How to Rewire Your Home's Electrical System for Safety and Energy Efficiency Without Hiring an Electrician

Rewiring a home's electrical system can seem intimidating, but with proper planning and safety precautions, a homeowner can complete basic rewiring projects without hiring an electrician. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to safely and efficiently rewire your home's electrical system on your own.

Understanding Electrical Basics

Before beginning any electrical project, I first need to understand some basic electrical principles and safety guidelines. Key concepts include:

• Voltage - The "pressure" that pushes electrical current. Standard household voltage is 120 volts. Higher voltages can be extremely dangerous.

• Current - The flow of electricity measured in amps. More current flows through thicker wires. Overloaded wires can overheat.

• Circuits - Closed loops that electricity flows through from the main panel to devices and back. Homes have multiple circuits branching off the main service panel.

• Overcurrent protection - Fuses or circuit breakers that shut off power to wires if too much current flows. This prevents fires from overloaded wires overheating.

• Grounding - Safety system that sends wayward electrical current directly to the ground instead of through my body. Grounding prevents shocks.

• Electrical code - Safety standards for home electrical systems. I must follow local building codes when doing electrical work.

Planning the Rewiring Project

Careful planning ensures my rewiring project goes smoothly and safely. Planning steps include:

• Getting permitted - Electrical permits are required for most major rewiring jobs. Permits ensure work meets local codes.

• Circuit mapping - Labeling each circuit breaker and outlet it controls. This lets me connect new wires correctly.

• Load calculation - Figuring total amps needed for all devices/appliances on each circuit. This determines required wire size.

• Draw diagrams - Creating a wiring diagram showing main panel connections, circuits, switches, outlets, and more. This guides the installation.

• Materials list - Compile a list of wire, outlets, boxes, tools, and other supplies needed. Buying everything upfront saves trips to the store.

Safely Replacing and Rerouting Wires

The key steps to safely replace old wiring or reroute electrical circuits are:

• Turn off power - Shut off the main breaker and unplug devices before starting work. Test wires with a non-contact voltage tester to be sure.

• Remove old wires - Carefully detach wires from devices and pull them free from boxes and conduits. Properly dispose of old wires.

• Run new wires - Route fresh wires through walls/ceilings along the planned paths. Leave extra length for connections.

• Make connections - Join wires to outlets, switches and other devices according to diagrams. Use proper connectors and wire strippers.

• Affix cover plates - Securely fasten decorative plates over electrical boxes to protect wiring. Avoid pinching wires.

• Test operation - Turn power back on and test each outlet, switch and device. Check for grounding with a circuit tester.

• Inspect work - Have an electrician double check the rewiring for safety and code compliance before finishing walls.

Improving Electrical Safety

Upgradingwiring provides an opportunity to build in safety features such as:

• GFCI outlets - Outlets with ground-fault protection shut off power when electricity "leaks." Install near sinks and outdoor outlets.

• AFCI breakers - Breakers that detect dangerous "arcing" and interrupt power to prevent fires. Upgrade main panel for whole home coverage.

• Extra circuits - Avoid overloading by running dedicated circuits for large appliances like the refrigerator or home office.

• Outdoor/basement lighting - Improve safety with motion sensor outdoor floods and add outlets to basements and attics.

• Smoke/CO detectors - Interconnect detectors and connect some to battery backup for maximum fire and carbon monoxide protection.

• Whole home surge protection - Protect expensive electronics from power surges by installing surge-blocking outlets or at the main panel.

Boosting Electrical Efficiency

I can also increase my home's energy efficiency through simple rewiring enhancements like:

• Higher service - Upgrading to 200 amp service provides capacity for larger appliances and electronics loads.

• Smart switches - Programmable switches reduce wasted electricity by turning off unused lights and outlets.

• Built-in timers - Install switched outlets with built-in timers to automatically shut off devices when not in use.

• Higher efficiency lighting - Rewire lighting circuits with LED bulbs to reduce lighting power use by 80% or more.

• Ceiling fans - Installing ceiling fan boxes and wiring in bedrooms improves comfort efficiently.

• Dedicated appliance circuits - Separate circuits for appliances prevent voltage drops that can reduce efficiency.

• Electric vehicle outlet - Pre-wire for a 240-volt outlet to charge an electric car or plug-in hybrid.

With good planning and attention to safety, even major electrical rewiring projects are manageable for a diligent DIYer. The improvements in safety, convenience, and efficiency are well worth the effort. Be sure to get proper permits, follow codes, and have an electrician inspect the work when finished.