Need an Electrician at Your Business or Industrial Organization? Bypass the Residential Electrician and Go for the Commercial or Industrial Electrician
An electrician is an electrician, right? Can’t a residential electrician perform the same work as a commercial or an industrial electrician? Isn’t all wiring the same?
The truth of the matter is, yes, some electricians specialize in residential electrical work, commercial electrical, AND industrial electrical work – just some, not all.
If you have a business or an industrial organization that requires an electrician, it is imperative that you bypass the residential professional and only choose those that specialize in commercial and industrial electrical work.
What Are the Differences Between Residential Electricity and Commercial or Industrial Electricity?
The following outlines the main differences between residential electricity and that which is classified as either “commercial” or “industrial”:
- First, there are different types of wiring used in residences than either commercial or industrial settings.
- The electrical codes are very different.
- The overall energy demands are much higher for commercial and industrial settings than it is for residential settings.
- The grade or overall quality of the materials is much higher among businesses and industrial settings than that of the residential setting.
- The environment of the wiring installation and the basic electrical setup are both quite different.
What Are the Differences in Wiring Between Residences, Businesses, and Industrial Organizations?
The following outlines the key differences in all of the wiring associated with residences, businesses, and industrial settings:
- Wiring Types – In residences, the wiring that is used is quite thin in comparison to the wiring used in businesses and industrial organizations. In addition to this, commercial-grade wiring includes a nylon-based coating that has a very high level of resistance to hear and is identified as “thermoplastic”. This may also be referred to as a “TTHT Coating”. This coating makes commercial electrical wiring extremely durable, safe to use in such environments, and contributes to its overall level of longevity.
- Conduits – A conduit is a type of tube or a special type of trough that is designed to protect wiring while routing it safely through a business or industrial setting. Conduits are only necessary in these settings, but is not required in a residence. In fact, residential electrical wires are usually only sheathed within a specially-designed plastic material. This material is capable of touching various aspects of the home (such as the walls and insulation) without endangering that structure from fire.
- Material Quality – In commercial electrical work, there are higher standards and codes put into place. These wires must be resistant to heat, the development of corrosion, and exposure to various chemicals. The wiring is much higher quality than that which is required in a residence. This means that the commercial or industrial electrician must be able to understand and effectively work with these specialized wiring systems while residential electricians do not have this responsibility.
What Are the Educational Requirements of a Residential and Commercial Electrician?
The residential electrician does have to go through all of the necessary licensing and certification requirements as set forth by the local agencies and the state agencies where the individual resides.
Commercial electricians go through the same requirements; however, they must also complete a special apprenticeship program prior to taking on commercial and/or industrial electrical jobs. In other words, everything other than a residential electrician will be required to undergo additional, more comprehensive training in order to work in the commercial or the industrial setting.
One thing to note, a commercial electrician or an industrial electrician may perform electrical work in a residential setting, but a residential electrician cannot perform electrical work in a commercial or industrial setting.
What Do Residential Electricians Do?
Residential electricians work inside of residential homes to install electrical systems, components, accessories, and conduct any necessary repairs associated with the electrical system of the home.
Examples of tasks that may be performed include reading blueprint, inspecting electrical components in and around the home, and installing new wiring, lights, and other types of electrical components.
Additionally, residential electricians perform maintenance on residential electrical systems. Unless advanced training, licensing, and certification was pursued, most residential electricians are unable to perform commercial electrical work or industrial electrical work.
What Do Commercial Electricians Do?
A commercial electrician performs new construction jobs and does the installation of lights, transformers, receptacles, and other electrical system components. It is common for the professional to wire in breaker panels and ensure that all commercial buildings are able to meet the general building requirements, codes, and other policies pertaining to its electrical system.
Most are able to do industrial electrical work and all are capable of doing residential electric.
What Does an Industrial Electrician Do?
Industrial electricians – who are often referred to as “mill electricians” – are responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing various types of industrial electrical machinery and equipment. They also perform all of these tasks on the associated controls and other aspects of the systems.
Most industrial electricians are capable of performing commercial electrical work and all are capable of performing residential electrical work.
Are Electricians Insured?
Licensed, certified electricians are typically completely insured. This insurance will cover the work that they perform and any issues that arise out of complications associated with that work.
It is best to hire a professional electrician from a company. This way, you know the license and certification is up-to-date, the work is guaranteed, and there is insurance coverage for the professional already in place.
Contact Us Today
We here at Hardcore Electric are capable of performing residential electrical work, commercial electrical work, and industrial electrical work. Regardless of your need, we are standing by and ready to assist you.
We offer many services such as new construction installation, remodels, UL panels, electric additions, security systems, lighting retrofits, and more!
If you are a business or an industrial organization, you will benefit from our skills, experience, and complete electrical expertise.
