Residential electricians function in private residences. Commercial electricians operate in offices and shops, usually installing lighting and power outlets. Their wiring usually follows a three-step approach, with at least two lower legs conducting a lower voltage and a higher portion running a higher one. As the name suggests, residential electricians are knowledgeable about the electrical systems that work only within the residential community and, as such, have more in-depth knowledge of what works and what doesn’t.
Commercial electricians are also very familiar with more significant commercial buildings. They conduct repairs and installation of commercial electrical components and wiring. Since many large structures are designed with multiple electrical components, electricians often install and repair various wiring systems, from the main electric panel to lighting, air conditioning, heating, and security systems. These electricians have to be highly trained and skilled technicians to perform their jobs since they must locate problematic or unsafe areas and repair them as needed.
Each type of electrician performs a specific kind of task. For instance, if an individual is installing lighting in a business or home, an electrician is likely to be called. The electrician will know the best light bulb for the rooms the lighting will be installed in. Furthermore, the electrician will determine whether the proper electrical power is required for the room, which may require additional wiring throughout the building.
Other types of electricians specialize in repairing residential power plants. In most cases, residential power plants are old, obsolete, or damaged, requiring a trained and skilled technician to fix them. Repairing these power plants requires the electrician to have extensive knowledge and skill in the electrical industry and the repair of damaged parts. Many power plants are contaminated with asbestos, which can cause serious health problems. Therefore, any worker who works with the cleaning or maintenance of power plants is likely to be exposed to some form of asbestos.
Commercial buildings and homes are usually much larger, which requires more electrical systems to be installed. In some cases, buildings need to be wired before they can be occupied. An experienced, professional electrician should be hired for this type of job, especially because wiring large buildings can be very dangerous. In addition, residential electricians cannot be called in to help with sensitive wiring needs around baby strollers, high chairs, and other similar items. In some cases, residential electricians are also called in to install CCTV or digital video surveillance systems. They are also needed to install or repair telephone wiring, since it is used in all types of businesses, large or small.
There are several specializations available within the electrician profession. These include commercial electricians, power line installers, and municipal electricians. Each of these specializations carries its own unique skill set and specialty. Some specializations require additional certifications, training, and licensing, while others only require a high school diploma or the completion of an electricians’ course. The license for commercial electricians is usually easier to obtain than that of the residential variety.
Regardless of the specialty, every electrician needs to have received general safety training. Most power plants and factories to make sure their employees receive the proper training before being hired. Specialized electricians may be required to complete specialized courses, as well. This can be especially important in industrial or construction sites, where building materials and electrical work must be handled without mistakes or accidents.
There are also many secondary or related specializations within the electricians’ trade. For example, there are communications electricians, safety electricians, and maintenance electricians, all of which can be useful in different types of businesses. Communication electricians help with setting up phone lines and wiring; safety electricians help to ensure that industrial chemicals and other dangerous substances are not leaked or otherwise mishandled; and maintenance electricians repair old machinery and prevent similar machinery from being damaged or destroyed. All electricians, whether primary or special, should be certified as either licensed or registered electricians.