For
distinction, a commercial electrician is a trained (and licensed) electrician
whose main specialty is on wiring and installing the electrical systems in
commercial building rather than residential buildings.
These
professional electricians can also work with much bigger systems in large
buildings. These include such buildings as shopping malls office buildings,
restaurants, government buildings and other high rises.
There are
many aspects of the job and the training which are all similar to those of
residential electricians. However, there are also very important differences to
consider.
Duties and responsibilities
Like the
basic duties of most electricians, commercial electrician must be able to
install maintain, inspect and repair electrical systems in commercial
buildings. Since these buildings are not used as residences, they are
relatively taller than the residential buildings.
One
exception is that some large apartment buildings are considered commercial rather
than residential buildings.
Some work details
Commercial electrician install wirings and electrical components like switches and
lights. They are also tasked to maintain these electrical systems, inspecting
them to make sure they work, are completely safe and up to code. They are also
expected to be able to diagnose and fix problems in the wirings and some other
electrical components.
For new
construction projects, they must know how to plan the electrical systems for
the new project. In doing these, they are expected to be able to use and follow
state, local and national guidelines.
After
quite some time being a professional, they can be expected to lead teams of
electricians
and training apprentices full time.
Work place
Typically,
the work environment of a commercial electrician is indoors. However, there is
also a significant amount of time spent in the work truck, going to and from
jobs.
Like the
residential electricians, these professionals have some parts of their work
involving some physical demands. Sometimes, they are required to go into small
spaces, move around a lot and sometimes spending the whole day standing or
crouching in their work place. Sometimes, the work can become dangerous, with
the risk of shocks, and some injuries from the tools and other equipment. There
are always strict reminders for them to follow regarding the use of safety
gears. This is to avoid and preclude potential accidents.
Training / licensing
Different
states have different and separate licensing for commercial and residential
electricians. The main reason is that the wiring and the power used in
commercial settings are different.
In
residential settings, the power is one-phase, while the power to commercial
buildings is three-way phase. Electricians working on commercial wiring need to
be trained to be able to work with these important differences.
OJT and work experience
For any electrician,
to become a commercial electrician would need a certain number of learning
hours as well as doing on the job training and work experience. . An
apprenticeship program can provide all of these required hours.
Some
programs include training for both residential and commercial work, while these
are separate trainings in others.
If you
want to become a commercial electrician you will need to have a certain number
of hours of work experience, depending on your state, in a commercial setting.
