How to Rewire Your Home Without Getting Electrocuted

Rewiring a home can be a daunting task, but with the right precautions it can be done safely. As someone who has rewired several homes, I've learned a lot about how to avoid getting electrocuted in the process. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through all the steps involved in rewiring a home safely.

Understanding Electrical Hazards

Before attempting any electrical work, it's crucial to understand the potential hazards:

• Electric shock - Coming into direct contact with live wires can result in severe injury or death from electric shock. Even currents as low as 30 milliamps can be fatal.

• Electrical fires - Faulty wiring is a leading cause of home fires. Loose connections, overloaded circuits, and damaged wires can overheat and ignite fires.

• Equipment damage - Incorrectly wiring appliances and devices can fry their sensitive circuitry.

How to Avoid Hazards

Here are some key tips to avoid electrical hazards:

• Turn off power - The power must be completely disconnected at the main breaker panel before starting. Verify it's off by testing outlets with a multimeter or voltage tester.

• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) - Wear insulated gloves, long sleeves, safety goggles, and rubber-soled shoes when working with wiring.

• Inspect wires - Closely examine existing wiring for damage like cracked insulation before reusing. Replace old, brittle, or damaged wiring.

• Follow code - Adhere strictly to electrical code for cable ratings, connections, grounding, and more. Consult local permitting offices.

• Use caution - Take it slow and double check connections before restoring power. Assume all wires are live until tested.

Planning the Rewiring Project

Careful planning is required for a smooth rewiring project. Consider the following:

Evaluating Electrical Load Needs

• Audit all lighting fixtures, outlets, appliances, and equipment.

• Estimate wattages to calculate total electric load.

• Select wiring gauge able to safely handle load. Oversize for margin of safety.

Choosing Wiring Types

• NM cable - Romex is common for indoor, dry locations. Comes insulated in plastic or rubber.

• UF cable - For outdoor or wet areas like underground. Has weatherproof insulation.

• Conduit - Metal or PVC tubing that protects wires over long runs. Requires pulling individual wires.

Creating a Wiring Diagram

• Map out location of circuits, outlets, switches, and fixtures.

• Indicate wire routes between electrical components.

• Label circuit load capacities and wire gauges.

• Have inspected to ensure sufficient power and safety.

Securing Necessary Materials

Gather all required materials and tools before starting:

• Cables or wires - NM, UF, THHN, etc. of needed gauge and insulation type

• Conduit - EMT, PVC, flex, etc. if using a conduit system

• Boxes and fittings - Outlet boxes, junction boxes, breaker boxes, receptacles, cover plates, etc.

• Disconnects and overcurrent protection - Fuses, breakers, disconnect switches, GFCIs

• Conduit and cable connectors - Compression connectors, clamps, straps, couplings, etc.

• Fish tape/pull cords - For running cables through finished walls

• Wire stripper - For stripping sheathing and wire ends

• Voltage tester - For verifying power is off

• Multimeter - For testing continuity and troubleshooting

• Crimping tool - For affixing cable ends and connectors

• Drill and bits - For drilling entry holes in walls and studs

• Hammer and stapler - For securing cables and boxes

Safety Steps for Rewiring

Follow these critical safety steps when performing the rewiring:

1. Turn Off Power at Main Breaker Panel

Double check that all circuits are fully deenergized using a non-contact voltage tester. Test outlets to verify.

2. Remove Old Wiring

Carefully extract existing wires from boxes and conduit without damaging them.

3. Run New Wiring Routes

Drill entry holes through joists and studs. Pull or fish new cables through walls and ceilings. Avoid plumbing, ductwork, and other obstructions.

4. Connect Wires

Strip ends and make secure connections. Follow manuals for any specialty wiring like smart home systems or alarms.

5. Affix Wiring

Anchor cables at regular intervals according to code. Staple NM cables to studs or joists.

6. Test Circuits

Restore power incrementally to test each circuit before moving on. Check for faults.

7. Install Devices and Covers

With power off again, mount outlets, switches, and other devices. Attach wall plates.

8. Final Power Restore

Energize the whole system, verify proper function, and commence use.

Hiring a Professional Electrician

Rewiring a whole home is complex. For anything beyond small-scale changes, hire a licensed electrician:

• Permits - They can obtain required permits and schedule inspections.

• Experience - Their years of training and practice ensure code compliance.

• Efficiency - They have the right tools and workflow to complete jobs faster.

• Insurance - You're covered in the event of an accident or injury.

• Warranty - Reputable electricians guarantee their workmanship.

Though more expensive, hiring a pro electrician is worth it for safety and peace of mind. Get quotes from several to compare.

Staying Safe When Rewiring

I hope this guide gives you a thorough overview of rewiring your home safely. Stay vigilant, use caution, and don't take risks. If in doubt, consult an electrician. Follow these tips, and you can tackle electrical projects with confidence while avoiding getting zapped!