What is the difference between commercial and industrial electricians?
Electricians make sure that the systems powering our homes, businesses, and industries run smoothly and safely. But not all electricians perform the same type of work. While commercial and industrial electricians may seem similar, they have distinct roles and operate in different environments. Here’s how to choose between the two and find a commercial electrician in Denver.
What Is a Commercial Electrician?
Commercial electricians specialize in the electrical systems found in commercial buildings such as offices, retail stores, restaurants, and schools. Their work includes installing, maintaining, and repairing wiring, lighting, and power systems that support businesses and public spaces. These electricians focus on ensuring that electrical systems meet safety codes while optimizing functionality for daily operations.
Commercial electricians often work on medium-scale projects, such as designing lighting layouts for office spaces or installing electrical systems in newly constructed retail buildings. Their work requires knowledge of local codes and regulations to ensure compliance, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with contractors and property managers.
What Is an Industrial Electrician?
Industrial electricians, on the other hand, work in industrial facilities such as factories, manufacturing plants, and power plants. These environments typically involve high-voltage systems and complex machinery. Industrial electricians specialize in maintaining and repairing these heavy-duty systems to keep operations running smoothly.
The work of an industrial electrician often involves troubleshooting intricate machinery, such as conveyor belts, assembly lines, and control systems. They also install and maintain specialized equipment designed to handle high-voltage currents.
Required Skills
While both commercial and industrial electricians require a strong understanding of electrical systems, the specific skills needed for each role vary. Commercial electricians focus on medium-scale wiring, lighting installations, and adhering to building codes, often in settings with predictable electrical loads. They need strong customer service skills to collaborate effectively with business owners and contractors.
Industrial electricians, however, must possess advanced problem-solving skills and technical expertise to work with specialized machinery and high-voltage systems.
Training and Licensing Needed
Becoming a commercial or industrial electrician requires extensive training and certification. Both types of electricians typically start with a high school diploma, followed by an apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training.
Commercial electricians focus on learning about standard wiring systems, lighting installations, and building codes. Their training often includes projects that replicate the environments they will work in, such as retail and office spaces.
Industrial electricians undergo additional training to understand high-voltage systems, heavy machinery, and specialized equipment. They may also require certifications in specific industrial technologies, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or robotics.
Contact Hometown Electrical Services for a Commercial Electrician in Denver
If you’re looking for a skilled and reliable commercial electrician in Denver, Hometown Electrical Services is here to help. Contact us to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.