What is a commercial electrician?
Commercial electricians typically perform services for businesses and other commercial locales. They often work in busy public places, not in homes or factories. The businesses view this work as a hassle. They want to keep their activities running normally during this time. This affects how commercial electricians work and shows why it is often difficult.
A commercial electrician’s job varies with each project. This is different from residential and industrial electricians. A commercial electrician works differently in a school than in an office building. They will consider each building’s layout and what each needs to operate effectively.
Commercial Electrician Job Description
A commercial electrician is a skilled and licensed expert. They install, repair, and maintain electrical systems in businesses. They can upgrade old systems with smart tech or to follow regulations. They may install backup power for grocery stores, police stations, and medical labs.
Collaboration with other skilled tradespeople is frequent, so effective communication skills are vital. Commercial electricians work on larger projects. They know more about different electrical systems than residential electricians do.
Commercial Electrician Job Responsibilities
A commercial electrician’s job includes general and emergency electrical services. This work often involves large and complex projects. Commercial electricians know how to follow codes for commercial spaces. They work with systems that use 240 to 480 volts. They work with equipment, including generators, transformers, lighting fixtures, and receptacles.
Common duties of commercial electricians include the following:
- Installing commercial recessed lighting and fixtures.
- Retrofitting outdated lighting with energy-efficient options.
- Repairing and maintaining electrical panels.
- Testing, diagnosing, and replacing electrical systems to ensure they are up to code.
- Providing price estimates
- Use hand tools and power tools to work on different electrical systems. This includes wire cutters, saws, ladders, and screwdrivers.
- Reading and implementing requirements from technical drawings.
- Leading teams of electricians
- Following state and local guidelines for wiring commercial systems.
What Commercial Electricians Do
Commercial electricians install, maintain, inspect, and repair electrical systems in commercial buildings. These buildings aren’t homes. They are usually bigger than those for residential electricians. An exception is a big apartment building. It may be seen as commercial, not residential. Some of the duties of these electricians are:
- Installing wiring and electrical components, such as switches and lights.
- Maintaining electrical systems
- Inspecting electrical systems to be sure they work, are safe, and are up to code.
- Diagnosing and fixing problems in wiring or electrical components.
- Reading and using technical drawings.
- Planning electrical systems for new construction.
- Using and following state, local, and national guidelines for wiring and electrical systems.
- Leading teams of electricians and training apprentices.
Commercial Electrician Education and Experience Requirements
Future electricians can start training after getting a high school diploma or equivalent. They can enroll in a vocational school program or join an electrician apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship programs usually take four to five years. They happen under a licensed electrician’s guidance. Individuals who attend a vocational electrician training program may complete shorter apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are paid on-the-job training. It’s important to note that this option varies by state and locality.
Besides education, commercial electricians need to complete specific training hours. Then, they must apply for a license, which most states require. Aspiring commercial electricians can visit the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies website for helpful information. It has the state requirements they need.
Commercial Electrician Fundamental Skills
A commercial electrician job description must highlight skills beyond physical strength and stamina. It should detail the specific abilities needed for the job. These skills are:
- Critical thinking. This skill is essential when making informed decisions about electrical systems. An electrician might need to pick a solution on their own. They consider different factors when making this choice.
- Color vision. Electricians use color-coded wiring. They must safely and accurately tell apart wires, components, and cables.
- Mechanical knowledge. These experts need practical skills. They navigate electrical systems, troubleshoot problems, use tools, and connect wires.
- Blueprint reading. Commercial electricians need to read technical drawings and blueprints. This helps them understand specifications, layouts, and connections.
- Troubleshooting. This is a fundamental skill that is commonly honed during a training program. This skill lets people use their knowledge in the field. It includes tasks like testing equipment and replacing motors.
- Commercial wiring. Residential and commercial electricians work with different power systems. They need to be skilled in managing the right voltages (over 240 volts), supplies, and equipment.
- Customer service. Electricians work with the public, co-workers, and stakeholders. So, strong communication skills are key. They help in presenting information and asking questions effectively.
