Commercial Electrician vs. Residential Electrician

While residential electricians are highly trained professionals they do differ from commercial electricians in several ways. Each type of electrician has a different focus and will perform different tasks. Plus, commercial electricians will need to have certain additional licenses for dealing with business electrical systems.

Different Electricians Install Different Types of Products
Residential electricians help people in their homes with rewiring, load balancing, and installing home appliances or lights. Home appliances rarely meet the International Building Code (IBC) requirements for commercial properties. So commercial electricians will have experience in installing business-specific appliances and ensuring wiring meets IBC regulations.

Residential Electricians Use Different Tools and Techniques
Because residential electricians work with smaller-scale systems, they’ll use hand tools and relevant techniques. Commercial electricians will have access to specialist tools and work with much larger-scale electrical systems.

Commercial Electricians Require Specialist Licensing and Certification
While residential electricians need state-specific licensing to work in their field, commercial electricians require additional certifications. They may need qualifications to handle certain types of work, many of which come from specialist organizations.

Understanding the difference between these two types of electricians helps you book the right professional for the job at hand.

Key Takeaways:

Most residential electricians will not be able to install certain products due to the IBC.
Residential and commercial electricians will use different techniques like cabling and framing.
Commercial electricians will have more requirements and licensing needed for a business.

“Demand for electricians is higher than ever, and with a projected growth rate of 8% through 2029, it’s a trade that nearly ensures stability. With that said, there are many paths you can take with an electrical certification. Here, we explain how the job differs as a commercial electrician compared to a residential electrician.”