The difference between a residential electrician and a commercial electrician is obvious: the latter has a different set of skills and work environments. Residential and industrial electrical technicians begin from the same educational foundation, but their skills and experience vary. One main difference is the type of power used in the two settings. In residential homes, power is generally one-phase, while power in commercial buildings is three-phase. The electrical codes for both are very different, which requires an experienced professional with a thorough understanding of the differences.
A commercial electrician will install lighting and power outlets in a commercial setting. Most commercial wiring follows a three-phase system, with two smaller legs running one voltage and a large leg running a higher voltage. A typical commercial building may use 120 volts, 208-240 volts, or a more robust 277/480-volt system. While these voltages may vary, the wires will usually be exposed. They may also run along exposed walls.
Commercial electricians are typically responsible for installing power outlets and lighting in a commercial space. They use a three-phase approach for wiring, which has two smaller legs running a lower voltage and a larger leg running a higher voltage. In a typical commercial setting, power needs might be 120 volts, 208-240 volts, or 277/480 volts. The wiring for these systems will likely be concealed and unobtrusive, with a pigtail or wire that is exposed to be seen.
A commercial electrician will usually work on a contract basis and work on electrical installations for businesses and institutions. This job requires extensive classroom training and on-the-job training. This phase of the training involves working on a variety of jobs, from small businesses to large-scale buildings. In addition to electrical installation, commercial electricians also ensure that commercial buildings are safe and operate properly. The duties of a commercial electrician vary depending on the size of the company, which may include emergency service calls or emergency repair services.
A commercial electrician will typically have an associate’s degree and an apprenticeship. Usually, they work on electrical systems that are common in a commercial setting. They also need to be familiar with pneumatics, hydraulics, and magnetic motor controls. A typical commercial electrician will need to learn the basics of these processes in order to do his or her job effectively. Once they have completed their education, they will be able to start their career as a commercial electrician.
Generally, a commercial electrician will work on a construction site. In addition to completing electrical installations, a commercial electrician will also do maintenance on electrical systems in an existing building. Both types of electricians require the same education. They must hold a high school diploma or GED, or complete a two-year technical school program. They may also work as a residential or a business owner. There are many differences between residential and commercial electricians, but the basic requirements are similar.