Old homes may be packed with character, but behind the walls, there may be dangerous cloth-wrapped or knob-and-tube wiring. Fortunately, there are ways to replace the entire electrical system. Here are a few simple steps to follow.

3 Steps to Replacing Electrical Wiring in an Older Home 

1. Apply for a Permit

Before you start making changes to a home’s electrical system, you will need to apply for a building permit from the local municipality. Permits help to ensure that the job is performed according to building code. The price also includes an inspection by an experienced professional, which can be helpful while you are still learning the trade. If you fail to get a permit and the city discovers your oversight, you may need to remove the updated work. 

2. Turn off the Power & Inspect the System 

Before you work on the electrical system, turn off all power, and, using a multimeter, double-check that no circuits have any charge. These inexpensive devices check for electrical transmissions, helping you to avoid hot electrical lines that could pose electrocution risks. 

3. Replace Circuits One by One

To access electrical lines, either leave them in place and fish new lines through your walls, or take down the drywall around the electrical lines to access and remove old circuits. Working circuit by circuit, remove old electrical lines and replace them with brand new cables. Always pair white with white, black with black, and ground with ground, using color-coded wire nuts to keep everything straight. Typically, blue nuts are used for hot and neutral lines, and green wire nuts are utilized for ground lines. 

If you want to become a licensed professional electrician, turn to Berk Trade & Business School in Long Island City, NY. For more than 70 years, this trusted institution has been helping students to learn the skills they need to master the art of electrical installations. Find out more about this accredited school by visiting their website or giving their office a call at (718) 729-0909.