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Rewiring a house without removing drywall can be a complex process, but it is possible with the right approach. Here are the key steps to follow:
1. Plan the wiring layout: Determine the new electrical circuit layout and create a detailed plan.
2. Turn off the power: Shut off the electricity to the area where you will be working to ensure safety.
3. Access the wiring: Locate existing electrical boxes or outlets and remove the cover plates to access the wiring.
4. Fish the new wire: Use fish tape or a wire snake to guide the new wire through the walls and ceilings, following the planned layout.
5. Connect the new wire: Attach the new wire to the existing wiring in the electrical boxes using wire connectors or wire nuts.
6. Test the connections: Before closing up the walls, test all connections to ensure they are secure and working properly.
7. Replace cover plates: Once the rewiring is complete, replace the cover plates on the electrical boxes.
By following these steps, you can rewire a house without removing drywall, saving time and minimizing disruption to your home.
If you have an older house, updating outdated wiring will not only improve safety for you and your family, but it may also enhance the efficiency of your appliances. Many modern appliances require structured wiring, or heavy-duty data cables, which can be installed when replacing hazardous aluminum or ungrounded circuit wires. Rewiring a house can be messy, but it is possible to do it without removing the drywall. You have the option to rewire your home without taking down the existing wall covering.
Planning and Preparation
Prior to starting the rewiring process, it is important to create a detailed plan for both the circuitry you intend to replace and the new circuitry you will be installing. Calculate the appropriate amount of wire needed and determine the most efficient routes for the circuits. If you choose not to remove the drywall, most of the wires will be run through the attic or crawl space. Prepare for this by moving insulation away from the walls where the wires will pass through, and mark the existing wires that need to be removed.
Removing Old Wiring
Removing old cables from the wall is not always a simple task. These cables are often stapled to the framing. As an alternative, turn off the breaker that controls the circuit and disconnect the wires from the breaker. Cut the cable, remove the exposed part, and leave the buried part in the wall. If you come across a cable that can be pulled out and replaced with a new one, you can tape the new cable to the old cable. When you pull out the old cable, the new one will automatically take its place.
Running New Wiring
Prior to running wire for a circuit, cut an opening in the drywall for the electrical box of each device on the circuit. Then, drill a 3/4-inch hole in the top or bottom plate of the wall directly above or below each opening. It is helpful to have another person to catch the wire as you feed it vertically from the attic or crawl space. Attaching the wire to a length of rigid wire, such as a straightened clothes hanger, can make it easier to catch.
Considerations
Since you are unable to staple cables to the studs behind the covered walls, it is important to secure the cables to rafters or joists using wire staples. Each wire must also be properly anchored to the electrical box for the device it powers with an appropriate clamp. Splitting a circuit to provide power to multiple rooms may be necessary. This can be done by connecting the wires in a covered junction box securely attached to a joist or rafter. The box must remain accessible for future repairs, if needed.
