Introduction
Having a strong Wi-Fi signal in every room of your home is crucial for enjoying fast internet speeds. However, the location and wiring of your electrical outlets can impact Wi-Fi performance. Rewiring your outlets yourself allows you to optimize their placement for better Wi-Fi coverage. With some basic tools and safety precautions, you can rewire outlets without hiring an electrician.
Gather the Required Tools and Materials
Rewiring outlets requires several basic tools and materials:
- Voltage tester - To safely check for live wires
- Wire strippers - For removing outlet cover plates and cutting/stripping wires
- Needle-nose pliers - For pulling and bending wires
- Electrical tape - For insulating wires
- Philips screwdriver - For removing outlet screws
- Replacement outlets - New outlets with multiple ports
- Electrical box extensions - For moving outlets out from walls
- 14/2 NM electrical wire - For extending existing outlet wiring
- Wire nuts - For joining copper wires together
I also recommend safety glasses, work gloves, and a headlamp to keep your hands free. Circuit maps of your existing electrical system are also extremely helpful.
Turn Off Power and Disconnect Outlet
Before removing an outlet and working with any wires, you must turn off the power. The simplest way is to turn off the circuit breaker for the outlet in your main electrical panel.
However, I recommend taking the extra step of testing for live voltage with a non-contact voltage tester. This ensures power is off even if breakers are mislabeled.
With the power verified off, unscrew and remove the outlet cover plate. Unscrew the outlet from the electrical box and disconnect all wires from the outlet. There will usually be two or three wires attached to screw terminals on the sides or back.
Use needle-nose pliers to help loosen stubborn wire connector screws. Label wires as you disconnect them to keep track of their original locations.
Install Electrical Box Extender
To optimize an outlet's position for Wi-Fi, you'll usually need to move it farther away from the wall. This requires a rectangular electrical box extender. Outlets must be housed inside these securely mounted metal boxes.
First, use a screwdriver to detach the electrical box from the stud or wall surface it's mounted to. Attach the extender between the existing box and wall surface. Make sure it's firmly secured.
If necessary, Chisel out space in the wall cavity so the extender and new outlet position don't extend past the wall surface.
Extend Existing Outlet Wiring
With the extender installed, it's time to extend the existing wiring to reach the new, farther outlet location.
Use wire strippers to strip 3/4" of insulation from the ends of the existing outlet wires. Attach a length of new 14/2 NM electrical wire using wire nuts. Make sure connections are tight and secure.
If extending multiple wires, stagger where they're spliced so the joins don't take up too much space in the electrical box.
Carefully push any excess wire back into the wall cavity to prevent interference when you mount the new outlet.
Install New Outlet
With the wiring extended, it's time to install the new outlet in the extender box. First, choose an outlet style that suits your needs. Standard duplex outlets provide two three-prong ports.
For Wi-Fi placement, I recommend outlets with multiple ports and right-angle plug orientation - this allows furniture to be placed flush against the wall.
Attach the outlet's hot and neutral wires to the corresponding extended wires from the wall, matching wire colors. Use a screwdriver to secure them tightly under the outlet's screw terminals.
Make sure no exposed wire is visible after making all wire connections. Push any excess wire back into the electrical box to keep it separated from the back of the outlet. Screw the outlet securely into the extender box.
Restore Power and Add Cover Plate
You're almost done! Flip the relevant breaker(s) in your electrical panel back ON to restore power to the outlet.
Test that the outlet is working using a voltage tester or plug-in lamp. Finally, attach a new cover plate over the outlet to complete the job.
Take time to clean up all tools, materials, and leftover wire cuttings. Dispose of them properly to avoid clutter and tripping hazards. Enjoy your new fast Wi-Fi thanks to your DIY outlet rewiring!
Final Tips
- Rewiring outlets is easiest when you have access to wall studs, like in a basement or garage. Fishing wires through finished walls is much harder.
- Only work on small sections of wiring at once so you don't mix up connections.
- If an outlet has a ground wire, make sure to attach it in the new outlet.
- Outlets must remain easily accessible - you can't bury them behind furniture or drywall.
- Contact an electrician if you need to run wiring longer distances or have any uncertainties.
Rewiring outlets yourself allows flexible placement for better Wi-Fi coverage. With proper safety precautions, you can do it without professional help. Strategically positioned power outlets also provide convenient spots to plug in lamps, TVs, and other devices.