Residential vs Industrial vs Commercial Electricians: The Difference

When electricity was first invented in the late 1800s, the world became an entirely different place. No more did we have to use a wax candle to produce light at night or make a fire to heat our food. Electricity pathed the way in many different industries to create a much more efficient and productive world that moves faster than ever.

For more on the discovery and invention of electricity, read this informative article. Not only does it create numerous possibilities for humankind, it also creates thousands of jobs around the world. Today, many men and women who are interested in a career within the electrical industry can choose a career as an industrial, commercial, or residential electrician.

What’s the difference between these three occupations and what do they entail? Let’s have a closer look.

RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICIANS

To become a qualified residential electrician, candidates should have at least a high school diploma. Then they should take on an apprenticeship in which they will have to learn all the theory behind electricity and all it entails. To be able to pass a competency exam, candidates should partake in 8,000-10,000 on-the-job working hours; either shadowing an experienced electrician or performing minor tasks.

After they successfully completed their apprenticeship, they will receive licensing and certification and are then allowed to work in apartments and homes. Residential electricians are only allowed to work with single phase power supplies that range between 120-240 voltages.

Residential technicians can perform many different tasks including replacing and installing smoke detectors, safety switches, LED lighting, and other lighting indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, they can perform repair and maintenance tasks on electrical appliances and wiring in and around the house.

Companies like THG Electrical & Data are able to provide their clients with either commercial or residential electricians. Hiring a company that can perform different electrical tasks within different industries is important for your project’s reliability and success.

INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIANS

Electricians within the industrial industry have to partake in the same kind of foundational training as those within the residential industry. Additionally, they need extra training in specific process equipment. Understanding the wiring and installing of different process equipment within different types of industries are very important.

For example, wiring and installing an automotive production facility is completely different to wiring a food processing plant. Electricians who want to work within industrial workforces should go for extra training within the operation of process equipment and control wiring.

These technicians typically work in production facilities, warehouses, factories, and plants. They will work on equipment, systems, and machinery that are expensive and complex. Industries like food processing, pharmaceutical companies, mining, chemical engineering, and automotive will typically use industrial electricians for all their power needs.

It’s uncommon for a residential electrician to work within the industrial workforce since the power needs are so different. Tasks performed by them usually entails troubleshooting of system electronics and controls, inspections and assessments of high voltage equipment and machinery, grounding and installation of manufacturing equipment and power conductors, and regular upkeep, repair, and maintenance on electrical components and systems.

Business owners of these complex industries will either employ their own on-site industrial electrician or contract qualified and experienced candidates.

COMMERCIAL ELECTRICIANS

A commercial electrician also needs a high school diploma, 8,000-10,000 on-the-job experience, theoretical knowledge, and a competency exam. They are also equipped to work in residential areas but are more experienced in working with commercial properties like restaurants, shops, business offices, retail stores, and other publicly accessible buildings.

For owners and property managers who rent out or rent commercial properties, a commercial electrician is for you. Especially if you are building a commercial property from scratch, it’s important to have a qualified technician who understands the layout of a commercial property.

Commercial properties have different needs to that of a residential home or apartment. In many cases, these electricians should be able to install generators, transformers, lighting, heating, and breaker panel wiring. They should also follow strict guidelines and recommendations set by the property itself, to ensure a safe environment for workers within. 

For more information on different types of electricians, https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-of-electricians/.

Before any one of these electricians earn their license to work within their different industries, they have to partake in hundreds of hours of on-the-job training, theoretical studies, and exams to earn different certifications.

This process is set up by the government and should be adhered to by electrical companies to ensure the safety of their residents. Before you hire a company, make sure that their workforce is licensed and properly trained.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF AN ELECTRICIAN?

To many of us, changing a lightbulb or tying a few wires might seem like a very easy job, think again. Electricians provide an essential task in that they keep us safe. Electricity can be extremely dangerous when wrongly installed or wired. It’s therefore important to hire a professional within the industry to avoid unwanted hazards and safety concerns.

When wiring or electrical installation is done incorrectly it can either cause fatal shocks or fires. Electricians undergo hundreds of hours of training and studies to ensure they understand all the components involved when working with electricity.

Trying a DIY home repair, without the relevant knowledge, will only cost you more in the future. When it seems too complicated to fix, it probably is. Professional and trained electricians can troubleshoot and analyze different electrical problems too. Once they’ve identified the problem, they’ll be able to recommend the safest solution to you.

Knowing the difference between these types of electricians will help you identify much easier which kind of electrician you should hire for your project. Not all electricians are the same. Sure, they all have to go for licensing and training at primary level. But when electricians want to further their training to become more skilled, they’ll need extended training. Additional and further training is what distinguishes the three types of electrical occupations from each other, even though the foundation of electrical knowledge is already there.