How to Rewire Your Office Building Without Hiring an Electrician

Upgrading the electrical system in your office building can be a daunting task, but with some planning and preparation, it's possible to rewire your space without hiring a professional electrician. As the owner of an office building, being able to do basic electrical repairs and upgrades myself has saved my business a lot of money over the years. Here's my guide on how I have rewired my office building on my own:

Assess Your Electrical Needs

Before doing any rewiring, you need to thoroughly assess your office's electrical system to determine what needs upgrading.

• Make a list of problems or deficiencies you want to address. This may include outdated wiring that can't handle increased power demands, the need for more outlets in certain areas, or fixing flickering lights.

• Evaluate the amperage rating of your electrical panel - if it's not sufficient for your office's needs, a panel upgrade may be necessary.

• Inspect all electrical equipment like wires, breakers, outlets, and switches for signs of wear or damage. Faulty equipment should be replaced.

• Consider future needs like anticipated new equipment or an office expansion. Getting permits for increasing your electrical service now can save you trouble later.

Ensure You Have The Necessary Skills

Rewiring an office building, even partially, is not a project for an inexperienced DIYer. Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary skills for safe electrical work:

• Take electrical training courses if you lack experience. Community colleges or trade schools offer classes.

• Understand electrical codes and permits required in your region. Electrical work often requires permits from your city or county.

• Practice on simpler electrical projects to hone your skills before tackling a full rewiring.

• Be prepared to call a professional if the rewiring is beyond your skill level. Some complex tasks like the electrical panel may need an electrician's expertise.

Purchase the Right Materials

For a major rewiring project, you'll need to purchase wiring and components:

• Use the correct wire gauge for power demands. Consult electrical codes for requirements.

• Choose quality breakers and outlets. Don't risk fires or damage by compromising on materials.

• Consider conduit for exposed wiring. Rigid metal or PVC conduit protects wires and provides a neater appearance.

• Buy wire strippers, voltage testers, cable ripper and other essential tools if you don't already own them. Proper safety gear like insulated gloves is a must.

• Purchase extra materials in case of errors or damaged components during installation. It's better than running to the hardware store mid-project.

Create a Rewiring Plan

Before turning off the power and pulling out old wires, create a detailed rewiring plan. This will provide a roadmap and help avoid potentially costly missteps.

• Make electrical drawings showing new wire runs, outlets, switches, and connections. Mark where walls or ceilings will need to be opened up.

• Plan the sequence for running wiring to each area and piece of equipment. Logical order makes the job smoother.

• Consider how to provide temporary power if the rewiring will occur in phases. You don't want to shut down the whole office for weeks.

• Plan your inspection schedule if permits are required at certain stages. Factor this into your project timeline.

Follow Safe Electrical Practices

Safety should be the top priority during any rewiring project.

• Turn power OFF at the main panel and use a contact voltage tester before working. Verify power is off everywhere you'll be working.

• Create an arc flash boundary and wear proper arc flash PPE. Arc flash explosions can cause severe burns.

• Use a fiberglass ladder when working at height. Never stand on metal ladders while handling wiring.

• Keep the workspace tidy to avoid tripping hazards. Coil up excess wiring as you work.

• Take regular breaks as electrical work can be mentally fatiguing. Working while tired leads to mistakes.

Test Your Work Thoroughly

Once the new wiring is installed, extensive testing helps catch any problems:

• Do a visual inspection of all connections and wire runs. Verify proper wire stripping, tight connections, and code compliance.

• Mark any questionable spots for further individual testing.

• Use a multimeter to check for correct voltage and polarity as well as continuity between connected points.

• Test all devices, one by one. Does each outlet work? Do lights turn on?

• Verify ground connections with a ground tester. Proper grounding prevents shocks.

By following these tips and taking the proper precautions, it's possible for a knowledgeable DIYer to successfully rewire an office building without professional help. Just be sure to get the necessary permits, follow electrical codes, and prioritize safety. With careful planning and patience, you can upgrade your office electrical system and enjoy the satisfaction and cost savings of doing it yourself.