Your home’s electrical system is a complex system and knowing how it works will help you be a more “empowered homeowner”. Some areas do not allow an unlicensed homeowner to wire his own house because of the risk of an electrical fire from faulty wiring. However, one can still do so under the direction of a licensed electrician. In other areas, especially in rural locations, you are free to wire your house.
While electrical wiring is a task best completed by an
electrician, it is possible to electric wire your house in a DIY task by
following these easy-to-follow steps:
1. Disconnect the power
Power disconnection is the first step to do before trying
any electric
wiring in your home. Ask the power company put off the service to your
house or disconnect just from the meter on the wall or side of your house.
Ensure it is off before starting any work.
2. Design a writing diagram
Design a wiring diagram that shows the location of the
breaker box and the path of the wires to each outlet.
3. Install conduits
Start by running the longest wires first to avoid wastage
conduits in walls even if you don’t anticipate using them right away. Start
each wire upstairs and pull it through to the basement. This way, you do not
use a ladder to push the wire up between floors.
You should also leave at least one foot of extra wire at
each end just in case you need to move things around later.
4. Get familiar with the different wires.
Make sure you understand which colored wire should go and
its purpose to avoid electrical shock and ensure wiring your house is safe.
When installing wires, you need to recognize the parts of the cables for
wiring, the non-metallic electrical cable: the outer sheathing (the jacket) and
the inner ones.
5. Know outlet count
Determine how many outlets and switches will run on one
circuit. Normally, six outlets per a 110-voltage circuit is advisable in a
living area, while as few as two per circuit are the standard in a kitchen,
where appliances use more wattage.
6. Drill wire holes
Before drilling any holes, make sure you know what is on the
other side of the wall/floor to avoid drilling through any electrical wires,
ductwork, or water pipes. Proceed by drilling holes with a 1-inch bit in the
middle of the studs where your wires will travel. The more outlets you have,
the safer your home.
7. Set a breaker
Set your breaker box where you can easily access it in the
future. A location in a basement or a utility room is desirable.
8. Pull the wires to the outlets
When wiring your house place the roll of wire next to the
breaker box and pull the wire according to your diagram to the closest outlet
or switch for each circuit. You can also run the wires straight through the
box. Any wires sticking out of the box may just get drywalled over or could
get cut from the electrical box.
Use wire strippers to remove the outer plastic coating from
the ends of the wires and attach them, according to the instructions on the
box, at each outlet, fixture or switch.
9. Install the circuits
Install individual circuits for each wiring set. The
circuits must match the amperage of the wire and the intended purpose of the
outlet.
10. Check Your Work
Before closing up and calling it done, check your work! Pull
on the connections to ensure they are safe. Switch on the power and make sure
everything is correctly done and starts up without incident. Also, inspect the
casings with a voltage tester to ensure they are not electrified. Deploy the
right insulators also for longer life.
Wiring your house is not an impossible task but you need to
consult a professional to ensure that all regulations are met and to ensure
that your safety which is ensured as well!
Disclaimer: Wiring a house is a potentially hazardous task. It is advisable to take a short course in electrical wiring before embarking on the project.
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