When renovating an apartment, electrical replacement may be required. The preparatory stage is the dismantling of wires, sockets in the kitchen and rooms. Study the wiring diagram to easily locate the wire in the wall and disassemble the electrical panel.
Electrical wiring in residential premises gradually deteriorates. Some problems may indicate the need to replace the wiring:
- non-working sockets, and they can fail in turn;
- increased fragility of aluminum wires, which can be seen when replacing lamps or switches;
- the presence of sparks when turning on and using various electrical appliances;
- unpleasant smell of burnt plastic.
It is worth replacing the electrical wiring in an apartment after 10–20 years of operation.
In all cases, replacement means removing the old wiring.
Dismantling tools
A set for dismantling wiring terminals and other elements of the electrical system consists of:
- screwdrivers of different sizes: flat and cross-shaped;
- pliers;
- electrical tape;
- indicator screwdriver (multimeter);
- grinders and hammer drill;
- flashlight;
- rubberized gloves;
- hidden wiring detector.
Dismantling procedure
Before work, be sure to turn off the power in the house or apartment.
Lighting wires
It is not necessary to dismantle the old wiring in the first step. First, you can install new wires. They can be pulled through the cavity of the plates. To do this, find a junction box, which can be near the door or in the corner of the room.
Open it, unfold all the twists and determine which wires go to the lights. If they run along the ceiling, new wiring can be attached to them.
If this is not possible, then the junction boxes are dismantled, and all hidden wires are insulated and left in the wall. The places where these boxes were located are covered with plaster. You can remove the old cable in the wall later.
If the wires are in the kitchen, the separation can go to the hallway or bathroom, depending on the location of the rooms.
Dismantling the electrical panel
Before starting work, you need to prepare a kit for dismantling the wiring terminals and check if the electricity in the apartment has been cut off. After that, you can proceed directly to the actions:
- after a power outage in the bathroom, kitchen, the voltage on the shield is separately checked. To do this, you can take an indicator screwdriver. If you attach it to the upper terminals, then for any arrangement of the machines, it should light up in phase, but not at zero. On the lower terminals, the indicator should not light up when the machines are off;
- you need to unscrew the clamps on the lower terminals, and then remove the wire cores from them. Similar work needs to be done on traffic jams, that is, protection devices;
- after that, remove the fasteners that held the electrical panel, and the shield itself;
- carefully inspect the insulation of the wires behind the shield and, if necessary, restore it.
Sockets and switches
Dismantling of sockets and switches is carried out in the following sequence:
- remove the device;
- remove the installation box;
- cover the resulting hole with mortar. You can use plaster or plaster;
- in a day you can glue the wallpaper.
If such electrical work is carried out on a plasterboard wall, then a piece slightly larger than the hole itself must be cut from a similar material. It must be glued to the wall and additionally screwed with self-tapping screws.
After that, you can also remove the hidden electrical wiring, since it will be much easier to find it in this case.
Chandeliers and lamps
The process of dismantling chandeliers and lamps is as follows:
- de-energize the device - turn off the machines and RCDs;
- remove the chandelier from the mounting strip or hook. Before that, you need to check again with an indicator screwdriver if there is voltage. Disconnect the wires from the chandelier;
- after removing the luminaire, the wires must be insulated to avoid electric shock.
Dismantling the electricity meter
Before dismantling the electricity meter, you need to obtain permits. The equipment is disassembled in the following sequence:
- de-energize the meter by turning off the breaker. Check the presence of voltage;
- disconnect the wires from the clamps, having previously memorized their location. For convenience, you can mark them with a marker;
- pull the counter down and then forward to remove it from the bar.
Important nuances
If the dismantling of electrical wiring is carried out in a residential apartment or in a house, it is impossible to leave the premises completely without electricity. You can get out of this situation as follows:
- do not dismantle one or two outlet chains and corresponding bags;
- perform a complete dismantling of the electrical wiring, but hold temporary huts - temporary wires coming from old or already installed machines. They are made in an open way, while all cables are protected. There are safety requirements for temporary huts: it is allowed to use a step-down transformer from 36 V. The location of power outlets is possible only in power panels, and it is better to use extension cords to power tools.
Not all electrical work can be done by yourself.
Replacing the electrics in the apartment must begin with dismantling the old electrical network. At first glance, it seems that it is quite easy to dismantle sockets, switches and the cable itself from the wall, but even in such an event, difficulties may arise. For example, not everyone knows how to find a wire passing through the wall, but it is also advisable to remove it before laying a new line. In this article, we will talk about how to dismantle old wiring with your own hands so that readers know about all the intricacies of the work.
