When it comes to residential and commercial electrical jobs, there are some substantial differences. Wiring a commercial or residential job may seem similar in many ways. However, not all electricians are trained or capable to handle both. The size of the jobs could be quite different, but the electrical systems are quite different as well.
Commercial versus residential: what is the difference?
As the names suggest, commercial and industrial wiring is meant for businesses, schools, hotels, mixed-use facilities, and more. Residential wiring is meant for homes and other residential dwellings. Commercial work can be a lot more complex than residential electrician work.
Electrical load demands, electrical panel sizes, and other commercial electrical work require safety measures not needed on traditional residential wiring. This is especially true for commercial wiring in a business park. There may be four or five different businesses that need four or five different levels of electrical wiring.
Wiring types and power phases
There are also differences in how wiring needs to be installed between residential and commercial buildings. Commercial buildings utilize tube-like conduits for electrical protection. Residential wiring uses plastic sheathing that is wound through thin and narrow wires. This helps add an extra layer of protection.
Residential wiring usually does not use conduits, but there are some cases when this is necessary. Residential wiring also uses single-phase power, where commercial electricians work with writing that uses three-phase power. The amount of power that is supplied to a commercial building is immensely greater than the power supplied to a home.
Consider the sheer number of different electrical uses in commercial or industrial markets. Specialized medical equipment in hospitals, heavy-duty machinery in a manufacturing facility, and buried infrastructure for new subdivisions or multi-family homes. Food distribution facilities need dependable refrigeration, schools need reliable HVAC systems, and hospitals need capable backup systems.
Keeping hundreds of pounds of food-safe, keeping children healthy, and monitoring the vital signs of patients are all extremely important. You want to make sure you have the right electrical systems in place to provide the power you need, installed by experienced professionals.
Which type of electrician is right for your project?
When looking to hire an electrician, you will need to consider what kind of property they will be working on. This will determine what type of electrician should complete the job. Residential electricians are generally limited to working only for homeowners and their specific electrical needs.
Commercial or industrial electricians work alongside contractors, architects, and building designers and implement large scale electrical projects. They might also need to provide specific blueprints or plans for electrical installations. Residential electricians are not usually asked to do this, although their work must meet code.
The world is run on electricity and we can help keep you connected! Looking for reliable and experienced electrical contractors to work on your commercial or residential electrical project? Look no further than Prairie Electric. Our design-build experts will make sure you have the power you need for any structure.
In addition to new construction, we also provide a wide range of repair, upgrades, and re-wiring for your home or facility. We also provide custom-designed panels for use in aerospace, medical, military, and other applications. Have an idea to make your plant more efficient? Contact us today to see how we can help.
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