DIY electrical wiring can seem pretty straightforward. But like anything else, electricity has rules that have to be followed—mostly for safety. It may seem easier and cheaper to tackle electrical projects yourself. However, because electrical work can be so dangerous, some states (including Illinois) and local jurisdictions may not allow it. They require you to have a license or permit to do the work. You can save some money doing the work yourself, but make sure it’s actually legal to do so before you get in over your head.
Doing a little research beforehand with your local building department can clear up a lot of questions and frustration. This way you’ll know if permits or inspections are required in North Shoe, IL. While the National Electric Code (NEC) has minimum requirements, many local building authorities often impose stricter ones.
DIY Electrical Wiring Tips for Homeowners
So, if you’ve done your research and you’re confident you can tackle DIY electrical wiring, here are a few tips to help. Although these tips are geared toward homeowners, it’s important to note again that it’s crucial to check with your local or state building department before starting any electrical work. Working with electricity can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, not only for you but for anyone else who might use it in your home.
Understand Electrical Wiring Basics
A basic understanding of how electricity works is essential. You’ll need to get familiar with different electrical components and how a circuit breaker works. It’s also important to have an understanding of common household electrical terms.
Here are a few resources for learning more about basic wiring, common electrical terms, and how to identify different wire and cable types:
- DIY University, Electrical Wiring.
- Erie Institute of Technology, Learn the Basics of Home Electrical Wiring: Types of Wire & Cable.
Take some time to study and ask questions when something doesn’t seem clear. There are a lot of great (and free.) resources out there to give you some extra knowledge before you begin. This will ensure you are practicing safe electrical practices.
Gather the Proper Tools and Safety Equipment
Having the right tools on hand before you get started is essential. You don’t want to be halfway through a project and realize you have to run to the hardware store. When working with DIY electrical wiring, you’ll need a voltage tester, wire strippers, a combination sheath/wire stripper, and lineman’s pliers, at minimum.
If you plan on doing a lot of projects that require drilling through studs in the wall, it’s also a good idea to have a flexible cordless drill. You will also need several different types of electrical tape, including colored tape to keep your hot wires straight. Keep track of how much of each of these supplies you have, and remember, it’s always better to have more than you need. Nothing is more frustrating than having to run out to the store in the middle of your project for something small you forgot.
Turn off the Power.
Seriously. Make sure you turn off the power to the circuit at the electrical service panel. Double-check by flipping the switch a few times, plugging something in, and testing the outlet to ensure the power is truly off before working on any wiring.
You’d be surprised by the number of times this gets overlooked, especially if you’re confident in your abilities. It may seem like a simple and obvious step, but safety should always come first when it comes to DIY electrical wiring.
Use the Correct Wire Gauge and Type
Using the right wire size, or gauge, is crucial for safety. You need to make sure the wire can handle the amount of electrical current flowing through it. Otherwise, you run the risk of overheating, which could lead to a fire. The most common gauge sizes used for standard 120-volt circuits in residential settings are 14-gauge and 12-gauge, according to The Spruce.
But for heavier-duty appliances, such as your dryer or refrigerator that run on a 240-volt circuit, you will most likely need to go down to a 10-gauge, or even 8- or 6-gauge, depending on what’s specified in the manufacturer’s instructions and local electrical codes. The Spruce points out the most common type of wiring used in modern homes is a nonmetallic (NM) cable, which is a grouping of at least two insulated wires and a bare copper ground wire encased in a flexible plastic sheath. Many people refer to this as Romex. While it might seem obvious what this cable is just from looking at it, always consult your local building authority and any included manufacturer instructions. Better safe than sorry.
Follow Proper Wiring Techniques and Color Codes
Electricity typically flows through wires in a specific direction—and it changes depending on whether you are working on a 120-volt circuit or a 240-volt one. There are specific codes about this that should be consulted prior to beginning. Always refer to the NEC or your local code for specific guidelines regarding wiring colors, as there might be regional variations. You’ll need to connect each colored wire in a certain order within the receptacle boxes for safety reasons. Incorrectly connecting wires can not only prevent your lights or appliances from working correctly but also pose a risk of dangerous electrical shocks and fire hazards.
