How to Rewire Your Home Without Violating Code or Burning It Down

Why Rewiring May Be Necessary

Rewiring a home can be necessary for several reasons:

• Upgrading to a larger electrical service to meet increased power demands from new appliances and devices. This often requires running new wire from the electrical panel through the walls.

• Replacing old, outdated wiring that may be unsafe or insufficient for modern electricity use. Homes built before the 1960s often have insufficient wiring.

• Running new wire to add outlets and lighting in places where they are needed. New additions or renovations frequently require new wiring.

• Correcting faulty or dangerous wiring that poses safety risks like shorts, overloaded circuits, exposed wires, etc. Faulty wiring is a fire hazard.

• Bringing wiring up to current code requirements for safety. Older homes may have wiring that violates modern electrical codes.

Dangers of Improper Rewiring

Attempting to rewire a home without proper knowledge and experience puts the safety of the home and its occupants at risk. Dangers include:

• Electrocution from touching live wires or inadequate circuit protection. Rewiring errors can make wires in walls live.

• Fire from incorrect wire gauges, loose connections, or overloaded circuits overheating wires. Faulty wiring is the source of many electrical fires.

• Shock and electrocution hazards from exposed wiring, lack of grounding, reversed polarity, etc. These pose serious risks, especially to children.

• Damage to electrical devices, appliances, and digital electronics from improper wiring. Surges and incorrect voltage can destroy equipment.

• Violating building codes, which makes your home insurance or future sales difficult. All wiring must meet local and national electrical codes.

When a Licensed Electrician is Required

In most locations, homeowners are legally permitted to do minor electrical work in their own homes. However, major rewiring projects require a licensed electrician in the following cases:

• Rewiring the electrical service panel or installing a new panel. Only licensed electricians can safely work on the main service panel.

• Running new wiring through walls and ceilings. Running wiring inside walls legally requires a permit and professional electrician in most areas.

• Rewiring kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. These rooms have strict legal requirements for wiring based on their higher risk of electrical hazards around water. Kitchens require GFCI outlets.

• Upgrading inadequate wiring that cannot safely handle the home's electrical needs. A professional needs to determine if the wiring needs replacement.

• Homes with aluminum wiring require special rewiring considerations that only an electrician understands thoroughly. Aluminum wiring must be evaluated carefully before working on it.

Preparing for a Rewiring Project

Before beginning any rewiring project, these steps should be taken to ensure it goes smoothly:

• Consult your local building codes for legal requirements on permits, allowed work, and inspections. Codes ensure safety.

• Hire a licensed, bonded electrician for work you're not allowed to do yourself. Get quotes from several electricians.

• Check your home insurance policy to avoid voiding it. Some policies prohibit homeowner electrical work. Inform them if getting a permit.

• Create a plan detailing all new wiring and changes. Planning everything carefully prevents mistakes.

• Buy the necessary materials like wire, breakers, boxes, outlets, etc. Consult codes for required specifications.

• Shut off power at the main breaker and use a contactless voltage tester to verify it's off before working. Test wires before touching.

• Take pictures of the existing wiring for reference as you work. Label each circuit at the panel before disconnecting.

Doing the Rewiring - Step-by-Step

Once proper preparation is complete, the rewiring project can begin. Follow these key steps:

Run New Wiring

• Shut off power! Use your wiring plan to guide running new wire through walls/ceilings to new locations. Use safe wiring sizes for each circuit. Most lighting and outlets require 14 or 12 AWG wire depending on amps.

• Drill small holes through top plates to feed wire between floors. Fish wires through walls using fish tape. Avoid overcrowding wire through small openings.

• Use metal nail plates when securing wires to studs to prevent punctures. Staple wires neatly at regular intervals. Leave some extra length for connections.

Install New Outlets and Switches

• Cut holes for electrical boxes using a drywall saw. Install boxes spaced appropriately for furniture, at regular heights, etc. Group in logical places.

• Feed wiring into the boxes, leaving 6-8 inches of extra wire. Secure the boxes.

• Attach devices like receptacles, switches, and cover plates. Follow diagrams for correct hot and neutral connections. Secure firmly with mounting screws.

Connect at the Panel

• Organize and label wires clearly with tags. Follow panel instructions to connect wires to new circuit breakers or expand capacity if needed. Consult electrician if needed.

• Match wire colors consistently across the neutral and ground buses. Double check connections are tight.

Get Inspected and Power Up

• Call for inspection before concealing any wiring. Do not power up until wiring passes inspection.

• Once approved, turn the main breaker on. Carefully test each circuit before using.

Working Safely

Rewiring a home comes with risks that require safe work practices:

• Wear rubber-soled shoes and eye protection when working with wires. Never work in wet conditions.

• Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm wires are dead before touching. Recheck wires often for safety.

• Turn the power off at the main breaker before accessing any wiring. Keep breaker locked and tagged while working.

• Connect ground wires on all outlets and switches for safety. Use GFCI outlets when near water sources.

• Do not use extension cords or overload circuits with too many devices. Use circuits as designed.

• Be extremely careful and get help if dealing with aluminum wiring. It presents unique hazards.

• Stop immediately if you find asbestos, knob and tube wiring, or other hazards. Some conditions are too dangerous for DIY work.

Summary

Rewiring a home is a major project, but it can be done safely and legally if proper planning, materials, precautions, and permits are in place. Using a licensed electrician for permitted work while handling simpler tasks yourself under the electrician's guidance is the safest approach. Thoroughly educating yourself on electrical systems, codes, and safety procedures before attempting any rewiring is essential. With patience and care, you can upgrade the electrical system in your vintage home without burning it down!