The Difference Between a Commercial Electrician and a Residential Electrician

While looking over your options for an electrical contractor, you notice that you can choose between a residential and a commercial electrical contractor. However, if you are not familiar with these terms, you might not be prepared to decide which is needed for your project. Here are some major differences between the two trades to help you decide which is needed for your project.

Specialized Education

After high school, electricians spend at least two years in trade school to learn the details of electricity and safety. Following trade school, electricians complete a minimum of two years of internship, that is, on-the-job training under a senior electrical contractor to ensure each one is prepared. These steps are true for both residential and commercial electrical contractors, but the residential intern electricians train with other residential electricians, and commercial intern electricians train with commercial electrical contractors. On-the-job training mirrors the desired outcome.

Building codes, regulations, and construction standards will apply to both residential and commercial projects. However, the codes and standards will be different for both residential and commercial projects.

Work Settings

Residential electrical contractors focus their expertise and experience on homes or multi-family housing structures, while commercial electrical contractors work in commercial and industrial sites, large and small.

While residential electricians primarily service single-family homes, commercial projects will vary in size and complexity, from a commercial space remodel to a high-rise office building to an industrial complex. These projects may include:

• New construction or remodeling of existing spaces
• Complete wiring projects or simple switch or outlet replace
• Troubleshooting and diagnostics
• Electronics that include fire or smoke alarms, security, and sound wiring

Different Wiring

The wiring installed in most homes consists of single-phase wiring that carries 120 or 240 volts. Wire insulation consists of a simple plastic sheath fished through drilled holes in construction material. Commercial electrical contractors are familiar with a variety of wiring types, including three-phase systems that carry 120 to 480 volts. In addition to the plastic sheathing, commercial wiring is encased in a metal conduit to prevent electric shock and fire.

Do You Need a Commercial or a Residential Electrician?

With our four decades of experience as electrical contractors, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help answer your Commercial and Residential electrical questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our teams of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair, Whole Home Generator installation, and electrical installation needs.