How to Rewire Your Home Without Getting Electrocuted: A Complete Guide for the Average Joe

Rewiring a home can seem like an intimidating task, but with the right precautions and preparations, even an average DIYer can upgrade their electrical system safely. In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know to rewire your house from start to finish without getting zapped.

Understanding Electrical Basics

Before touching a single wire, it's crucial to understand some electrical fundamentals to avoid safety hazards. Here are the key principles for the average Joe to know:

Current, Voltage, and Resistance

• Electric current is the flow of electric charge in a circuit. It's measured in amps.
• Voltage is the electrical potential difference that forces current through a circuit. It's measured in volts.
• Resistance impedes the flow of current in a circuit. More resistance means less current flow. It's measured in ohms.

AC and DC Current

• AC (alternating current) flows back and forth in a circuit. This is what's supplied to our homes.
• DC (direct current) flows in one direction only. Batteries supply DC power.

Series vs. Parallel Circuits

• In a series circuit, current passes through components one after another.
• In a parallel circuit, current passes through multiple components at once.

Grounding and Polarization

• Grounding protects from shock by providing a safe path for electricity to flow to the ground.
• Polarization ensures current only flows one way through a circuit.

With these key principles down, you've got a solid basis to start rewiring more safely.

Gathering the Right Rewiring Supplies

Before getting started, assemble all the necessary supplies you'll need for a full rewiring project:

• Wire strippers to strip insulation from wires
• A voltage tester to safely check for live wires
• A multimeter to measure voltage, current, and resistance
• Wire nuts to connect wires together
• Electrical tape to insulate connections
• The correct gauge electrical wire for your home's service
• Wall plates and receptacles
• Circuit breakers and electrical panels
• Conduit for protecting wires
• Hand tools like pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches etc.
• Safety gear - gloves, non-conductive shoes, glasses, hard hat

With the right gear, you can rewire intelligently and safely. Always inspect tools for damage before use as well.

Shutting Off Power at the Breaker

Before touching any wires, the first step is turning off all power to the home's electrical system. This is accomplished at the main breaker panel:

1. Locate the main breaker panel, usually outside or in the basement.

2. Open the door covering the breakers. Never open a panel without shutting off the main breaker first.

3. The main breaker will be labeled as such and likely much larger than the others.

4. Switch the main breaker to the "Off" position.

5. Use a non-contact voltage tester to double check that power is off at outlets.

With the main breaker off, the wires in the system will be de-energized and safe to touch. Always double check with a voltage tester first though.

Inspecting and Planning the Rewiring Project

Next, do a thorough inspection of the existing electrical system to understand how it works currently and plan out the rewiring:

• Locate the main service panel where power enters from utility lines. Note available space for expansion.

• Follow circuit wire runs through the house and draw up a circuit map noting all outlets and fixtures on each one.

• Inspect all wiring conditions - look for damaged, outdated, or dangerous materials like cloth-insulated wiring or aluminum wiring. These should be replaced.

• Plan where new circuits are needed - additional circuits prevent overloading.

• Develop a full rewiring plan based on your inspection. Plan which circuits will be upgraded or added.

Careful inspection and planning makes the actual rewiring go smoothly.

Removing Old Wires

With power confirmed off, you can start removing old wires:

• Remove wire connections at outlets, switches and fixtures. Wire nuts can be reused if still in good condition.

• Use needle nose pliers to detach wires from terminals on switches and receptacles.

• Pull wires out from wall cavities as you work through the house. Coil them neatly to prevent tangling.

• Properly dispose of any cloth-insulated wiring. This outdated wiring is extremely hazardous and must be removed.

• Take note of any wiring damage uncovered and plan repairs accordingly.

Work methodically room by room to keep old wires organized as they come out.

Running New Wires

The fun part is running the new wires through the house:

• Start by routing wires to new circuits you have planned at the main panel.

• Use the appropriate wire gauge for expected circuit load. Heavier loads need thicker gauge wire.

• Run cables through wall cavities safely using fish tape. Keep at least 6 inches from insulation.

• Use electrical conduit for exposed wire runs to protect cables from damage.

• Observe maximum wiring fill rates in boxes and conduits (only 40-50% fill allowed).

• Don't run wires over sharp edges that could slice insulation and cause shorts.

• Use cable staples every 4-5 feet when running wires through studs or joists.

Take it slow and steady to run wires neatly and safely within code requirements.

Installing New Receptacles and Switches

The wires will terminate at new receptacles, switches and fixtures:

• Carefully review wiring diagrams for switches and receptacles to connect hot, neutral and grounding wires properly.

• Use a torque screwdriver to tighten terminal screws on outlets to the proper specs.

• Arrange wires neatly with cable ties in boxes, allowing room for devices to fit.

• Match wire colors consistently throughout the house - black for hot, white for neutral, green or bare copper for grounding.

• Wrap connections with electrical tape for additional insulation.

• Attach wall plates and test device functionality when complete.

Take wiring one device at a time to avoid errors.

Wrapping Up the Project

You're in the home stretch. Now just finish things up:

• Confirm all old wiring is removed or rendered safe and unused.

• Verify appropriate overcurrent protection for all new circuits. Check wire size compared to breaker amps.

• Replace any damaged or outdated electrical panels and breakers.

• Close up walls and repair any damage caused while working.

• At the breaker panel, switch the main breaker back on to restore power.

• Do a final test of all circuits to ensure proper function.

• Bond and ground the system according to code requirements.

With that, congratulate yourself on a new electrical system done right! Just remember proper safety and planning is key to avoiding getting bit by electricity. Follow this guide and even an average do-it-yourselfer can rewire like a pro. Stay safe and brighten up your home!