Industrial and commercial electrical contracting is not a one-size-fits-all type of profession. Similar to how medical professionals have different areas of expertise, electricians can specialize in different fields. With different skill sets and focuses, electricians can cater to industrial, commercial or residential work zones.
In general, electricians repair, test, maintain and install electrical equipment while adhering to safety checks. The main difference between industrial electricians and commercial electricians is the types of systems, environments and applications they focus on. An industrial electrician works on complex industrial electrical systems, and a commercial electrician works on electrical systems within commercial buildings.
Electrical contractors plan, design, install, inspect, maintain and repair electrical systems to ensure their safety and effectiveness. They may work with high-voltage systems such as substations and distribution lines or low-voltage systems such as security systems, lighting and wireless and telecom networks. Depending on their specialty, an electrical contractor may perform work in industrial environments, commercial facilities or residential properties.
An industrial electrician focuses on work such as hydraulic, pneumatic and operative machinery repairs. Their main duties are:
Industrial electricians handle various elements crucial to a facility’s machinery and operations. They work with components ranging from microcurrents to high-voltage systems. While exceptional accuracy is critical in industrial and commercial electrical work, it’s especially vital for preventing errors in industrial applications. An experienced electrician exercises extreme care to prevent industrial electrical errors, protecting a company’s production, information systems and development.
This work demands focused and extensive knowledge in the complex systems and safety regulations within industrial work zones. Industrial electricians are also often skilled in specialized equipment and robotics. They have high skill sets and are adaptable to various high-voltage systems because they work with the complex electricity and power needs of large-scale factories.
Industrial electrical contractors focus on non-residential applications, but their duties differ from those of commercial electricians. For example, their focus is to keep the following types of facilities and operations running:
Industrial electrical contractors require significantly more specialized expertise than commercial electrical contractors. Often, industrial contractors need a few years of apprenticeship training in complex industrial electrical systems plus additional certificates and qualifications before entering the professional field.
Commercial electrical contractors are more common compared to industrial electricians, and they focus on more general work. A commercial electrician understands electrical tasks from light fixture installations to large repairs. They perform the following types of duties:
Commercial electricians focus on ensuring electrical components’ structures and wiring function safely and efficiently in commercial facilities. However, their work can overlap with the duties of an industrial electrical contractor. A commercial electrician works directly with clients when making repairs and installations, fixing anything from small electrical issues to large installations of new equipment.
When it comes to commercial vs. industrial electrical contractors, commercial electricians mainly work in non-residential settings open to the public. A commercial electrician offers services to businesses and organizations such as the following:
In some cases, a commercial electrician may work as an in-house, on-call professional for a single company. For example, a shopping mall, medical center, bank or retailer may hire a full-time electrician instead of calling an outside contractor. However, some companies also rely on outside contractors for electrical support. Sometimes, these contractors offer both commercial and residential services.
A commercial electrician requires less specialized experience than an industrial electrician, but they do need to complete a similar level of training and a formal apprenticeship program. Both professions require the same number of training hours, but a commercial electrician’s instruction and practice focus more on electrical systems within commercial buildings rather than the complex systems in industrial settings.
Industrial and commercial electrical contractors are similar in that they both require a cornerstone of electrical knowledge to complete various tasks. With a base of electrical knowledge, both professionals work to keep a facility or business running smoothly. They both undergo training to work with medium to high-voltage equipment and specialize in maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing electrical equipment.
An electrician’s specialization and environment are what set industrial electricians apart from commercial electricians. Industrial electricians work on more complex, high-voltage systems in manufacturing industries, while commercial electricians focus on electrical repairs and maintenance in mainstream commercial buildings. Industrial contractors also have a higher skill set and adaptability level for working on large-scale facilities and more complex systems.
An experienced electrician is vital for ensuring your systems can safely support your operations. Industrial Electrical Company offers professional industrial and commercial electrical contracting services to meet your facility’s needs.
We determine the best solutions and tailor our services to your exact requirements, performing a preliminary site visit if necessary. From there, we generate a quote, provide expert consultation and deliver ongoing support. You can trust our team to provide services on time, work within your budget and meet or exceed your expectations.
Industrial and commercial electrical contracting services can increase your operation’s uptime, no matter the application. Whether you require microcurrent repairs or complex high-voltage installations, our highly qualified union electricians can keep your systems safe and efficient. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can meet your industrial or commercial electrical needs.
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