Learn how to strip wire safely and effectively with these tools and techniques.
How to Extend Electrical Wires in Your Home
Stretch your home’s style with new electrical options
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Get quotes from electricians near you
No obligation · 100% free
SKILL LEVEL
Expert
COMPLETION TIME
1 hour
COST
$20–$50
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
- Multi-bit screwdriver
- Linesman’s pliers
- Stud finder
- Wire stripper pliers
- Reciprocating, oscillating, or keyhole saw with metal cutting blade
SUPPLIES
- Non-metallic wire cable
- Old work fixture or junction box
- Wire nuts (caps)
Turn Off the Power
Never work on a live electrical circuit.
Locate and turn off the breaker switch for the circuit where you’ll work.
If you’re uncertain which circuit to shut off, turn off the main breaker switch to cut power to the entire house.
Use your non-contact voltage detector, multimeter, or both to ensure there is no current where you’re working.
Remove Existing Fixture or Junction Box
Photo: eggeeggjiew / Adobe StockRunning a new cable and making connections is more manageable after removing the existing box.
Remove the existing fixture or socket and wire caps using your multi-bit screwdriver.
Loosen and remove the retaining ring of the cable connector on the side of the box.
With a stud finder, determine which side of the box the wall stud is on.
With a pry bar or screwdriver, coax the box away from the stud enough to see the mounting nail or screw.
With a metal blade on a reciprocating, oscillating, or keyhole saw, cut the nail or screw. Be careful to avoid hitting the electrical cable.
Pull the box out of the hole while leaving the wire in the wall cavity.
Loosen and remove the cable clamp connector.
Install New Cable and Box
Getting the new wires in place can be the trickiest part of the project.
Using fish tape, run the new non-metallic electrical cable from the location of the new fixture to where you're connecting it to the existing circuit.
Through the back of the old work electrical box, slide the new and the old cables through the clamping tabs. Leave about six inches of the cable coming out of the box.
Insert the box into the wall and tighten the securing wings with a screwdriver.
Strip the Wires
Photo: Africa Studio / Adobe StockThe old wires may not need much preparation. However, it’s easier to work with untwisted wire ends.
On the old cable wires, trim the twisted end off and strip about a 1/2-inch from the wire covers.
On the new cable wires, Use a cable ripper tool or utility knife to remove the protective cable casing as far back in the box as you can reach with tools.
Strip the hot and neutral wire ends to about 1/2 inch.
Connect Wires
If you’re reinstalling the old fixture, support it from below while connecting its wiring.
Gather the bare copper grounding wires and twist them together tightly with a linesman’s pliers. If you’re reinstalling the old fixture, include its ground wire in the connection. If not, simply connect the new wire to the old wire.
Twist the proper-size wire nut (or cap) over the twisted end.
Repeat steps one and two with the black and neutral (white) wires. Again, if you’re reusing the old fixture, include its wires.
Tuck the wires into the electrical box.
Cover the Box and Turn On the Power
If you choose not to reinstall the old fixture, you must cover the box with an NEC-approved cover.
Attach the old fixture or new cover plate to the electrical box.
Turn the electricity back on to the circuit.
Cost to Extend Electrical Wires
Extending electrical wiring in your home as a DIY project usually costs less than $50 for materials. The cost to hire an electrician is around $200 for a typical circuit extension. The price will vary depending on the difficulty of getting the new wire where it needs to go. Electrical wiring costs between $0.15 and $3.50 per foot, which does not include the cost of labor, so make sure you measure appropriately to save.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Going DIY to extend electrical wires can save you some money, but there are many risks associated with electrical work, especially for those who don’t have experience. Electrocutions, fires, and even explosions are all shocking ways you can hurt yourself and your home if you don’t know how to extend electrical wires properly. If running new electrical cables feels daunting, hire a local electrician to handle it for you.
Common Electrical Wiring Projects
According to data from Angi customers, most wiring and panel projects (65.7%) involve upgrades to existing service. On the other hand, 34.3% of people need general electrical repairs, such as fixing blown fuses and flickering lights. If any of this sounds familiar, get in touch with an electrician for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Electrical services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.7★ avg. • 107 total reviews
- Jeff B.
Great company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon Mitigation - Regina H.
I conferred with 2 other contractors before Armstrong Electric. Nick and his crew showed me that the project was not as convoluted as the other contractors made it appear to be. They completed the entire project on time. They were professional, friendly and cleaned up after at completion. I...
Armstrong Electric LLC - Jeffrey J.
The techs on my project, Shawn and Cliff, were great. They were prompt, courteous, and efficient. I am very happy with the results and would definitely contact Mr. Electric for any future electrical projects.
Mr. Electric of Columbus - William R.
Victor was wonderful. He was on time, professional, and explained everything he was doing. He was thorough and figured out that the problem was electrical instead of with my HVAC system. Very knowledgeable. I will be using this company in the future for any HVAC needs. Thanks!
Hubbs Heating & Air LLC - Jerald W.
They were excellent. They did a great job. I was totally satisfied. They put tremendous effort in making sure the work was completed. They were great. They provided immediate response to any inquires I made. I would hire them again. I would recommend them to anyone who needs electrical work....
Property-Tech Industries, LLC - Paul H.
Initially, the repairman could not find the problem. Apparently, there was some electrical shortage, but he could not find the definite problem. He left, but called back later to say he had a new idea. He returned and replaced the light switches on the doors. The refrigerator seemed to return...
Appliance Pro LLC - Sarah C.
The initial quoted price from a walk-through seemed high, but we discussed that the quote represented worst case scenario (re-wiring to two floors) and we were excited about the opportunity to have the work done in a timely manner with closing for fire safety reasons, etc. When the job was...
- Erin W.
I have to tell you I am all about customer service - I will go out of my way and even pay more for it if you give me great customer service. <br> <br>In a world where this is hard to find, these guys were awesome! I can not sing their praises enough. They were prompt, personable, funny, got...
Waibel Electric - Bradley H.
When I challenged the markup on the generator, Bruder Electric withdrew its bid. They only want naïve customers.
- Gregory B.
We had no power to any of the electrical outlets in the MBR. We'd had an intermittent problem for a few years and they finally went out all together. We live on the 3rd floor of a 100 year old building and I know from past experience the wiring has been added to in hodgepodge ways over the...
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