How to Safely Rewire Your Home Without an Electrician

Introduction

Rewiring a home can seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning and precautions, it can be done safely without hiring an electrician. As the homeowner, you need to educate yourself on electrical systems and safety before attempting to rewire. With patience and attention to detail, you can upgrade the electrical system in your home. This guide will walk you step-by-step through the process of rewiring a home safely on your own.

Reasons for Rewiring

There are several reasons you may need to rewire your home:

• Upgrading to a larger electrical service - If your home's electrical demand has increased and you need more capacity, you'll need to upgrade the service panel and rewire your home. This involves replacing the main service wire from the utility pole and replacing the main service panel.

• Replacing old and outdated wiring - If your home's electrical system is very old, the wiring is probably inadequate for your current needs. Old wiring is also more prone to hazards like short circuits and fires. Replacing old wires with modern wiring is safer.

• Correcting problems with existing wiring - Faulty wiring that frequently trips breakers or results in outlets and lights malfunctioning needs to be fixed for safety. It's usually better to replace the affected wiring rather than just patching it up.

• Remodeling or additions - Any significant structural changes to your home will require rewiring to extend electrical service to the remodeled or added areas.

Dangers of DIY Home Wiring

While DIY rewiring can be done safely, there are considerable dangers you need to be aware of:

• Electrocution - Coming into contact with live wires or power sources can result in severe shock or electrocution. Make sure to shut off the power at the main breaker before working.

• Fire - Faulty wiring can overheat and spark fires in walls or attics. Use the proper wire gauge for load requirements and make secure connections.

• Damaging electronics - Mistakes like short circuits can fry electronic devices and appliances connected to the system.

• Getting injured - Working with heavy electrical wires, lifting equipment, and climbing ladders leads to injury risks. Go slowly, get help, and use caution.

• Liability issues - As the property owner, you're legally liable for any problems, damage, or injuries from the electrical system. Hiring a licensed electrician shifts this liability.

Preparing for a DIY Rewiring Project

Careful planning and preparation will ensure a smooth rewiring project. Here are some key steps to take before you get started:

Learn Electrical Basics

• Read guides and watch videos to understand electrical terminology, theory, and standard wiring practices. Learn how to work safely.

Assemble Tools and Materials

• Compile all the tools you'll need - cable stripper, crimpers, voltmeter, drill, ladder, etc.

• Purchase sufficient wire, electrical boxes, conduit, breakers, receptacles, switches, and other parts. Buy more than you think you need.

Create a Plan

• Draw up a wiring diagram showing switch locations, outlets, light fixtures, and connections.

• Plan the wiring routes through walls, attics, and basements.

Get Permits

• Verify what electrical permits are required in your municipality and apply for them. Permits ensure code compliance.

Turn Off Power

• Switch off the main breaker and all individual circuit breakers. Use a contact voltage tester to verify power is off before working.

Remove Existing Wiring

• Carefully extract old wires from walls, outlets, switches, and junction boxes. Removing old wires first simplifies the new wiring.

Running New Wires

With the prep work complete, you're ready to run the new wiring system:

Size the Wires Properly

• Use the correct wire gauge specified for the amperage rating of the circuit. Common sizes are 14 AWG and 12 AWG.

Use Safe Wiring Methods

• Run wires through protective conduit. Use junction boxes to split wire routes. Don't just splice wires in walls.

Label Wires and Connections

• Properly tag and color code all wires so you can identify their circuit purpose later.

Make Secure Connections

• Use wire nuts or crimp connectors properly sized for the wires. Tug test wires firmly to verify tight connections.

Ground the System

• Connect all outlets and metal junction boxes to the grounding wires coming from the main panel. This protects against shocks.

Organize Wires Neatly

• Use cable ties and wire clips to bundle and route wires neatly through boxes and conduit. Unorganized wires are dangerous.

Leave Access for Inspections

• Inspectors will need to access junction boxes and wiring, so don't close up walls completely until the final inspection.

Installing New Devices and Fixtures

The wired "rough-in" system needs to be connected to outlets, switches, and fixtures:

Install New Outlets and Switches

• Properly orient and screw down new receptacles and switches into electrical boxes according to wiring diagrams.

Connect Lights and Fans

• Follow fixture instructions carefully.Anchor lighting fixtures securely to junction boxes and ceilings.

Connect Appliances

• Use correct outlet types, voltages, and amperages for appliances like stoves, dryers, and air conditioners.

Extend Wiring to New Locations

• Add new wiring, boxes, and devices forAny locations or fixtures not served in the original wiring layout.

Verify Grounding and Polarization

• Confirm outlets and switches are wired correctly hot, neutral and ground. Check that polarity tester shows "correct".

Affix Cover Plates

• Install appropriate plastic wall plate covers to protect all mounted outlets and switches after wiring is complete.

Testing and Finalizing the New Electrical System

Verifying safety is critical before turning power back on:

Perform Continuity Check

• Test that current flows properly from the panel to each outlet without any open wires.

Confirm Adequate Grounding

• With power off, check that all outlets show correct continuity between hot and ground terminals.

Turn Power Back On

• Restore power at the main breaker. Then methodically turn on individual circuits starting with lighting circuits first.

Check Voltage and Polarity

• At each outlet, verify 120-125 volt power between hot and neutral and also verify correct polarity.

Inspect the System

• Visually inspect all accessible wiring for loose connections, chafing, splicing outside boxes, and improper terminations.

Arrange Electrical Inspection

• Contact the town building department to schedule the final inspection by the local electrical inspector. They will check code compliance.

Install Walls and Covers

• Once approved, you can insulate walls, install drywall, and add finish trim covers to hide wiring access points.

Safety Tips

Rewiring a house involves inherent dangers. Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Turn power OFF at main breaker before starting and verify it's dead.
• Wear rubber-soled shoes and gloves when handling wires.
• Do not work on live wires EVER.
• Check wires with a contactless voltage tester before touching.
• Connect grounding wires first and disconnect last.
• Keep conductive tools and jewelry off your hands/wrists.
• Use fiberglass ladders and insulated platforms near wires.
• Don't stand in water when working with wiring.
• Wear safety goggles and breathing protection.
• Never splice wires outside of a covered junction box.
• Ask for help lifting heavy equipment or climbing ladders.
• Hire a licensed electrician if you feel unsafe at any point.

Conclusion

Rewiring a home is a big project but entirely doable for a diligent DIYer. The key is proper planning, safe work practices, and attention to detail. When in doubt, reach out to a professional electrician or inspector for advice. Following the steps outlined above will allow you to upgrade your electrical system safely without electrocuting yourself or burning down the house! Just take it slow and be extremely careful when working with dangerous household voltage and current.