Introduction

Many people are thinking, "I'm a second-class electrician, but I'd like to know what kind of DIY I can do," or "I'd like to do electrical work myself by renovating or renovating my home."Electrical work is a very important point when renovating your home.However, electrical work without qualifications can violate the law and pose a great safety risk.

So, we will explain in detail how you can DIY your home by utilizing your "Second Class Electrician" qualification.By reading this article, you will be able to get information on things to keep in mind, steps, and what exactly can you do when DIYing around your home's electricity.

Also, be sure to check out the information, "To begin with, how much can I do with my home renovation and renovation? Where should I start? Click here. If you would like to know more about the specific renovation process and construction process, please also take a look at this page!" to make sure you know the scope of your own actions and the areas that you should leave it to the professionals.

In this article, we will also consider SEO measures, and introduce a wide range of basic knowledge related to electrical work, as well as specific tasks that can be applied to DIY homes, as well as points to be careful about.Please take a look to the end and get tips on how to achieve a comfortable home with your own hands.

What is an electrician?(Second Class Electrician)?

First, let's organize what kind of qualifications a "Second Class Electrician" is.The "Second Class Electrician" is a national qualification that allows you to work on equipment that receives power from 600V or less, such as ordinary households and small stores.Specifically, electrical wiring work in the home, replacement of outlets and switches, additional branch circuits, and installation of lighting fixtures are permitted.

On the other hand, construction related to powered equipment (leaded wires, power meters, etc.) and construction related to high-voltage electrical equipment (cubicles, etc.) must be carried out by a "Class 1 Electrician", a chief electrical engineer, or a contractor with a licensed electric work business.Even if you are a "second class electrician", you may not be able to do all electrical work.It is important to clearly distinguish between the scope of work that can be done at home DIY and the scope of work that should be requested by an expert.

Benefits of being a Class 2 Electrician Qualified

Being a Class 2 Electrician Qualified will provide great benefits when it comes to DIY electrical work in your home.Below are some specific benefits:

1. "The wiring can be done legally."
   • If an unqualified person does electrical work, not only increases the risk of electric shock and fire, but it can also lead to legal issues.Having a "Second Class Electrician" allows you to perform wiring work with confidence as long as it is within the scope of your qualifications.
2. "It leads to cost reductions"
   • If you ask a contractor to do electrical work, it will inevitably cost a fair amount of money.Especially when it comes to construction or renovations in multiple locations, it can be expensive to hire a contractor all at once.By doing the work you can DIY to the extent you can install it yourself, you can reduce the total cost of renovation and renovation.
3. "Improved construction freedom"
   • When you ask a contractor, you will need to have detailed discussions on the construction date and time and details.Also, depending on the contractor's circumstances, construction may not progress on the desired schedule.With DIY, you can proceed with the construction at your own pace and at any time you like, making it easier to plan remodeling flexibly.
4. "Acquiring practical skills"
   • Having a qualification makes it easier for you to become interested in your home's electrical equipment, but it also makes it easier for you to find the cause and repair it yourself when a problem occurs.You can also get a quick consultation from family and friends about electrical work.

Basic knowledge you need to know before starting DIY

1. Understanding laws and regulations

Even if you have a "Second Class Electrician", the extent to which you can work is restricted by the Electricity Business Act and related laws.You can "wire and install single-phase AC 100V and 200V at home" relatively freely, but you are not qualified to use power meters and high-voltage power receiving equipment.When planning your renovation, be sure to check the scope of your construction.

2. Safety measures and protective equipment

Even though it's DIY, electrical work poses the risk of electric shock and fire.Be sure to take basic safety measures in advance, such as dropping the breaker on the distribution board and checking the voltage with a tester.It is also important to wear protective gear that is needed, such as protective glasses, insulating gloves, and insulated boots.

3. Check the tools you want to use

Screwdrivers, pliers, nippers, wire strippers, testers, etc. are essential items for electrical work.In particular, using "insulating tools" such as insulating screwdrivers can significantly reduce the risk of electric shock, so even if it's DIY, don't be stingy and get high-quality items.