Step 1 - preparing the tools
First you need to collect tools that may come in handy during dismantling work. At a minimum, you should have at hand:
- Set of screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Insulating tape
- Indicator screwdriver, or even better - a multimeter
- Grinder and perforator
- Lantern
- Rubberized gloves
- Concealed wiring detector
As for the latter, it is hardly advisable to purchase a detector for a single case. You can solve the problem by doing.
Step 2 - Dismantling work
When all the tools are assembled, you can proceed to dismantling the old wiring with your own hands. First of all, turn off the power in the house or apartment. To do this, turn off the input circuit breaker in the dashboard, as well as group machines, if any (just in case).
Next, you need to make sure that there is no voltage in the room, otherwise when you dismantle the outlet or switch, an electric shock cannot be avoided. About that, we talked about. With the indicator, touch each connector and make sure that the light is off. The multimeter should show that there is no mains voltage.
When the power is turned off, go directly to dismantling. We begin the removal of the old wiring with the disassembly of the switchboard - we disconnect the wires after the input machine and remove all group circuit breakers and RCDs (for sockets, lighting, individual electrical appliances). When the shield is disassembled, we move on to dismantling the sockets and switches.
There is no need to explain for a long time how to remove old switches and sockets. Just unscrew the screws, remove the case and disconnect the wires from the clamps. The video below clearly shows how to dismantle these wiring elements:
Change the socket
Removing the light switch
Do not forget about the chandeliers and wall sconces, they should also be removed when removing the wiring. We talked about that in a separate article.
As for the electric meter, if you want to dismantle it too (move it to another place or replace it altogether), then the first step is to obtain the appropriate permission from the management company, because to dismantle the electricity meter, you will have to remove the seals. In more detail, we talked about it in a separate article.
The last step is to dismantle the electrical cable. It is good if the wiring is carried out in an open way. In this case, the cable is simply removed from the box, and a new one is pulled instead. You can further simplify the process by attaching the end of the new cable to the old one. During the broach, the new wiring will just replace the old one.
The situation is more complicated when it is necessary to dismantle the hidden wiring in the wall. In this case, the first step is to find where the old power line goes. The easiest way is to visually inspect the walls. Where prominent plaster seams are visible, a cable line is likely to run. If there are no visual differences, you will have to use a detector that will show where the old electrical wiring runs, which needs to be dismantled.
Finding wiring by detector
We draw your attention to the fact that if you change the wiring diagram, then it is not at all necessary to remove the electrician in the wall, especially if it is located in the voids of a panel house. It will be enough to simply insulate the ends and brick up the line, and draw a new one in another place. This will simplify the dismantling process.
If you nevertheless decide to dismantle the old electrical wiring with your own hands, then after finding the cable route with the help of a grinder and a punch, cut through the plaster and take out the laid cable line.
How much does the service cost?
Also, for general information, we present to your attention the prices for dismantling the wiring in the apartment. We took this price list from one of the companies, the cost is average in Moscow for 2019.
The condition of wires in the house affects the ability to use household appliances, the amount and total power consumption of which has increased significantly. The old building codes were not designed for this consumption. When repairing or reconstructing a not new apartment, it is recommended to replace the wire This will allow you to use any household appliances without fear of disconnecting machines or short circuits. Here it is described how to dismantle the wiring in the apartment more efficiently, faster and easier.
If it is decided to carry out dismantling work, it is necessary to prepare for their implementation.
First of all, you need to decide whether it will be enough to replace the wiring directly in the apartment, or you also need to replace the input outside the apartment. Agree, having dismantled the old wires and mounted a new copper network of sufficient cross-section inside the apartment, leaving a thin aluminum input outside without replacement is somewhat ridiculous.
If it is necessary to dismantle outside the apartment, install and connect the replacement to the distribution cable, work must be coordinated with the service company. Access to the common control cabinet must be restricted. For work outside the apartment, it is better to involve specialists from the organization serving the house, despite the fact that the total cost of repairing the intra-apartment network will increase.
It must be remembered that it is imperative to turn off the electricity in the apartment. Failure to comply with this requirement threatens electric shock, creates a fire hazard in case of accidental circuit.
