Rewiring electrical outlets in your home can be a dangerous endeavor if proper precautions are not taken. As a novice, electrocution is a real risk if you don't educate yourself and take safety measures. However, with the right knowledge, materials, and step-by-step process, you can safely rewire outlets and even add new ones where needed.
Understanding Electrical Basics
Before attempting any electrical project, you'll need a foundational knowledge of the key principles at work:
Electricity and Current Flow
Electricity refers to the movement of electrons along a conductor. This flow of electrons is called current. In household electrical systems, current typically flows at 110-120 volts. This level of voltage can deliver a serious shock, causing severe injury or even death under the wrong conditions.
Grounding and Circuit Breakers
Modern electrical systems are designed with safeguards to prevent electrocution. All home electrical circuits should be connected to a grounding wire that divert wayward current to the ground in the case of a short circuit or overloaded circuit. Your electrical panel will also have circuit breakers that cut power to the circuit if electricity flow exceeds safe levels.
Reading Electrical Plans
Before rewiring, consult your home's electrical plans to see how the existing outlets were originally wired. This will provide vital information on the circuit diagrams and wire connections.
Gather the Right Rewiring Supplies
To safely rewire an outlet, you'll need:
- Voltage tester - To double check power is off
- Electrical tape - For covering wire connections
- Wire cutters/strippers - For cutting and stripping wire
- Replacement outlet - Match the amperage and number of ports of old outlet
- Pigtails - Short wire connectors to link hot/neutral/ground wires
- Wire nuts - For securing wire connections
- Non-contact voltage tester - To confirm power is off before starting
- Circuit tester - For testing correct wiring before restoring power
- Safety gear - Including rubber-soled shoes and gloves
Step-by-Step Outlet Rewiring
With the right materials gathered, you can now safely rewire an outlet:
1. Turn Off Power at the Breaker
The first and most crucial step is to shut off the circuit breaker for the outlet you'll be rewiring. Remember, electricity can arc across opened switches. Always double check with a non-contact voltage tester.
2. Remove the Old Outlet
With power confirmed off, carefully remove the old outlet mounting screws and pull it out from the electrical box while leaving wires connected.
3. Disconnect and Strip Cables
You can now disconnect the hot, neutral, and grounding wires. Use your wire strippers to strip 3/4" of insulation from each wire.
4. Attach Pigtails and Reconnect Wires
Next, attach short pigtail wires to the ends of each of the original circuit wires. Connect pigtails together using plastic wire nuts by matching hot, neutral, and ground wires.
5. Secure the Outlet in the Box
Position the new outlet in the box and screw it in securely without pinching any wires.
6. Replace Cover Plate and Restore Power
With outlet mounted, put on the new cover plate and carefully restore power to the circuit at the breaker box. Use a circuit tester to verify correct hot, neutral and ground connections.
Safety Tips for Outlet Rewiring
Take the following extra precautions to ensure safe outlet rewiring:
- Turn power fully off and verify it is dead before starting any work. Being shocked by 120 volts can lead to severe burns or proved deadly under the worst conditions.
- Wear protective gloves and eye wear when handling exposed wires. Insulated gloves rated for electrical work offer an extra layer of protection.
- Don't attempt electrical work when tired or rushed. Working when frustrated or fatigued leads to mistakes.
- Keep non-electrical conductive tools like metal ladders away from circuits and exposed wires.
- Never work on electrical wiring when it is damp. Water conducts electricity, multiplying risk.
- Only make wire connections you understand completely based on wiring diagrams. Improper connections can cause fires or electrocution.
- If unsure about home electrical systems, hire a licensed electrician for any major rewiring work.
Rewiring outlets seems intimidating at first but goes smoothly when done carefully one step at a time. As always, remember safety comes first before attempting any DIY electrical project. With preparation and vigilance, you can tackle rewiring outlets like a pro.