4. Understand Wiring Diagrams

When adding or relocating switches or outlets, it will be easier to understand the existing wiring diagram.In some cases, drawings from the time of construction are still left for new homes or condominiums, and even for second-hand homes, it is a good idea to check the drawings from the time of purchase or renovation.By interpreting the wiring diagram, it will be easier to understand the circuit structure of your home and avoid any problems.

5. Confirm construction procedure

It is dangerous to work on a random basis in DIY.Before working, be sure to clarify the steps before starting, such as "which breakers in which room to drop," "where to install new wiring routes," and "what equipment will be added."Schedule management and arrangement of necessary materials are also important.

Examples of DIY projects

Here we will give some typical examples that are easier for a qualified "Second Class Electrician" to try at home DIY.All of these tasks are a concern if you don't have qualifications, but by using your qualifications to properly carry out the correct construction, you can make a highly safe renovation.

1. Expansion and relocation of outlets and switches

When changing the layout of your room or changing the furniture arrangement, have you ever felt that the outlet was difficult to use or that the switch was far away?In such cases, adding new outlets or relocating switches will make it more comfortable.However, you need to be extremely careful when passing wiring inside a wall or pulling new circuits from a distribution board.Have a solid wiring diagram and installation instructions.

2. Replacing and installing lighting fixtures

Replacing old lighting fixtures with LED lighting or installing new pendant lights is a relatively DIY and easy to do electrical work.However, when wiring is passed through the attic or changing direct-mounted equipment to a ceiling type, installation is required that suit the structure of the home.Also, take into consideration fire resistance and heat issues, and make sure to select the parts to reduce the risk of fire.

3. Installing outdoor lights and security sensors

Outdoor equipment such as gate lights and sensor lights can also be installed if it is within the scope of a "Class 2 Electrician."However, when spinning the wiring outside, you must take sufficient consideration of "waterproofing" and "weather resistance."It is necessary to make efforts to prevent rainwater from entering and UV degradation, and improper construction may cause electric leakage or fire.

4. Additional distribution board child breakers

When introducing new large equipment such as air conditioners and induction cooking heaters, special circuits may be required.In such cases, it is permitted to perform the task of adding a child breaker to the distribution board with a "Second Class Electrician" qualification.However, since construction around the distribution board is highly risky, sufficient consideration and accurate connection are required.Care must be taken, especially when handling 200V equipment, and calculate the voltage and current correctly, and choose the appropriate cable thickness and breaker rating.

5. Air conditioner wiring and piping assistance

The installation of the air conditioner itself and connecting gas pipes is within the scope of a specialized contractor, but the "Second Class Electrician" can DIY indoor wiring and special outlets.By using existing pipeline routes to pass wiring, or by drilling holes in the walls and installing more outlets, you can increase the freedom of placement in the air conditioner.However, the basic rule is to ask a qualified air conditioning facility provider for areas related to gas and refrigerant.

Necessary tools and materials

1. Insulation tools

Even though it's DIY, safety is the most important thing in electrical work.Having a set of tools such as an insulating screwdriver, insulating pliers, and insulating nippers can significantly reduce the risk of electric shock.These are a little expensive, but once you buy them, they can last a long time.

2. Testers and electric detectors

A "tester" or "electric detector" is essential to check whether the circuit is alive or not.If you accidentally touch a wire that is energized while working on wiring, there is a risk of not only electric shock, but sparks being scattered.Before working, be sure to check the power supply status with a tester.

3. Wiring materials

You need to choose materials that suit your installation, such as VVF cables, plug-in connectors, and molds for exposed wiring."VVF cables" are widely used for indoor wiring, while "cab tire cables" are suitable for outdoor and moving parts.Use different components to protect wiring, such as moldings and PF pipes, depending on the situation.

4. Breaker Switches and Outlets

To increase the number of circuits in the room, you will need a "child breaker" for the distribution board, a "switch plate" for replacing or adding a switch, and a "outlet plate" for adding an outlet.It is important to check the shape and capacity and choose one that is compatible with existing components.