What tools are needed for dismantling
The basic set of tools for an electrician who installs and dismantles electrical wiring consists of pliers with insulated handles, a knife, a hammer and screwdrivers, necessary for dismantling sockets and lighting fixtures, size An indicator probe is imperative to check that there is no dangerous voltage present. A combined measuring device - a multimeter will be useful. To make it easier to find the route of old wires, a hidden wiring finder is useful.
Work is carried out with the electricity turned off, so you need to prepare a portable lamp with a long wire and provide for the connection of a temporary hut outside the work area.
Reasons for replacing the old network
Earlier, in the construction of housing, aluminum wire of small section with single insulation was used. The lighting and household appliances that existed at that time did not create a large load. Currently, the load is much higher and does not correspond to the old norms. Aluminum wire has a service life of no more than 30 years. Loss of elasticity leads to flexural fractures. The insulation loses its properties. The operation of aged wiring under heavy loads threatens blackouts and short circuits. If uncontrolled shutdowns lead to equipment malfunction, then a short circuit can lead to a fire.
Replacing old electrical wires will increase the comfort and safety of using household appliances, which will more than pay off the costs of dismantling and the cost of installing a new one.
Dismantling work plan
Before disassembling the old wiring, it is necessary to think over the route of laying the new one, taking into account the possible change in the location of the sockets and illuminators. Then the locations of the future installation of the junction boxes are determined. The new scheme should also take into account the laying of low-current telephony, Internet and signaling cables.
If you plan to remove a chandelier or spotlights from the ceiling, the need for a special tool is foreseen in advance - drills, grinders, stepladders, etc. 5. Dismantling of electrical wires
To dismantle the electrical wiring quickly and efficiently, you need to take into account the design features of the walls of the room and the future wiring diagram.
If the wire is in the plaster of brick walls, then to reduce labor costs, it is enough, having previously dismantled the outlet or switch, grab the loose ends with pliers and pull them firmly but carefully. It is possible that the wire will come out of the wall along with the plaster and leave a finished groove in it. This will save when installing wall chasing in places where the location of switches and sockets will not change.
When the wire is under the sheet of drywall covering the wall, you need to tie a new one to the free ends of the old one. Having determined the location of the second end of the old wiring, and pulling on it, it will turn out very quickly and accurately to replace the entire section.
In those places where the old wires cannot be removed from the wall and they do not interfere with the installation of new wiring, you can insulate the old ends and brick them in the wall.
Removing sockets and switches
In case of replacement of electrical fittings, it is necessary to dismantle sockets, switches and junction boxes. Having disconnected the wires, we remove the switches and sockets from the installation box. If, according to the new scheme, junction boxes and switches with sockets will be located in the same place on the wall, the box bodies must be removed from the wall as carefully as possible. This will allow the old location to be used for the new box.
Dismantling of chandeliers and lamps
Dismantling luminaires at a height requires special measures to ensure labor safety. Before dismantling the ceiling lights, you need to check the serviceability and reliability of the step ladder. In the absence of a ladder, you can use an adapted stand from a table, bedside table or cabinet, having previously made sure of the reliability of the structure used.
Depending on the design and weight, dismantling the chandelier sometimes requires the participation of assistants. Sometimes this assistance may be required when dismantling large fluorescent lamps.
When dismantling spotlights, you need to be very careful and attentive. A stretch ceiling is a rather fragile structure. Carelessness or haste can damage the edge of the ceiling opening, which is very difficult to fix. The presence of non-weak springs in the bracket design requires regularity and confidence in movements. The procedure looks like this step by step:
- Remove the lamp from the housing
- Use a screwdriver to pick up the lower rim, and slowly pick out a gap
- Stick your fingers into the gap formed and, having felt the spring latches, gently press them
- Take your time to remove the lamp from the chase
- Disconnect the supply conductors
When removing the LED fixtures from the drywall sheet, you must also be careful not to damage the edges of the mounting hole.
Dismantling of the electrical panel and electricity meter
Dismantling the electrical equipment of the panel does not present any difficulties. They are disconnected, and if their replacement is not provided, all wires are marked. Depending on the design of the panel, automatic machines, protection, starters, etc. are unscrewed or removed from the DIN rail.
Everything is very simple, if the electricity meter does not change, this is a special metering device for electricity consumption. Unauthorized dismantling is a fact of illegal interference in the operation of accounting systems and is not welcomed by law. In addition to the factory seal, during installation, it is sealed with the seal of the appropriate provider. The integrity of the seal must be checked by the inspectors simultaneously with the taking of the readings. Seals are specially placed so as to exclude penetration under the cover and to exclude the possibility of reducing the meter reading by the consumer.
