What’s The Difference Between Commercial and Residential Electricians

1. They Work in Different Environments

A residential electrician works in a different environment from a commercial electrician. As the name goes, residential electricians are best suited to fix electrical problems in a residential building or home setting. As a homeowner, if you would like lighting, power outlets repair, electrical repairs, or any other electrical services in your home, it would be best to get a residential electrician.

On the other hand, commercial electricians mainly work in retail stores, businesses, office buildings, and other commercial environments. You can, therefore, hire a commercial electrician if you would like to keep your offices functioning or handle a commercial project. Generally, commercial electricians work on larger projects. Even though they mostly deal with commercial buildings, a commercial electrician performs the same tasks as a residential electrician, but not the other way around. They can also work on large residential projects like apartment buildings, estates, and other residential buildings with more complicated electrical wiring.

2. Services Offered Residential and Commercial Electricians

When we compare the services offered by residential and commercial electricians, residential electricians can handle a less extensive job. They are responsible for residential electrical installation, repairing wiring systems and electrical components, safety, diagnosis, repairing electricity faults, and general electrical services in a home. In addition to that, residential electricians perform various electrical work in residential buildings, including:

• Electrical equipment inspection

• Ceiling fan and lighting installation

• Residential wiring

• Replacing electrical systems

• Emergency electrical services

• Electrical appliances maintenance and repairs

Commercial electricians also perform most of the duties performed by a residential electrician, but on a larger and more complex scale. They can also perform industrial wiring, electrical components installation, repairs, machinery maintenance, and other electrical tasks in commercial buildings.

3. Differences in Voltages and Wiring Systems

Since residential and commercial electricians work in different environments, they handle different voltage sizes. Residential electricians deal with voltage systems between 120 Volts and 240 Volts. This is because residential electricians work on much smaller single-phase systems. Unlike commercial wiring systems, these systems also fit into crawl spaces away from homeowners, rafters, and behind walls.

On the contrary, commercial electricians deal with a higher voltage of more than 240 volts. Commercial buildings operate on larger three-phase power systems running inside conduits for protection. Therefore, commercial electricians deal with more powerful and complex systems. 

4. Differences in Equipment and Supplies

With varying voltages, commercial and residential electricians will use different equipment and supplies, including breakers. Residential electricians work with smaller electrical systems that require thin gauge cabling with thin plastic sheathing and insulation.

Commercial electricians have to use more sheath wires and are well insulated for the electrical system to handle the large commercial spaces and power supplies. In commercial buildings, the electrical components require a continuous power supply. Therefore, it is more accessible for easier commercial electrical work like repairs, maintenance, and installation.

5. Technical Skills Required by a Residential and Commercial Electrician

Even though both commercial and residential electricians pursue the same education, the difference comes in the types of apprenticeships they follow. A commercial electrician is more skilled and experienced than a residential electrician. This is because they deal with more complex wiring systems that require more knowledge and training. You can only be a master electrician to design safe, reliable, and quality electrical systems in offices. 

The three-phase systems used in commercial settings are also more complicated, hence require more skilled electricians to get the job done. Typically, when dealing with public buildings that require voltage balancing and other advanced operations, an electrician will have to attain higher qualifications.

6. Work Under Different Standards and Policies

Any Idaho Falls electrician must adhere to the required safety standards and policies when working on various projects. These policies are different for residential and commercial electricians. They dictate everything that must be followed, from the type of technicians allowed to the tools and supplies used.

A commercial electrician will have more strict and extensive policies and safety standards to ensure employee safety. Besides, they must design systems that meet the power needs of any business in Idaho Falls. These can include installing power backup sources in commercial buildings that provide critical services, like hospitals.

Let a Professional Electrician Handle Your Power Needs

Now that you’ve understood the differences between a residential and commercial electrician, or industrial electrician it is time to let professional electricians handle any of your electrical problems.

So, where do I find an electrician near me? At Cutting Edge Electric, we are here for you. Our professional and experienced electricians are always ready to work and ensure that you get the best services. Therefore, whether you are a business owner or a homeowner in Idaho Falls, we will help you find a certified electrician to ensure that your home or business is secure and comfortable. Feel free to reach us today for all your electrical needs.