5. Various fixing devices and binding bands

Also prepare "steplets" and "zip ties" to secure cables to walls and pillars.By firmly fixing the wiring, it prevents breakage and poor contact due to vibration, increasing safety and durability.

Safety precautions

1. Always drop the breaker

When performing electrical work for DIY, the most important thing is to "drop the breaker of the circuit you are working with."To prevent a tragic accident where you accidentally dropped a breaker on another circuit, and the wiring you are working on was actually energized, make sure to check it carefully multiple times in advance.

2. Protect the wiring color and wiring method

Normally, in Japanese residential wiring, "black (or brown)" is used as the power supply side, "white" is used as the neutral wire, and "green or green/yellow" is used as the ground wire.In addition, red may be used in switch circuits.If you do not follow the wiring system (single-phase 2-wire, single-phase 3-wire, etc.) or wiring standards, you will need to be careful as this may cause interference or electric shock.

3. Ensuring a working environment

Working at high places involves using stepladders and ladders, but if your feet are not stable, it can lead to a fall.If you are working in a dark place, such as attics or under the floor, it is important to use headlights and work lights to ensure sufficient visibility.Additionally, working in an ineffective position in a tight space can lead to unexpected injuries.

4. Preparation for an electric shock accident

If you get electrocuted, your body may become stiff and you may not be able to get out.It is best to do the work without being alone, but always have someone nearby.Be prepared so that you can drop the breaker or have an ambulance called in case of an emergency.

5. Countermeasures for fires and leaks

There are many fires and electricity leaks caused by electrical work.If symptoms such as a burnt smell after installation, frequent breakers, or abnormal heat in the switch, you should immediately investigate the cause.In the worst case scenario, it is also important to consult a specialist and not force yourself to solve the problem with just DIY.

Step-by-step example: Adding a new outlet

Here we will introduce a simple procedure that is intended to "introduce an outlet."The detailed construction details vary depending on the structure of the home and existing wiring conditions, so please use this as a reference only.

1. "Check the location you want to add and the circuit that will take the power source"
   • Which room breaker should be dropped to ensure safe work?Use existing wiring diagrams, distribution board labels and testers to understand them.
2. "Check the interior of the wall"
   • If the additional location is a wall, if there is a body edge or streak behind the wall, it may be difficult for wiring to pass through.Before drilling holes with a hole saw or jigsaw, check the inside with a base sensor or similar.
3. "Drop the breaker"
   • Not only the circuitry you work with, but also the entire distribution board may be turned off for safety purposes.In any case, make sure you have a tester that the electricity is completely shut off.
4. "Take a branch from an existing circuit"
   • Most branching locations are taken from a switch box or an existing outlet.Peel the cable and connect it correctly with a plug-in connector or ring sleeve.
5. "Set up a new outlet box"
   • Insert the outlet box to fit the hole in the wall and secure it with screws or plasterboard hardware.
6. "Connect the wire to an outlet"
   • Insert or screw "white" into the neutral wire side and "black or brown" into the power supply side.If the outlet requires grounding, connect a "green" or "green/yellow" ground wire.
7. "Installing the plate and returning the breaker"
   • Finally, put the outlet plate on and turn the breaker on the distribution board back on.Once you have checked the power supply, please connect the appliances to see if they work without any problems.

It may look simple if you write it down like this, but there are many things to be careful about, such as checking the condition inside the wall, ensuring the appropriate length of the cable, and protecting the bend radius.Also, if you are drawing a new circuit directly from the distribution board, you will need to properly add additional child breakers and leakage breakers, which can be even more complicated.

About solar panels

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of installing solar power (solar panels) in homes, amidst environmental awareness and rising electricity bills.So, if you have a "Second Class Electrician" you can install solar panels yourself, unfortunately it cannot be said that "you can install them freely in DIY."

