What is the Role of a Commercial Electrician?

An electrician is someone who is in the power business. Not generating power, of course, but getting electrical power from its source to places where residential or commercial users can put the power to work. While residential and commercial electricians share some skills and qualifications, there are significant differences between the two types. 

Residential versus Commercial Electricians 

A residential electrician is a person who works on electrical components found in new and established apartments/apartment complexes, single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. They can install, repair, and update electrical systems in those properties, including working on wiring, light fixtures, circuit boards, and power outlets. While working in established residential properties, a residential electrician must be especially conscious and respectful of the residence’s occupants and their personal property.  

A commercial electrician is a person who works on larger properties, including offices, hotels, resorts, shopping malls, retail stores, school buildings, hospitals, medical offices, industrial facilities, grocery stores, etc. Commercial electricians install, repair, and update electrical systems, including transformers, lighting, electrical receptacles, and generators. The scope of their work is generally much more extensive than residential electricians. Because of their size and complexity, commercial electrical projects require a much greater sensitivity to safety and involve a much higher skill set. 

There are commonalities and differences between residential and commercial electricians: 

Both are responsible for the safety, compliance, and finishing of electrical installation activities. And both must understand and be able to interpret technical blueprints, diagnose and repair electrical faults, and be able to inspect and rewire electrical systems. Commercial electricians’ duties, however, are on a larger and more complex scale. 

Both utilize similar tools and equipment. The most significant difference is in the power supply. Residential electricians use smaller gauge wiring for single-phase systems ranging from 120V to 240V. Commercial electricians use larger cables with more insulation and sheathing in three-phase systems with higher voltage requirements. 

Both start their education and training in the same way, but commercial electricians require more experience because of the complexity of their projects. 

Typically, commercial electricians work on projects that are much larger and more complex than residential electricians’ projects.

Compliance standards for both types of electricians are extensive. However, commercial electricians have substantially more stringent regulations and standards. 

What Do Commercial Electricians Do? 

Commercial electricians: 

• Make plans for all new installations and all systems that must be constructed. 
• Make and read technical drawings. 
• Use knowledge of piping, tubes, systems, and codes. 
• Install wire and electrical units and attach covers for open circuits and wiring systems. 
• Make sure that all installations work, that they are safe, and meet required codes. 
• Inspect, diagnose, and rectify any issues in the wiring. 
• Wire instruments that control the power, heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, and lighting in buildings. 
• Maintain electrical systems. 
• Lead teams that work on large-scale projects. 

Commercial electricians must be able to discern different colors because commercial electrical working is color-coded. They must be able to stand, climb ladders as necessary, lift over 50 pounds, and even remain in uncomfortable positions for long periods. 

The Role of a Commercial Electrician 

In summary, the role of a commercial electrician is to install, inspect, repair, and maintain electrical devices and power systems in commercial buildings. In other words, “keep the lights on” and keep the systems running. 

Requirements for a Commercial Electrician 

A commercial electrician must have a high school diploma or equivalent and must have either an Associate’s degree or have completed an apprenticeship with a required number of hours of work experience in a commercial setting. To become a commercial electrician, extensive experience is necessary due to the complexity of the projects. That can include as much as 4,000 hours of on-the-job experience, along with in-depth knowledge about phase and voltage balancing, circuitry, control systems, and phase diagrams. 

A commercial electrician must typically master algebra because it will be required to determine load calculations for building circuits. An electrician’s license will be required with specific licensing requirements set by each state. Because the power systems are different for residential and commercial projects, the licensing requirements are different for residential and commercial electricians. Electricians need to have a solid technical aptitude for working with commercial wiring systems and the facility and manual skills to work with electrical tools. They will also need to have a solid understanding of electrical codes. 

What Can Staco Electric Construction Company Do for You? 

Call on Staco Electric Construction Company to build or install any electrical system required in your commercial building. We install high-efficiency systems designed to be the most cost-effective on the market. We also build electrical systems tailored to your property and your specific needs. 

We can handle any job you have, including installing new electrical systems and components, replacing old wiring with a new system, ensuring that task-critical electrical systems and equipment are operating correctly and efficiently, or servicing long-term maintenance of your office building’s electrical needs.  

We can install and service lighting systems, generators, motor control centers, uninterruptible power supply systems, TVSS systems, computer/data processing power systems, general backup systems, high and low voltage distribution systems, emergency and standby power generating systems, along with security, fire, and access control systems.  

We can also install and service energy-efficient lighting, exterior lighting control systems, solar power systems, DC power plants, HVAC DDC systems, energy management systems, and building management systems. 

We can install and service all the needs across many commercial property types. 

Our service capabilities include retrofitting and additions, replacement, repair, maintenance work, installation of additional circuits, switchboard installation, bus duct and riser feeder installation, power and control wiring for processing equipment, computer room installations, motor controls and conveyor wiring, main service and panel replacements, telecommunications, copper and fiber optic, and local area network installations. We also do power factor testing and correction, NEC code correction, power quality analysis, control work, and we provide 24-hour emergency service.  

Choose an Experienced and Proven Solar Commercial Electrical Construction Company 

Contact Staco Electric Construction Company, based in Kansas City, MO, and serving the commercial construction industry in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Oklahoma.  

Since 1971, Staco Electric Company has earned a reputation as one of the Midwest’s most experienced and highly recommended electrical and data/communications contracting services. 

With a comprehensive knowledge of new technologies, as well as systems that have been installed for years, we’re the Kansas City region’s service and installation specialists. We aim to provide outstanding service to every client.