How Do You Know When To Hire A Commercial Or Residential Electrician

Whenever you consider a field for your career, there are several specialties. Likewise, if you want to become an electrician, then you will have to choose between various areas of expertise. The primary specialities in the electrical field are commercial and residential electricians. The training in both fields highly depends upon the area or work environment in which you want to work in.

So, if you are employing an electrician or becoming one, you might be curious to know the difference between commercial and domestic electricians. If this is the case with you, then here is a perfect guide that can help you understand their meaning and the key differences between the two.

About Commercial Electrician

A commercial electrician works in an industrial environment. Their task may include repairing, installing or updating electrical systems like lighting, generators, receptacles and transformers.

The term commercial includes places where business is carried out. It can be public places such as hotels, hospitals and schools. Or, it can be a commercial area such as offices, office parks, buildings, retail stores and industrial facilities like factories.

About Residential Or Domestic Electricians

Residential means anything related to homes. So you can connect the dots yourself. A residential electrician is an electrician who specialises in repairing, installing, maintaining and updating the wiring, power outlets, light fixtures and electrical system of the households. You can hire them if you want them to repair electrical components in an apartment, home, condo or townhome. Residential electricians are also referred to as domestic electricians.

The Difference Between The Two

Now that you know what commercial and residential electricians are, you should also know their key difference. One of the key distinctions in electrical work is the contrast between a commercial VS domestic electrician. Although being an electrician is pretty much the same thing as it requires you to deal with electrical items. However, these specialities are different in their own way, so their training also differs from one another. Some of the key differences are:

Work Environment

The work environment of both the job of residential and commercial electricians greatly differs. Domestic or residential electrician work on construction sites where homes are being built. They also repair, maintain or install fixtures or wiring in the house. Their work environment is less chaotic. Residential electricians have to deal with the common public as the houses usually have individuals and families living in them. Thus, they need to respect their property while performing their task.

On the other hand, commercial electricians may also work on construction sites, but they work where commercial buildings are being constructed. Some examples of commercial sites are factories, parks, hotels, hospitals and retail stores. Companies often hire commercial electricians to oversee their firm’s electrical structure, including installing and maintaining systems and machinery.

Educational Requirements

Since both professions include dealing with electrical work, they both include relatively similar milestones. The education requirement for both specialities is the same. For instance, both professions require a school diploma or GED. You should also have a one or two-year apprenticeship or finish the two-year technical school program.

The difference in terms of education is in the kind of apprenticeship one pursues. A residential electrician should pursue an apprenticeship in an electrician business specialising in maintaining, repairing and installing an electrical system for household or residential properties. If one wants to become a commercial electrician, one should pursue an apprenticeship in the electrical business. A commercial electric business employer would prepare the individual for working in commercial buildings and large electrical systems.

Duties Of Commercial And Residential Electricians

Due to differences in the work environment, the job responsibilities of both specialities differ on a high level. Here are some of the examples on different work-front for the same:

Different Wiring Systems

Commercial electricians have to deal with large tube conduits that go well with commercial properties. Residential electricians have to work with smaller systems that include plastic sheathing. Also, the wiring system of homes is easy to deal with, which is also overseen by the residential electrician.

The Size Of The Voltage Systems Vary

The size of the voltage system installed by commercial and domestic electricians is different. Commercial electricians can work with voltage above 240 volts in large commercial buildings, whereas residential electrician works between 120 to 240 volts. It is the electrical energy that is supplied to households.

Separate Quality Systems

Regarding safety and quality, both job fields have different policies to follow. The task of a residential electrician is simple, as they do not have to maintain or install backup systems. Commercial electricians must install and maintain backup power sources for commercial buildings like hospitals, grocery stores, law enforcement facilities and medical laboratories.

Final Thoughts

If you have come this far, you now know what commercial and residential electricians are. This article has also highlighted the difference between both specialities. If you were to hire someone, then see what kind of task you have.