1. "Permission and procedures for installing solar panels"

When installing a solar power generation system, there are many things to consider, such as the layout of the panels, the structure of the housing, and local government regulations and regulations.Furthermore, if you have the power company buy the surplus electricity (electricity sales contract), you will need to perform a grid connection procedure.In this case, you may be required to submit documents to prove whether the installation work is being carried out correctly.These processes are difficult with just amateur DIY, and are usually handled by contractors with a track record of solar power generation installation.

2. "DC circuits and power conditioners"

Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, but for use in the home, they are converted to alternating current (AC) using a power conditioner (inverter) and connected to a distribution board.The part connected to the distribution board is an AC circuit, so it may fall within the scope of the construction possible under the second-class electrician qualification, but the installation of the DC circuit and the panel itself, which is the first step, requires a variety of specialized knowledge, such as working at high altitudes, waterproofing, and load calculations.

3. "Conclusion: Solar panels are difficult to use with qualifications alone."

In conclusion, if you are qualified as a Class 2 Electrician, it is possible to carry out some of the surrounding construction work for household solar power generation (such as connecting to the distribution board and checking wiring) yourself, but when it comes to installing the solar panel itself, the hurdles are high to complete the process by DIY, as factors such as structural aspects, application procedures, and even roof safety measures are intertwined.Especially if you are planning to sell electricity, it is common to hire a reliable contract.

Time to talk to an expert

If you are qualified as a "Second Class Electrician", you can do most in-house electrical work DIY.However, in the following cases, it is safe to consult a specialist, a "first-class electrician", or a chief electrical engineer.

1. "Renovation of parts near the distribution board and the link wire"
   • As a general rule, major changes to the distribution board itself and construction work around the power meter and lead-in wires cannot be done by an electrical contractor.Incorrect construction can lead to serious accidents such as large-scale power outages and fires.
2. "High-voltage power receiving equipment and special equipment"
   • Although high voltage power reception is rare in ordinary households, high voltage equipment is sometimes used for business purposes.In such cases, it is beyond the scope of a "Second Class Electrician" and requires a specialized qualification.
3. "If the renovation is large"
   • Large-scale renovations, where walls and ceilings require extensive demolition, cover a wide range of purposes, not only electrical work, but also structural reinforcement, piping and wiring.Even if you can handle electricity alone, in many cases it is safer and smoother to leave it to a professional in order to deal with other construction work.
4. "If you feel anxious"
   • No matter how qualified you are, if you are unfamiliar with the work or the equipment situation is complicated, don't overdo it and call an expert.By cleverly separating the parts that can be completed by DIY and the parts that you ask a contractor to do, you can greatly reduce the risk of failure.

Conclusion

Having a "Second Class Electrician" qualification will greatly expand your DIY skills in electrical work at home.The great attraction is that you can make daily life more comfortable by yourself, such as adding outlets and switches, replacing lighting fixtures, and installing security sensors.In addition to reducing the cost of requesting construction work from outside, it can also be said to be an advantage that deepens your knowledge of electricity.

On the other hand, if the construction area is incorrect, it could violate the law or increase the risk of an accident or fire.If you are doing renovations or renovations on a large scale, be sure to remember that regulations such as the Building Standards Act and the Fire Service Act will be involved even outside of the scope of electrical work.It is important to take thorough research and planning with safety first in mind.

Please be especially careful about the following points:

• Always drop the breaker before installation and check the power supply status with a tester.
• Observe laws and construction standards
• Use appropriate tools and components and take safety precautions
• Do not overdo the construction details that exceed your own capabilities, but ask a specialist.

The joy of using your "Second Class Electrician" qualification to realize your ideal home with your own hands is exceptional.Please make sure to live a fulfilling DIY life with safety first.If you notice any abnormalities during or after the work is completed, we recommend that you consult a specialist without hesitation.

In the first place, how much can I do to renovate my home?Where should I start?In other words,Herefrom.If you would like to know more about the specific renovation process and construction,HerePlease also take a look at the page!

We hope that the contents of this article will be useful as the first step to making good use of home DIY and achieving a more comfortable life.Make the right use of your qualifications and try to carry out fun and safe home renovations.