How to Rewire Your Home’s Electrical System Without an Electrician

Understanding Electrical Systems

Rewiring a home's electrical system is a complex project that requires an understanding of electrical systems and safety procedures. As the homeowner, I need to educate myself thoroughly before attempting a full rewire.

I should start by learning about the key components of a residential electrical system:

• The service panel, also called the breaker box, controls and distributes electricity throughout the home. It contains circuit breakers that trip and cut power when there is an overload or short circuit.

• Wiring circuits distribute power from the service panel throughout the home. Common types of circuits include lighting, outlet, and appliance circuits.

• Switches control lighting fixtures and outlets. 3-way switches allow a light to be controlled by multiple switches.

• Outlets and receptacles provide plug-in points for appliances and devices.

• The grounding system provides a safe path for electricity to flow to the ground in the event of a short circuit or overload.

I need to understand how these components work together to safely deliver electricity throughout a home.

Dangers of Rewiring Without Experience

Before deciding to rewire my home, I need to seriously consider the dangers involved with inexperienced people doing electrical work:

• Electrocution is perhaps the biggest risk. Electricity can injure or even kill if proper safety precautions are not taken.

• Fire is another major danger with electrical work. Faulty wiring can overheat and spark fires in walls or ceilings.

• If the rewiring is not done to code, the local building inspector may require me to redo the work.

• Poorly executed wiring can damage appliances, electronics, and other electrical devices in the home.

I should thoroughly research safety procedures and decide whether I feel capable of safely performing this complex project. Retaining a licensed electrician may be a smarter and safer choice.

Necessary Skills and Knowledge

If I decide to attempt the rewiring project myself, there are certain skills and knowledge I will need:

• A complete understanding of national and local electrical codes. I should obtain copies of the latest code books.

• Experience working with the different wiring methods, including non-metallic sheathed cable, conduit, and armored cable.

• Ability to accurately read and interpret circuit schematics and electrical drawings.

• Knowledge of proper safety procedures, including working with live wires and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment.

• Understanding of basic circuits, wiring connections, and electrical components.

• Ability to operate conduit benders, cable pullers, wire strippers, and other electrical tools.

• Math skills for calculating electrical loads and conductor sizes.

Without broad knowledge and experience in these areas, the rewiring project could be extremely difficult and hazardous. I may wish to take electrical training courses and gain experience under a licensed electrician's supervision before attempting this on my own.

Step-by-Step Rewiring Process

If I am fully prepared to safely rewire my home, the basic process will be:

Preparation

• Acquire all necessary permits and have the local building department inspect the existing wiring.

• Create a detailed circuit map showing all fixtures, outlets, switches and devices.

• Buy all necessary wiring and components - breakers, switches, outlets, connectors etc.

• Rent or purchase all required tools - cable pullers, fish tape, conduit benders etc.

• Take all precautions such as wearing rubber-soled shoes, insulating gloves and eye protection.

Wiring Removal

• Turn off power at the main breaker. Verify it is off by testing with a non-contact voltage tester.

• Remove the existing wiring from outlets, switches and appliances back to the service panel.

• Carefully pull the wires out of the walls while avoiding damage to the home's structure.

• Remove old breakers and disconnect wiring from the service panel.

New Wiring Installation

• Install new breakers in the service panel for each circuit.

• Run circuit wiring through walls and ceilings to outlets and switches. Secure using proper clips and fasteners.

• Connect devices and fixtures to circuits by joining wires properly with twist-on connectors or crimp terminals.

• Use conduit where necessary and install all boxes properly.

• Label all wires clearly indicating their destination.

Testing and Completion

• Inspect all connections for tightness and insulation integrity. Troubleshoot any issues.

• Have an electrician inspect the full rewiring job for safety and code compliance.

• Restore all wall and ceiling surfaces. Install outlet and switch cover plates.

• Turn power back on at the main breaker and test each circuit thoroughly.

Rewiring an entire home is a monumental task. Unless I have broad electrical knowledge and experience, I may be far better off hiring a licensed electrician to ensure the job is done properly and safely. Attempting extensive rewiring without expertise puts myself, my family and my home at serious risk.