How to Run Electrical Wiring in an Existing Home
Running new electrical wiring in an existing home can be a challenge. This process is usually necessary when the old wiring fails or can't handle the normal electrical load, or there are not enough outlets. Many people choose to use large extension cords or outlet adapters to add more capacity. This method of increasing outlet capacity is dangerous and has cost some people their homes and their lives. Spending the additional money to add another circuit can be cheaper in the long run. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Drill
- Wire stripper
- Wire cutters
- Plastic twist caps
- Fish tape
- Screwdriver
- Existing wall electrical box
Instructions
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Start planning the wire route by deciding where the outlet or light fixture will go. Also make note of the location of the main power panel and how electrical wire reaches the house from the electrical panel. Most electrical panels have a hole on the back that leads into the interior wall.
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2
Cut a hole in the wall where the socket's electrical box will go. Measure along the floor the distance from the hole you just cut to the two exterior walls. Use these measurements in the attic, crawl space or basement to locate the wall with the hole.
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3
Decide how you will run the wire. There are usually two options: up into the attic or down into the basement or crawl space. You will need to drill through the headboard at the top of the wall or the footboard at the bottom of the wall. To drill these holes, you must either drill down from the attic or drill up from the crawl space or basement. This will produce a hole in the inside of the wall. You want the hole for the electrical box and the hole into the attic or basement to be in the same cavity of the wall.
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Push a fish tape up or down through the hole you drilled until you can grab it from the hole for the electrical box. It's best to do this with two people, one to push the fish tape and the other to catch it at the opening. Tie a pull string to the fish tape and pull it and the pull string back up to the attic or down to the basement.
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Pull your electrical wire through the wall to the outlet location, using this string. Push the wire into the electrical box and mount the electrical box inside the wall by tightening the wing screws. Be sure you are using an electrical box designed for existing wall construction.
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Repeat these steps to get to the cavity behind the electrical box. Some homes have a removable wall plate for accessing the area behind the main power panel. Shut off power to the main power panel and remove the screws holding the breaker cover in place. Push the other end of the wire through the back of the main power panel.
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Tips & Warnings
Use caution when working in or around a power panel. The voltage and current inside the panel are very dangerous.
References
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