How to Save Money by Installing Electrical Wiring Yourself

Installing electrical wiring in your home can seem like an intimidating task, but with proper planning and attention to safety, it is very doable as a DIY project. Learning how to install electrical wiring allows you to upgrade your home's electrical system, add new lighting or outlets, and save a considerable amount on electrician fees. Here is a step-by-step guide on how I learned to safely install electrical wiring in my home and save money in the process.

Gather the Necessary Materials

Before getting started, you will need to gather the required materials and tools. Here is a list of what I needed for my electrical wiring projects:

• Wire - I used 12/2 and 14/2 NM electrical wire in various lengths. The wire gauge needs to be suitable for the amperage of the circuit.

• Wire strippers - A must for stripping the insulation off the wires.

• Voltage tester - To safely check if wires are live before working on them.

• Cable staples - Used to affix wires to studs and joists.

• Fish tape - Helpful for running wires through walls and ceilings.

• Wire nuts - For connecting multiple wires together.

• Electrical tape - Used to insulate wire connections.

• Conduit - I used flexible conduit for running wiring through finished walls.

• Electrical boxes - Plastic or metal boxes to mount devices and house connections.

• Circuit breakers - Required to connect new wiring to the main electrical panel.

• Basic tools - Hammer, screwdriver, pliers, etc.

Getting all of the necessary materials myself from the local hardware store ended up being significantly cheaper than hiring an electrician who would provide them.

Learn the Basics of Electrical Wiring

Before starting any electrical project, it is absolutely essential to understand the basics of electrical wiring. This includes important safety practices as well as code requirements. Here are some of the key things I studied up on:

• Electrical current, voltage, and resistance concepts
• How to read wire gauge sizes and match them to circuit amperages
• Different types of commonly used wiring
• How electrical boxes and conduit work
• Proper wire splicing techniques
• Grounding and bonding methods
• How to size circuit breakers and fused for wire gauge and ampacity

Taking the time to learn this core knowledge helped ensure my DIY electrical projects were done to code and safely. I highly recommend picking up an electrical wiring book focused on homeowners to study before your project.

Be Diligent About Safety

Working with electrical wiring can be potentially dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Here are some key safety steps I made sure to follow at all times:

• Turn off power at the main breaker panel and verify it is off with a voltage tester before working on any wires.
• Only work on one circuit at a time to avoid confusion.
• Use rubber insulating gloves and other PPE when handling wires.
• Keep electrical tools properly insulated.
• Carefully check all connections are secure using wire nuts or splicing devices.
• Double check that all unused wires are securely capped off.
• Only use rated electrical boxes and junction points for connections.
• Avoid kinking or puncturing wire insulation.
• Secure all wiring properly using staples or cable ties.

Following electrical codes and best practices is also very important for safety. Having an experienced electrician inspect the work when complete provides extra peace of mind.

Start Small and Work Your Way Up

When I was first learning how to install home electrical wiring, I found it less intimidating to start with small, straightforward projects. This allowed me to practice the basics before moving onto larger jobs.

Some of the first projects I tried included:

• Adding a new electrical outlet by tapping into an existing nearby circuit.

• Rerouting wiring to relocate an outlet a short distance.

• Installing a new light switch by running wire to an existing nearby light.

• Adding a new ceiling fixture by running wire through the attic to an existing junction box.

• Installing outdoor security lighting using exterior-rated conduit.

By taking on these smaller electrical improvements, I gradually gained skills and confidence for bigger projects like running all new circuits for a basement remodel. Starting small let me learn without becoming overwhelmed.

Work Methodically and Double Check Everything

When handling complex electrical wiring tasks, I've found that having an organized, methodical approach is crucial. I like to work in the following order for any major new wiring project:

• Carefully plan out the wiring routes, box locations, breaker requirements, etc.

• Run cables and conduits before insulating, mudding or installing drywall.

• Install all electrical boxes and junction points.

• Pull individual wires, leaving extra length for adjustments.

• Make all connections, capping off unused wires.

• Secure wiring with staples/ties throughout its run.

• Use a voltage tester to confirm wires are not accidentally live.

• Attach devices like receptacles, switches and fixtures.

• Connect circuits at the breaker panel.

• Test operation and double check neutral/ground connections.

• Add wall/ceiling coverings.

Taking it step-by-step and double checking my work ensured a positive outcome. Rushing through the process often leads to dangerous mistakes.

Consider Hiring a Licensed Electrician When Necessary

While many basic electrical projects like installing fixtures or outlets can be DIYed by homeowners, there are times when it is wise to hire a professional electrician:

• If the wiring is highly complex, like a full home rewire.

• If it involves the main service panel or heavy appliances.

• If you need to run wiring through finished walls and ceilings.

• For large additions or basement builds where all new wiring is needed.

• If specialized skills are required that you don't possess.

• For final hook ups and getting required permits/inspections.

Although hiring an electrician costs money, they can often complete tricky projects faster and ensure it passes inspection on the first try. I use them selectively for parts of projects that are over my head as a homeowner.

Conclusion

After completing many home electrical wiring projects myself, I've found it to be very rewarding and an opportunity for major cost savings. By methodically learning the skills needed, ensuring strict safety protocols, starting small, and using electricians judiciously, installing and upgrading wiring is very doable. Just be sure to research thoroughly and check local codes before beginning any electrical work. With diligence and care, tackling your own electrical projects can pay dividends for your home's functionality and your wallet.