Knowing how to do electrical wiring is important for ensuring that your home has the power that it needs, and it is easier than you might think.
While your home’s electrical system may look complex, you’re capable of wiring your own home. Some places require direction from a licensed technician, who can do electrical wiring & rewiring services at a very cheap price.
There are certain electrical tools that you’ll need in order to complete the job. With these tools, you’ll be running your own electric wiring in no time.
Continue reading to learn the simple steps for doing your own electric wiring.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
There are certain tools that you’ll need when it comes to how to do electrical wiring the right way. Some of these tools you may already own and others you may have to purchase. These tools are:
- A cordless drill
- A tape measure
- Plastic boxes (Romex)
Before you start running your own electric wire there are some steps that should be taken. Get a permit from your local building department and draw a sketch or blueprint of the room with the lighting, wiring, and wall outlet.
You should also ask if there are any special requirements that you’ll need and review your action plan with the electrical rough-in inspector.
Steps for Doing Your Own Electrical Wiring
Though you’re capable of wiring your own house, there are steps that you should take for your safety and the safety of the occupants of your home. Below are the steps you should take for doing your own electrical wiring.
- Create a Wiring Diagram
A wiring diagram will help you plan where you are going to run the wire for your electrical wires.
The diagram should show where the breaker box is, as well as the path to each electrical outlet that you’ll be using.
- Install The Conduits
To install the conduits you should run the longest wire first. This avoids wasting conduits within your walls. You should also start with the wire on the highest floor and push it through the floor to the lower level.
This process is much easier and quicker than trying to push the wire up through the floor and will save you time and frustration. Try to keep one extra foot of wire leftover at each end.
- Know Outlet Count and Start Drilling
From there you should begin by counting the number of outlets that you’re going to need off of that circuit. A good rule of thumb is six outlets for a 110-volt circuit.
If you’re doing electrical wiring in the kitchen then two outlets is the general rule of thumb because kitchen appliances use more wattage than other appliances do.
Before you start drilling you should be aware of what is on the other side of what you’re drilling into to avoid damage. There may be additional electrical wiring or pipes for the plumbing. Using cable trunking is a great and safe alternative option.
Start by drilling holes through the middle of the wall studs so that you can run your wires through them. The more electrical outlets that your home has, the safer you and your family will be.
- Set Your Breaker and Attach the Wires to the Outlet
You should set your breaker in an area that is easy to access, like a utility room or the basement of your home. Once you’ve set the breaker, pull the wire from the breaker along the path that you planned for running your wires towards the closest outlet or switch.
If you have any wires that stick out from the box should get cut from the electrical box. From there you’ll want to use a wire stripper to remove the plastic coating of the wires and attach them to the outlet, circuit, or switch.
- Install Your Circuits
The last step is the easiest of them all. All that is left to do is to install the individual circuits for your wiring sets.
Keep in mind that the circuits need to match the amperage of the wiring that you used, as well as the intended purpose of the outlet that you installed.
Save Money and Do It Yourself
When it comes to how to do electrical wiring, with the right tools and tips you’re capable of doing it yourself. Running your own electrical wiring will make you a more skilled and empowered homeowner.
It will also help your budget by saving you money on labor and equipment costs while ensuring that your home and family have the power that they need.
Check out more of the blog for other helpful investment and money-saving tips.