How to install a neutral wire (DIY)

Content

Why is a neutral wire needed?
Two Methods for Adding a Neutral Wire
- Method 1 - Connecting a Junction Box to an Existing Wire
  - Step 1 - Find the nearest electrical box
  - Step 2 - Connect the Neutral Wire
- Method 2 - Adding a Brand New Neutral Wire
Cost of adding a neutral wire
Summing up

Need help adding a neutral wire to a light switch, outlet, or home appliance? One of my most frequent calls is for houses with old sockets and a neutral wire. Most people don't understand the importance of the neutral wire. If the load is ideal, there is no need to add a neutral wire. But in real life, a balanced load is nearly impossible. Given this, the addition of a neutral wire is critical.

So, below I will cover some of the steps to install the neutral wire.

In general, to add a neutral wire, you can use two different methods.

Run a neutral wire from the old light switch to the new one. This is a cheaper and easier method.
Or you can install a neutral wire to all junction boxes in the house. This process is quite painstaking and you will need good electrical knowledge.

Depending on your situation, you can follow any of them.

Why is a neutral wire needed?

Most modern sockets and electrical devices have a neutral wire. But you can find some junction boxes that don't have a neutral wire. Adding a neutral wire may be the best option for this type of junction box. You might be wondering why?

Well, that's a great question. If the load in your AC system is ideal, a neutral wire is not needed. It's almost impossible to have a perfect load. Thus, the circuit needs a path to convey the unbalance current. If you have a neutral wire, it will act as a path for the unbalance current.

Two Methods for Adding a Neutral Wire

Depending on your home electrical system, you may need to follow two different methods for installing the neutral wire. Sometimes the problem may lie in one or two junction boxes. Or sometimes none of the junction boxes have a neutral wire. Sometimes the problem may lie in one or two junction boxes. The first situation is much easier. You will get a better idea when we talk about these two situations in detail.

Method 1 - Connecting a Junction Box to an Existing Wire

This is a much easier way than the second one. If only one of your junction boxes needs a neutral wire, you can easily connect the neutral wire from a nearby junction box that already has a neutral wire. Follow these steps.

Step 1 - Find the nearest electrical box

First, find the nearest junction box with a neutral wire. Then measure the distance of the neutral wire (from the old switch to the new switch). Run a neutral wire from the old switch to the new switch.

Tip: If two junction boxes are connected, you do not need to run new conduits for the neutral wire. Use old pipelines.

Step 2 - Connect the Neutral Wire

Then connect the neutral wire to the new junction box.

Follow the diagram above.

If necessary, install pipes inside the wall. Or use the ceiling for piping.

Method 2 - Adding a Brand New Neutral Wire

If none of the junction boxes has a neutral wire, you must run a neutral wire from the main panel to the junction boxes.

But remember, the neutral line must run through all electrical lines in your home. So, this is a difficult task. If you're not happy with the wiring, don't try it. Hire an electrician instead. (1)

In case you feel comfortable with DIY wiring, here are the steps I recommend you follow.

Step 1 - Turn off the power

First, remove the main panel housing. Then disconnect all hot wires from the main panel. We are going to install a neutral wire to the switches. Therefore, turning off the power is vital.

Step 2. Inspect the main panel

Examine the main panel and select the switch to which you want to connect the neutral wire.

Step 3 - Install the Neutral Wire

Having correctly determined where it will go, add a neutral wire. For this demo, I'm only showing one breaker.

Tip: Usually the neutral wires are white.

Step 4 - Measure the Distance

Now measure the distance from the panel to the switch, socket, light bulb, etc. Write it down. Then buy wires and pipes according to this distance.

Step 5 - Draw a line according to the diagram

Look at the diagram above. Use it to properly set up the installation.

First, run the neutral wire from the panel to the socket and light bulb. Then run the neutral wire from the outlet to the switch.

You may need to damage the wall and run pipes to properly install the neutral wire. In some places you can run the neutral wire through old conduits.

Tip: The diagram above will have more hot wires for a three-phase system.

Step 6 - Repeat

Repeat the same process for each switch that needs a neutral wire.

Keep in mind: There is no ground wire in the diagram above. Let's assume that the ground wire is already installed. Adding another wire to the above diagram can be confusing.

Cost of adding a neutral wire

Installing the neutral wire takes a lot of time and effort considering you are planning on doing it as a DIY project. Although the above steps may help you with the installation to some extent, the actual work is much more complicated than you might think. So if you are not up to the task, do not hesitate to hire an experienced electrician. For two switches, an electrician will charge between $50 and $100. Sometimes it will be much higher. So be sure to get an estimate before starting a project. (2)

Summing up

Whether you choose method XNUMX or XNUMX, piping through walls requires more time and effort because you will have to drill through the wall. So, if you can run a neutral wire across the ceiling, it will be much easier. Instead of connecting an outlet and a switch, try a light bulb and a switch for a neutral connection.

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