The difference between a commercial and a domestic electrician is often overlooked by many. Whether you need a commercial or a domestic electrician depends on some factors. You need to be very clear on the requirements you have before calling in a professional.
There are two different types of electricians. One who works in domestic environments is known as a domestic electrician. Their job revolves around visiting residential and commercial properties that need electrical repairs and giving support and necessary advice.
It pays to know that there is a significant difference in how domestic and commercial electricians in London work. Once you are better aware of the functionality of each role, you can understand which one would fit your criteria best.
In this comprehensive guide, we will shed light on the difference between domestic and commercial electricians. The guide will also include what responsibilities they are entitled to.
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Domestic electricians are different from commercial ones
You will find a lot many types of electricians out there. There are some automotive, industrial or low-voltage electricians, too.
The major difference between domestic and commercial electricians is the size, complexity, and technicality of the electrical projects they deal with.
Domestic electricians can better perform at residential house wiring and installation. On the other hand, commercial electricians can perform more complex projects with their specialized skills, training and qualifications.
A domestic electrician: a brief overview
Any skilled professionals who are trained to deal with simple electrical systems projects like installations, repairs, wiring, circuit boards, and light fixtures in houses are known as domestic electricians.
Sometimes, they are responsible for projects like modelling and scheduling. Plus, they can interpret blueprints, create estimates and design suitable lighting plans for houses.
To help you have a better insight, below is a list of some major responsibilities that a domestic electrician takes up:
- They carry out electrical systems inspections and installations in residential properties
- They are good at advising homeowners on how to maintain electrical systems
- They can install new security systems on houses, and test the same if needed
- They are good at fixing and installing new light fixtures and other electrical appliances
- If there is any malfunction in electrical systems and cables, they can diagnose the same
- Recognizing and replacing faulty or old house electrical components is their forte
- They know and comply with local and national electric systems’ safety regulations
- Homeowners rely on them for repairing or replacing switches, charging points, fuse boxes, sockets, and more
Moving on to the responsibilities of a commercial electrician
Commercial wiring, repairing, maintaining, and installing more complex electrical equipment in workplaces are areas handled by a commercial electrician. The tasks they handle are more varied and complex. When it comes to the types of commercial buildings they are involved with, shopping centres, government or private offices, and industrial buildings are to name a few.
A commercial electrician is responsible for the following tasks:
- Working with higher voltage electrical systems, generators, electrical appliances, HVAC units
- Installing or upgrading distribution & safety electrical components including circuit-breaker panels, and resistors, among others
- Examine faulty wiring, insulated circuits and cables, and replace the same
- They can also prevent the breakdown of any electrical system
- Installation works like wiring and fixtures for lighting, intercom, security alarms and more are their forte
- Troubleshoot and find out malfunctioning units
- Repair items that are faulty
- They can create and install a new electrical apparatus to improve the safety of the electrical panels
Differences between the nature of their work
Depending on the technical expertise and knowledge, an electrician can easily conduct the installation, repairing or replacement work using the right tools and equipment.
In other words, they know the best techniques and have the right tools in their arsenal to boost a building’s integrity and electrical strength.
While there are various similarities in the job descriptions, domestic and commercial electricians are also different in many other ways. Let us help you explore them in the following:
- Job Responsibilities
The job responsibilities are different for commercial and domestic electricians. They use distinct systems and analyses to execute a job. For example, domestic electricians are often seen to use smaller wiring systems and elastic sheathing. On the other hand, the nature of commercial electrical works needs commercial electricians to work with larger wiring systems than houses with tube conduits.
Also, they both are under different compliance requirements categories.
- Work Environment
The work environment is different for both domestic and commercial electricians. Residential properties including houses, flats, apartments, and bungalows are the areas where domestic electricians work.
On the contrary, commercial electricians’ job is not limited to a small sector. They work on a broader spectrum of complex commercial and industrial projects including construction sites, restaurants, shopping centres, and retail stores, among others.
- Educational Background
Whether commercial or domestic, for a starter, an electrician has to have the necessary qualifications and skills. A domestic electrician will have to complete a domestic installer course to be eligible to work as an electrician. Their course covers relevant topics including Part-P regulations, wiring regulations, electrical inspection, electrical system testing and installation.
A commercial electrician is one who can work on any electrical work required in commercial and industrial settings. They have to complete the Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electro-Technical Systems & equipment.
- Electrical Tools, Equipment and Supplies Used
The type of equipment used by them happens to vary. While domestic electricians use single-phase voltage systems that often range between 120 and 240 volts.
On the other hand, three-phase voltage systems are used by commercial electricians. Their voltage systems range between 120 and 480 volts. The voltage is more than what domestic electricians use. This is due to the power-intensive needs of commercial electrical systems and the loads that they deal with.
- Technical Skills
In order to become a domestic electrician, one needs fewer technical skills than commercial electricians. The nature and complexities of the electrical equipment commercial electricians use are great for increasing their safety requirements.
- Project Size
Local buildings like homes are the main area of work for domestic electricians. They do not have the expertise to conduct any commercial work. This is not applicable to commercial electricians as they can do both residential and commercial work.
Due to the complex nature of various electrical projects (both residential and commercial), electricians require improved technical skills and knowledge that a domestic electrician lacks.
Are you looking to fix your building’s electricial system? Whether it is commercial or domestic, you can always turn to an industrial commercial electrician in London. Electric Works London electricians are at your service if you think we can help you with your electrical needs. Be sure to get in touch with us.