To help make things easier, here is a table explaining what each colored wire is typically used for:
Wire Color | Description |
|---|---|
Hot Wire(s) | These wires carry the electrical current from the power source to the electrical device you’re powering, which is most commonly a light, switch, or an outlet. |
Black Wires | This wire will always be “hot,” carrying live current to your outlet, switch, or fixture. |
Red Wires | These wires are generally treated as secondary “hot” wires and should be clearly labeled to prevent electrocution and used as such to prevent any issues in the future. You might also come across red wires when installing a ceiling fan where there’s a light kit and wall switch included because it can draw power from either the switched or unswitched hot wire, giving you the choice of which one it is wired to. |
Blue and Yellow Wires | Occasionally you will see blue or yellow wires. Blue wires are typically for “travelers” in three- or four-way switches. However, since blue and yellow aren’t usually used, they may have been designated as the “hot” wire for that particular circuit by whoever wired it originally—that’s why it’s crucial to test the wires before you handle them. |
White (or Gray) Neutral Wires | As a general rule, this wire typically completes the electrical circuit by bringing the current back to the source. In modern home electrical wiring, it often carries current back to the service panel. |
White Wires with Black (or Red) Tape | A white wire marked with a black (or red) band of electrical tape will act as a “hot” wire, just like a black or red wire. They should be treated as such when making connections because this signifies to electricians (both now and in the future) that it is an energized or hot conductor and will be connected to the hot wire feed for the circuit. |
Green Ground Wires | Green insulated wire or bare copper is almost always used for the grounding wire. Their primary purpose is to channel any faulty currents safely to the ground. Grounding wires are connected to grounding terminals (often painted green) in outlets, switches, and electrical boxes, and play a critical safety feature in a home’s wiring system. These green or bare wires should only ever be used for grounding, and you will typically see them clamped to green grounding screws. In some cases you may find a grounding wire attached to a water pipe or even buried in the foundation to ground it properly. You will find green wires included in most modern cables as a standard. |
Bare Copper | These are grounding wires and should not be used for anything else. |
Don’t Skimp
While it might be tempting to go for cheaper options, don’t skimp on the quality of electrical components such as outlets and switches when it comes to electrical wiring in your home. It’s worth investing in reputable brands and high-quality materials to ensure safety and prevent future problems. This includes buying higher quality wire strippers that won’t damage the sheathing on the wires.
Cheaper tools or materials might cause bigger issues for you down the road. Buying the right tools, such as a good-quality combination sheath/wire stripper, can not only save you time but can also prevent damage to the wires.
Double-Check Everything and Test Your Work
Once you’ve finished making all the connections, it’s time to make sure they are secure. Use a voltage tester again to make sure everything is working properly before you close up walls and put plates on receptacles.
You also need to consult the local codes to see if permits and inspections are needed before buttoning everything up. If you find your local building department requires an inspection, they will be able to tell you exactly what you can expect when they arrive at your home.
When DIY Electrical Wiring Isn't the Answer
Let’s face it: There’s a limit to DIY electrical wiring—especially if you are a novice or beginner to all this. This is where it’s important to know your limitations. According to MetaPress, there are many reasons why it is super important to call in a professional, certified electrician when dealing with DIY electrical wiring.
For example, adding new circuits or upgrading your electrical service panel is usually beyond the scope of most DIYers. An older electrical system will generally require the work of a qualified professional electrician in North Shore—especially if it involves working with the main electrical panel, or breaker box.
Working with this component in your home is best left to licensed electricians. This is the heart of your electrical system, and mistakes here can have serious consequences. Incorrectly wired panels can overload circuits and may even cause arcing (or sparks), potentially leading to electrical fires or lethal shock, which, of course, you’ll want to avoid.
Electrical work requires a lot of care and skill. Knowing when to call a professional is just as important as knowing how to do the wiring itself. Especially if you need a permit to complete the project and will need an inspection when the job is complete.
Conclusion
This guide is meant to be a general overview for North Shore homeowners interested in learning about DIY electrical wiring in their homes. Remember: When working with electricity, always prioritize safety and follow all the manufacturer’s instructions to a T, or you could be risking severe or even lethal electrical shock, as well as an electrical fire hazard. Know your limits, and don’t be afraid to call in a qualified professional when a project goes beyond the bounds of what’s safe for you.
Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free consultation.