What does a commercial electrician do

If you have encountered a good electrician, you will likely agree they are valuable and highly skilled professionals. You may already know that some electricians perform residential electrical work, and others perform industrial or commercial electrical work. However, you may wonder what the difference between the categories is and what commercial electricians do.

This guide will discuss the demand for licensed electricians and the similarities and differences between industrial, commercial, and residential electricians. You can also learn more about licensed electrician qualification requirements, the services of commercial electrical contractors, and how to choose a good commercial electrician. Read on for more!

The Demand for Licensed Electricians

Electricians are generally professionals who can install, maintain, and repair electrical power, control systems, and electrical technology systems in residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

There is a growing need for qualified electricians in Australia. Many people are going into the profession, and they get employed to install, repair, and maintain electrical systems.

Who are industrial, commercial, and residential electricians?

While there are differences in terms of depth of experience and speciality between the three types of electricians, they still have some similarities. Here are some similarities between residential, industrial, and commercial electricians.

Similarities

• Most electricians often climb ladders and do electrical work in crawl spaces. That is certainly something that all electricians can do, no matter the type of electrician.

• Residential, commercial, and industrial electricians also share similar basic knowledge and skills to repair electrical systems.

• They can all read electrical schematics and technical drawings.

Differences

There may be an overlap in the skills and qualifications of these professionals. However, you can read on to learn some key differences between residential, industrial, and commercial electricians.

Residential electricians

From their job title, you can infer that residential electricians are professionals who focus on performing domestic electrical work. Residential electricians can fix your house wiring when it goes faulty and upgrade some electrical system elements.

They can also install roof plumbing and LED downlights.

Industrial electricians

An Industrial electrician usually focuses on installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in industrial settings. This includes electrical work in industrial facilities, buildings, hospitals, factories, manufacturing plants, mines, warehouses, and civil construction sites. You may find them troubleshooting and repairing electrical equipment, such as large and heavy machines and engine technology equipment.

Commercial Vs. Industrial Electricians

The basic qualifications of industrial electricians may be similar to those of commercial electricians. However, industrial electricians usually have unique skills and training to work on specific electrical systems. An excellent example is being able to work in electrical power companies.

Another difference between commercial and industrial electricians lies in the scale of work. Industrial electricians are responsible for repairing electrical components on a larger scale.

They also work in sometimes more challenging environments and perform different tasks. For example, industrial electricians can work on more high-voltage components.

In addition, the work of an industrial electrician can be quite dangerous. That is why they are always well-trained and licensed.

Commercial electricians

Commercial electricians tend to focus on electrical work that involves installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in commercial settings such as businesses.

Other tasks that you may also find commercial electricians doing include repairing electrical systems in office buildings, restaurants, and retail stores. They are good at using various testing equipment for troubleshooting electrical systems.

Qualifications for Commercial Electricians

Commercial electrical systems are generally similar to residential electrical systems. That is why you may not need a re-certification to work commercially if you already have electrician certifications.

However, the tendency is that you need more than an electrician qualification to be recognised as a licensed electrician for industrial or commercial electrical work.

These qualifications demonstrate your ability to set up, test, install, and repair electrical systems. You should be able to design circuits and install and maintain electrical components. It also shows that you are familiar with safety protocols involving electrical systems.

Licenced electrician qualification requirements

You need basic, professional, and on-the-job training to perform electrical installations and equipment repairs. The journey from being a beginner to achieving full licensing for commercial electricians takes serious commitment.

Licensed electrician qualification requirements for commercial electricians include the following:

• You need to have a basic education in relevant electrical fields.

• Get a Certificate III in electrotechnology electrician certification.

• You are required to complete and pass the Licensed Electrician's Assessment (LEA).

• You must complete a technical electrical program at an institute or a trade school.

• A minimum of a year of experience in performing relevant electrical work is required.

• An option for gaining work experience is to participate in apprenticeship programs.

• You also need to be knowledgeable about specific electrical system-related technical rules.

• In addition, you need to continue participating in programs related to on-site commercial electrical services.

Services of Commercial Electrical Contractors

Commercial electricians work on and maintain electrical systems in commercial buildings such as shopping centres and office buildings. Before you choose a commercial electrical contractor for your project, you should be aware of the scope of electrical tasks they can perform.

In the same vein, here are some general services that commercial electrical contractors can help you with:

• Ensuring that commercial electrical systems' wiring and electrical components are functioning well.

• You can depend on them to maintain electrical equipment in commercial buildings.

• Installation of electrical equipment and power points.

• Electrical and maintenance services on electrical systems.

Specific tasks of commercial electricians

If you're still asking: "What does a commercial electrician do?" You can consider the following specific jobs that commercial electricians perform.

Installation of data and network cabling systems

You can invite commercial electricians to handle data and network cabling tasks. They have the skills to install, maintain, and repair data cables and network cables that link computers and devices together.

Electrical upgrades for house moves

Commercial electricians can take care of your electrical system needs for the new house you are moving to. This includes checking safety switches and upgrading switchboards to meet electrical loads.

Besides, they are qualified to perform test and tag activities on cables and antenna installations if needed. Likewise, they can service generators, smoke alarm systems, and health and safety equipment.

Commercial electrical installations and maintenance

You can invite your commercial electrician to install and maintain electrical devices and connections. This includes the installation of ceiling fans, split systems, and heat pumps. Likewise, you can call them if you need a fire alarm or solar installer.

How to Choose a Good Commercial Electrician

Choosing the right commercial electrician to perform electrical repairs on commercial buildings is imperative. After all, poor electrical work can compromise the integrity of neighbourhood electrical systems and even pose safety hazards.

Here are some qualities to look out for when choosing a licensed commercial electrician:

• Your commercial electrician should have up-to-date knowledge and skills to perform data, network cabling, and other commercial electrical work.

• They should have experience in performing commercial electrical work.

• They are skilled professionals with enough attention to detail to follow technical drawings when installing electrical systems.

• You should be able to enjoy the benefits of hiring a commercial electrician. This includes saving money on energy bills, electrical safety, and preventing downtime.

• Ensure they can handle high-risk electrical jobs such as installing electrical equipment. This includes transformers and load control devices.

• Your commercial electrician must always follow state and national regulations for all wiring and electrical installations.

• Your commercial electrical contractor should have the right tools and equipment for electrical installations, repairs, and maintenance.

• Licensed electricians should be able to provide quality assurance for their electrical work.

• Of course, you should be sure they have the needed electrician licence.

Commercial Electricians Can Meet Your Needs

After reading this piece, you now know more about what commercial electricians do. You also learned more about the distinction between commercial and industrial electricians.

Perhaps you need an emergency electrician or an electrician for an office move. Trying a DIY electrical repair for what should be an electrician's job is not advisable. For your safety and more effective results, hiring an electrician for your commercial and residential electrical needs is preferable.