A commercial electrician is a trained and licensed electrician who focuses on wiring and electrical systems in commercial buildings rather than residential buildings. These electricians work with bigger systems, in large buildings like shopping malls, office buildings, restaurants, government buildings and high rises. 

A commercial electrician is a trained and licensed electrician who focuses on wiring and electrical systems in commercial buildings rather than residential buildings. These electricians work with bigger systems, in large buildings like shopping malls, office buildings, restaurants, government buildings and high rises. Many aspects of the job and training are similar to those of residential electricians, but there are also some important differences to consider when choosing your future electrical career.

Job Description

Commercial electricians may plan and diagram electrical systems, including the conduits of tubing or pipe often required by local electrical codes. Or, the electrician may work from blueprints provided by the general contractor. Whether designing the system or working from blueprints, the electrician installs the conduits and runs the electrical wiring. These wires are usually terminated at switches, circuit breaker panels and relays. Commercial electricians wire instruments that control the power, lighting and heating units in buildings. They also provide wiring for air conditioning and refrigeration units.

Using electrical test meters and ohmmeters, commercial electricians ensure the continuity of wiring to ascertain compatibility and safety of the components. These tests may be performed during the installation of a new electrical system, to ensure its proper performance. The tests are also used to locate shorts and system breaks. After locating the source of the problem, the electrician repairs or replaces the wiring and conduits as needed.

Commercial electricians work with many standard hand tools including sawzalls, screwdrivers, pliers and knives. Heavier equipment may be provided by the employer. Most electricians are familiar with using power tools, test meters, pipe threaders and conduit benders.

The Roles and Job Duties of Commercial Electricians

Commercial electricians perform a wide range of duties, which can change according to their work setting and the kind of job they’re on. Generally speaking, the electrical needs of most commercial settings typically require:

• Installation of commercial switch gear

• Termination of large conductors

• Installation of cable trays

• Installation of commercial outlet boxes

• Installation of bus ducts

• Commercial wiring and lighting

• Electrical work on commercial transformers and generators

• Electrical work on raceways

• System wiring that involves significantly more electricity than residential sites

Commercial electricians are generally considered different from industrial electricians in that commercial wiring work doesn’t typically involve working with high voltage systems, industrial machinery, or at industrial settings like factories, refineries, foundries, oil and gas fields or power plants.

Facts about commercial electricians you may not know

You’ll either need an associate’s degree or apprenticeship to become a commercial electrician.

It probably isn’t a surprise that in many states, it is considered illegal to do any type of electrical work without having an electrician’s license. The only exception to this rule is when electrical work is done inside your house.

There are unique physical and mental demands of being a commercial electrician

While you may not have thought much about the physical and mental demands of being an electrician, these demands still exist. What are they, you may ask? One of the first things you’ll have to do as an electrician is to discern color. This is because wiring is typically color-coded.

You’ll also be standing most of the day, climbing ladders, and even staying in uncomfortable positions for an extended period of time. You’ll probably need to be able to lift about 50 pounds up to eye level.

There is a difference between an industrial electrician and commercial electrician

These job titles sound similar, but there is actually a difference between an industrial electrician and commercial electrician. For one, different training is required for each job title and these take place in different environments.

But both are electricians, right? Of course. According to PMI, both job titles have a core foundation of basic electrical knowledge. However, it is how their training is applied that defines the two different job titles.

Experienced commercial electricians can solve your electrical wiring problems if you know where to find them. Take note of the tips discussed here in this article and you will surely find an Electrician Blackburn that you can trust.