Unauthorized violation of the seal is interpreted as the fault of the consumer with the imposition of a fine and recalculation of the payment for electricity.
If you need or want to change the meter, you must call a representative of the power supply. The act drawn up by him will contain information about the latest testimony, the presence of intact seals and the removal of seals by him in accordance with the consumer's statement. The act is an agreement for withdrawal and a prescription for replacement. If you have an act in the hands of the act, you can start dismantling.
Often there are situations when it is required to replace the electrical wiring of an apartment. However, this requires a lot of knowledge and understanding of many things. To carry out work on replacing the wiring, you must either contact a specialist, or do this work yourself.
Reasons for the need to replace the wiring
Naturally, there may be other reasons why a change of wiring is required.
Stages
- dismantling the old wiring (which they prefer not to do, simply "burying" the old wiring in the wall);
- installation of new wiring;
- finishing work.
Dismantling old wiring
To dismantle the old electrical wiring of the apartment, no special effort is required, but care and caution will still be required. Let's start with a list of the tools needed for this job. To do this, first of all, you will need the following:
- rubberized gloves;
- pliers;
- indicator screwdriver;
- insulating tape;
- lantern.
Before starting work, it is required to disconnect the power supply to the apartment. To do this, you need to open the access panel of the power supply and turn off all the machines that power the apartment in it.
It will not be superfluous to explain how the switchboard is disconnected. This is done like this: the supply cable goes from the riser to the central (main) machine. This cable is always located on top, and the wires depart from below, directed to the apartment groups.
First of all, it is necessary to turn off the main machine, thereby de-energizing the rest of the circuit. but restit is also best to disable it.
Before disconnecting the wires, it is necessary to check the absence of voltage on them using an indicator screwdriver (phase indicator). If the phase indicator shows no voltage, then you can disconnect the wire, but if not, you will have to look for an error.
In order to ensure the safety of work, it is necessary to check everything with an indicator screwdriver, without rushing to take the wires with your hands. Before removing the automatic devices of apartment groups, you must carefully make sure that there is no voltage.
As a result, only one machine should remain in the shield, to which the cable is connected: the main one. All machines and jumpers must be removed, only the wires that go inside the apartment should remain.
This applies only to the phase wires, since the neutral ones are connected directly to the shield body. Just in case, after disconnecting and removing, it is necessary to check with a phase indicator for the absence of voltage at all sockets and switches.
If there is no voltage anywhere, then you can begin dismantling the wiring, starting with dismantling the switches, sockets and lighting fixtures. You can not remove old wires, simply "burying" them in the wall and removing unnecessary protruding ends of them (or insulating them well).
If it is necessary to remove the old wiring completely, then one device will be required - a hidden wiring detector. With its help, you can find the route of passage, after which, by turning off the power, open the route with the help of a wall-cutter and, removing the old wiring, lay a new one there.
This is how the work is performed to dismantle the old wiring in the apartment. The main thing to remember in this case is the need to comply with safety rules and the mandatory thoroughness and caution when carrying out such work. Information on the installation of new wiring was taken out in a separate article.
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The wiring replacement process can be divided into 5 main stages:
- Departure of a specialist. Our employee will arrive at the facility strictly at the time agreed in advance. On-site diagnostics of wiring points is carried out, options for modernizing the system are determined, taking into account the wishes of the client. Based on the information received, an electrical project is created with an indication of sockets, electrical connections, etc.
- Preparation of documentation. At this stage, a complete estimate is drawn up and the total cost of replacing the wiring in the apartment is determined. If necessary, our specialists will prepare a package of accompanying documentation for the approval of changes in Rostekhnadzor.
- Purchase of materials. Our specialist will make a list of materials and give recommendations on their purchase. A more convenient option for our clients is that we purchase everything we need ourselves.
- Dismantling of old wiring. Replacing the wiring in the house involves dismantling old wire routes, junction boxes, sockets and socket outlets, turning off electrical equipment. As a result, only the input machine remains, to which the new wiring will be connected.
- Electrical installation. We carry out wiring in all rooms, electrical panels with automatic switches. Low-current lines are being created to connect the Internet, TV cables, alarm and telephone. During the replacement of wiring in a private house, grounding is also created.