Introduction
Rewiring a home can seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and safety precautions, it is possible for a homeowner to successfully rewire their house without hiring an electrician. I have rewired my entire home by myself, and in this comprehensive guide I will share all the steps I took to do it safely and properly.
Gather the Proper Materials and Tools
Before beginning any rewiring project, it is crucial to have the right materials and tools. Here is a list of the essentials you will need:
- Wire strippers - For removing insulation from electrical wires
- Voltage tester - To make sure power is off before working
- Cable cutters - For cutting armored cable
- Fish tape - For running cables through walls
- Cable staples - To affix cables to studs and joists
- Wire nuts - For connecting wires together
- Electrical tape - For covering connections
- Armored cable - The recommended wiring for most homes
- Electrical boxes - For housing connections and outlets
It's also a good idea to have work gloves, safety goggles, and a headlamp to improve visibility when working in tight spaces.
Shut Off Power and Inspect Electrical Panel
Before touching any wiring, you must shut off power to the home at the main electrical panel. To be safe, turn off the individual circuit breakers you will be working on as well. Use a non-contact voltage tester to double check that power is off in the circuits you plan to rewire.
While the power is off, inspect the electrical panel for any issues. Look for signs of corrosion, damage, or overheating on the circuit breakers. If you see any potential problems, it's best to consult an electrician to take a look.
Plan Out Your New Wiring
Carefully plan where you want to run updated wiring and place new outlets and light fixtures. Consider how you use each room and where devices like computers, televisions, and lamps will be located.
Use a wiring diagram to map out your rewiring plan, indicating the locations of switches, outlets, lights, and the paths between them. Planning ahead will make the installation process smoother.
Install New Electrical Boxes
With the power still shut off, you can start running new wiring by installing electrical boxes where you want outlets and switches placed. Use drywall saws to cut openings, and make sure boxes are secured firmly in wall studs and ceiling joists.
Make sure new boxes are the correct size and type for their intended purpose. Most outlets will need standard single-gang boxes, while ceiling boxes are needed for hanging light fixtures.
Fish Cables between New Boxes
Once the boxes are installed, you can start running the new armored cables between them. Carefully measure how much cable you will need to span the distance. Use fish tape to thread the cables through walls and ceilings between each box.
To fish tape through finished walls, you may need to drill small pilot holes to gain access. Take care not to drill where existing electrical wires or plumbing may be present.
Connect the Wires
With the cables fished to each box, you can connect the individual hot, neutral, and ground wires using wire nuts. Follow standard color coding - white for neutral, black for hot, and green or bare copper for ground.
When making connections, stagger the stripped ends so they do not overlap before twisting on wire nuts. All connections should be strong and secure.
Cover Connections and Affix Cables
Use electrical tape to cover each wire nut connection, providing an extra layer of insulation. Neatly tuck connected wires into the boxes.
Use cable staples to securely fasten the new cables every 2-3 feet along ceiling and wall joists. Do not allow cables to sag or droop between boxes.
Install New Devices and Covers
With the wiring complete between boxes, carefully install any new switches, receptacles, or light fixtures. Attach cover plates and globe covers to finish.
Make sure devices are oriented properly - light switches in the "on" position and outlet slots facing downward. The devices should mount flush and secure within each electrical box.
Restore Power and Test
Once all wiring is complete, carefully restore power to the main panel and test circuits. Verify lights and outlets are functioning properly as intended. Use a contact voltage tester again to confirm power throughout.
With a successful test, your new home wiring is complete! Just be sure to leave access points in case any future maintenance is required.
Safety First When Rewiring
Working with electrical wiring is inherently dangerous. Here are some key safety tips:
- Keep circuits fully powered OFF when working
- Wear insulated gloves and shoes
- Do not touch bare wire ends
- Keep wires neatly organized
- Double check connections are tight
- Connect copper to copper only
By following proper precautions, you can safely upgrade your home's electrical system without an electrician. But if at any point you do not feel fully confident, it is best to call in a professional rather than risk injury or damage.
Conclusion
Rewiring a home provides an excellent opportunity to upgrade and modernize your electrical system. With good planning, the right materials, safe procedures, and some elbow grease, a homeowner can tackle this project on their own without the expense of an electrician. Just be sure to do your research ahead of time and exercise great caution when working with wiring. Follow this guide closely and you will be able to enjoy the satisfaction and savings of DIY home rewiring.