5 Reasons Why Hiring a Commercial Electrician is Always a Good Idea

If you’re a business owner, you understand that downtime can cost you time, money and customers. When you need something installed, or you experience an electrical issue, you need immediate assistance to keep your business running efficiently. But trusting your electrical matters to just anyone isn’t the best approach. Here’s why you should hire a commercial electrician to do the job and how you can find the right one in your area.

What is a Commercial Electrician?

A commercial electrician is someone who specializes in the electrical systems of commercial properties. This is different from a residential electrician, who focuses on the electrical systems for homes. Commercial electricians have the specialized training and experience to handle electrical work in small, medium, and large-scale businesses.

5 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Commercial Electrician

Whether you need something repaired or serviced, want to schedule an installation, or are considering a remodel, it’s a good idea to work with a professional. Here are five reasons why you should hire a commercial electrician to do the job.

1. Specialized Training and Skills

When electricians receive their training, they learn the same basic skills. But commercial electricians have more in-depth training and certifications that are specific to handling work in commercial settings. For example, these types of electricians are highly-trained in:

• Installation of commercial electrical wiring, electrical components, and recessed lighting
• Emergency electrical services
• Electrical panel repairs and maintenance
• Electricity retrofits for energy efficiency

It’s important to note that there is a difference in the systems that commercial and residential electricians handle. Residential electricians typically deal with single-phase systems ranging from 120v to 240v, and commercial electricians deal with three-phase systems ranging from 120v to 480v. Commercial electricians are also certified by the state in which they operate. These professionals have completed extensive apprenticeships or worked under a journeyman electrician for several years to get hands-on training in their trade.

2. Electrical Codes

Whenever you’re working with electricity, everything needs to meet certain regulations or codes. Most business owners or regular handymen aren’t going to be familiar with these codes, which is why you need a commercial electrician. Your highly-skilled specialist will have extensive knowledge of the local building codes and can ensure you meet all legal regulations when it comes to installations and upgrades.

3. License and Insurance

When you get electrical work done at your place of business, you want it to be done right and need some kind of guarantee against potential loss. A qualified commercial electrician will be fully licensed to do the work you need and will carry professional insurance as well. You won’t get the same protection from other, less professional workers.

4. Electrical Hazards

You hire professionals like airline pilots, corporate lawyers, and commercial electricians to do things you probably don’t have the skills to handle on your own. If you think about it, taking on some of these tasks can be hazardous and costly. Of course, many DIY websites and cable shows will try to convince you that this type of work is simple. But, one simple mistake can be costly and even deadly.

Commercial electricians know how to spot potential safety hazards and help you avoid them. When you hire a professional, you can protect your employees and safeguard your commercial property investment.

5. Overall Cost

It’s not uncommon for business owners to believe they can save money by avoiding hiring a professional electrician. This is far from the truth. When you try to cut corners with electrical jobs, you could create hazards that will cost your company significant cash in potential repairs. And, don’t forget that time is money, so any downtime you experience will impact your business as well as affect your brand’s reputation.

Tips for Hiring the Right Commercial Electrician

If you need electrical work done at your business, how can you make sure you hire the right contractor? Here are some tips to help you find the best commercial electrician who is experienced and reliable.

1. Choose a Licensed Electrician

In some areas, individual electricians aren’t required to have a license. But the business you work with should be well-established and licensed in your state or city. Check on the company to see how long they’ve been serving customers like yourself. If electricians in your area require specific licensing, you can ask the business to produce copies of those licenses.

2. Make Sure They Have Insurance

Licensed electrical contractors should also carry liability insurance to cover your business in case they cause damage from the work they perform. If you hire an uninsured electrical contractor, this puts your property and business at significant risk.

3. Check Reviews or Ask for References

Any reputable and established business will have a strong online presence, which should include some feedback from prior clients. Read through those reviews and take the occasional mediocre ones with a grain of salt. It’s also a good idea to ask the business for any references since they may be able to connect you with a customer who has had work done similar to your upcoming project.

4. Get Your Agreement in Writing

Make sure you get all estimates and agreements in writing before you have your new partner start work. This can help you avoid any misunderstandings about costs, timelines, and the scope of work. Make sure you understand upfront how long the project is expected to take and the final projected cost.

Connect With an Experienced Commercial Electrician in Kansas City

If you need a commercial electrician, Staco Electric Construction would like an opportunity to earn your business. Since 1971, we have been providing high-quality commercial electrician services and now serve clients throughout Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Oklahoma.

Our business installs and services lighting systems, generators, computer and data processing systems, DC power plants, security systems and much more. We work with office buildings, retail facilities, hospitals, schools, manufacturing facilities, and every imaginable type of commercial operation. Contact us today to see how we can help support your business.