Job Outlook for Commercial Electricians
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that electricians will see a 6% job growth from 2022 to 2032. Jobs will continue to be in demand to replace retirees and career changers. As alternative power sources grow, commercial electricians will be needed. They will install and replace solar and wind systems. Read more about commercial electrician school
Start Your Commercial Electrician Career with Fortis
To work as a commercial electrician, formal training and work experience are required. The Fortis electrical trades training program takes just 48 weeks to finish. You can find it at the Fortis Institute campus in Birmingham, Alabama. The Alabama site has a high-voltage electrical program. This program helps students prepare for jobs as commercial electricians.
The training includes:
- Safe work habits
- Basics of electrical theory
- Alternating current theory
- Conduit bending techniques
- National Electrical Code Standards
Fortis provides training in various skilled programs. These include electrical trades, HVAC, electrical systems technology, and welding.
What Are the Different Types of Electricians?
There are different types of electricians, even if some tasks overlap. The differences usually come from the project type. Each job needs its own set of skills. Broadly speaking, electricians fall into three categories: residential, commercial, and industrial.
Residential (or domestic) electricians are probably the ones you are most familiar with. These electricians help homeowners by fixing one problem quickly. Then, they move on to assist other homes that same day. Industrial electricians work in factories or plants. They use their specialized knowledge to maintain complex automated machinery. An industrial electrician at a mine must know mining equipment. This includes draglines and hydraulic shovels.
A day in the life of a commercial electrician is rarely the same. Commercial electricians have special skills for working at many different sites. Each site often has its own unique schematics. So, they often work with electrical contractors and building managers. This helps make sure the work fits the specific venue being serviced. Together, they come up with the most effective strategy for the job. Examples of places where commercial electricians work include:
Various businesses
Schools, colleges, and universities
Offices
Hotels
Leisure facilities
Restaurants, cafés, and bars
Shopping malls
Libraries
Shops
Government buildings
Theaters, cinemas, and other entertainment venues
Museums
What Types of Tasks Does a Commercial Electrician Do?
Commercial electricians have different tasks depending on the job. Here’s a list of common duties they perform:
- Installation and maintenance of wiring and electrical components.
- Performing safety checks on electrical units to ensure they meet regulatory standards.
- Troubleshooting electrical or wiring issues.
- Repairing broken or faulty electrical equipment
- Making, reading, and evaluating technical plans and drawings.
- Designing plans for new electrical installations.
- On-site training for apprentices.
- Leading and coordinating teams on a given project.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Commercial Electrician?
Certified
A commercial electrician’s work is complex. That’s why they get special training to do it. Trying to do the work without a certified commercial electrician is unsafe. It can also end up costing your business more money later. The quickest way to fix an electrical issue is to call a pro.
Speed
The speed of a commercial electrician is important. As a business, you want the servicing to be swift so that you can return to normal operations as soon as possible. Commercial electricians are trained for this task. Hiring an electrician without commercial skills will take longer than hiring a pro. Doing the work yourself can also slow things down. It’s best to bring in a commercial electrician for quick results.
Insured
Commercial electricians carry insurance. This protects both you and them from liability for any damage during the job. Hiring an inexperienced electrician for commercial sites can cause insurance problems. This means you won’t be protected if an accident occurs.
Specialist & Experienced
A commercial electrician is valuable because of their specialized focus. They are the best choice for tough jobs in commercial and public properties. Some of their work is like that of a residential electrician. They diagnose wiring issues and install switches. However, they also handle complex tasks, like laying cables. A skilled commercial electrician is creative and adapts quickly to new challenges.
Training and Licensing for Commercial Electricians
Most states have separate licensing for commercial and residential electricians. This is because the wiring and power used in commercial settings are different. Power to residential settings is one-phase, while power to commercial buildings is three-phase. Electricians working on commercial wiring must be trained to handle these key differences.
To become a commercial electrician, you need classroom hours and hands-on training. An apprenticeship program can provide all of these required hours. Some programs offer training for both residential and commercial work. Others keep them separate. To become a commercial electrician, you need a specific number of work hours. This depends on the state you are in and requires experience in a commercial setting.
What is a Low Voltage Electrician?
Electrician careers are growing. Many great opportunities are ahead if you consider training for a skilled trade. Many types of electricians exist. They differ in their work locations, tasks, and training needs. A low-voltage electrician, or voice-data-video electrician, is a skilled worker. They handle low-voltage electrical systems, components, and appliances.