewiring Supplies
Before touching any wiring, you'll need to stock up on the proper rewiring equipment and materials:
- Voltage tester - To safely check for live wires
- Wire strippers - For removing plastic coating from wires
- Needlenose pliers - For bending and manuevering wires in boxes
- Electrical tape - For insulating wire connections
- Wire nuts - For joining together copper wires
- Circuit breakers - For replacing fuse boxes with modern panels
- Junction boxes - For housing wire connections
- NM-B cable - Flexible sheathed wiring for running new cables
- Conduit - For protecting cables installed on surfaces
- Cable staples - For securing cables to wooden studs
Investing in high-quality electrical tools like these will make your rewiring project much simpler. Avoid any metal ladders, which can conduct electricity.
Turn Off Power at the Breaker
Before accessing any wiring in your home, always turn off the power at the main circuit breaker panel. Verify power is off by testing outlets with a multimeter or voltage tester. Failure to cut power could result in a serious electrical shock.
It's also wise to turn off the power to any nearby rooms that might be on the same circuit. Remember that turning off a light switch does not cut power to the switch box itself. Always check boxes for live wires before proceeding.
Inspect Existing Wiring
Once the power is definitively off, you can begin examining the existing wiring that needs replacement. Look for:
- Cloth-wrapped wires - Outdated and hazardous compared to plastic-sheathed modern NM cables
- Aluminum wiring - Problematic and prone to oxidation and loose connections
- Knob and tube wiring - Unsafe antiquated branch circuit wiring needing replacement
- Fuses - Should be upgraded to standard circuit breakers
- Damage - Cracks, scorch marks, or exposed copper that require new cables
Use a voltage tester to double check that all wiring is actually dead. Also check for attic or crawlspace junction boxes that may feed multiple rooms.
Run New Wiring Cables
Here are the key steps for running fresh NM cables for rewiring:
- Carefully measure the required cable routes and cut wires to length with extra slack.
- Use a fish tape to pull cables through walls, attics, and floor cavities. Have a helper in place to feed the cables.
- Staple cables to wooden studs every few feet for secure mounting. Avoid over-tightening staples.
- Follow all electrical codes for cable types permitted in specific situations. Know your local regulations.
- Label both ends of each cable run to avoid confusion when connecting wires.
Take precautions not to damage existing insulation and avoid overloading extension cords. Running cables is the most labor intensive portion of rewiring.
Connect Wires Properly
When joining copper wires, diligent connections are vital for safety. Follow these guidelines:
- Carefully strip just enough insulation using wire strippers without nicking copper.
- For pigtail connections, tightly twist wires together clockwise before capping with a wire nut.
- Loop extra cable in the back of boxes to avoid strain on connections.
- Use needlenose pliers to safely tuck wires into crowded boxes.
- Wrap each junction box connection with electrical tape for additional insulation.
- Label wires connected in junction boxes for easy identification.
Making neat, tight connections will help prevent shorts, fires, and other hazards. Check local codes for junction box size and location regulations.
Upgrade Electrical Panels
For major rewiring projects, upgrading fuse boxes to modern breaker panels makes homes much safer. When replacing electrical panels:
- Calculate the required panel capacity by totaling the amp ratings of all circuits. Allow room for expansion.
- Select a UL-listed panel that meets your capacity needs and has ample spaces for breakers.
- Take care to properly ground the new panel according to codes. This usually involves driving a ground rod into the earth.
- Label all circuits in the new breaker panel. Shut circuits off one-by-one to identify existing wiring.
- Install GFCI outlets anywhere needed for protection from electrocution. Often applies to kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and more.
- Ensure unused panel spaces are covered with removable filler plates. Do not leave openings.
Upgrading to a 200 amp panel is common for larger homes with central air conditioning and other large appliances.
Inspect Your Work
Before turning power back on, thoroughly inspect your work, double checking that:
- All wire connections are tight and insulated properly
- No copper wires are exposed that could cause shorts
- There are no stray cable staples that could penetrate wires
- All junction boxes are properly closed and secured
- Your hardwired smoke detectors are functioning after wiring changes
- All GFCI outlets are wired correctly and test properly
- Breakers in the upgraded panel are labeled accurately
It can be wise to have an experienced electrician inspect your work the first time before energizing the new wiring. Safety should be the top priority.
Final Electrical Safety Tips
- Leave electrical work to trained experts whenever possible. Mistakes can be fatal.
- Never attempt to rewire circuits carrying more than 50 volts.
- Exercise extreme caution when working in damp areas.
- Always oversize wiring to account for future electrical usage increases.
- Periodically check for hot outlets and junction boxes and discontinue using.
- Rewiring is not DIY-appropriate inside hazardous asbestos insulation.
- Consult local permit regulations before beginning major rewiring projects.
- Never cut corners when it comes to electrical safety. Your home should meet all codes.
With proper planning, diligence, and extreme care, rewiring a home without an electrician is possible. But it remains high-risk. Maximizing safety is imperative.