Residential and commercial wiring differ in many ways; performing repairs, installations, or modifications for either requires skill and intimate knowledge of how each system works. Though you as a homeowner or business owner should not attempt to do your own electrical work, it is a good idea to have a general understanding of the systems for which you are responsible. So what are the differences between commercial and residential electrical systems?
Location of the Wires
A properly-wired residential system will have little to no wires exposed. Instead, they are hidden behind walls and run along with the studs of the house. This works well for everyday life since you do not want children, pets, or even adults to come into contact with the electrical wires and cause damage. However, it makes accessing them for repairs a bit of a hassle as you have to remove drywall and then patch it up once the job is done.
In commercial systems, there is less concern about keeping wires so well hidden. They are often run through metal or PVC conduits which are then attached to a wall or the ceiling–this protects the wires well enough, but the pipes can be opened or cut to access them for repairs.
Size of the System
Houses obviously require much less power than large commercial buildings, so the size of the systems is significantly different. Residential homes use single-phase power, where power is distributed through single wires at each connection. Single-phase power is mainly used for small-scale electrical needs such as heating and lighting. Interior home outlets generally allow for 120V, while the exterior outlets or those in the garage may actually get two-phase power and can handle 220V.
On the other hand, commercial systems usually use three-phase power, where the electricity is distributed through three hot wires. This handles large loads of power better and acts as more of a safeguard should an overload occur. Three-phase power systems can carry up to 435 Volts, so they are much better equipped to handle the power demands of large industrial machines and heating systems that are required in large spaces such as warehouses, plants, and office buildings.
Quality of Insulation
Wires that are located in commercial buildings are much more likely to experience intense heat, corrosion, or chemical exposure than those in residential buildings. Because of this, commercial wires have thick, high-quality insulation that can protect them from these conditions. The backup power available in commercial buildings is also designed to handle more significant electrical emergencies and temperature fluctuations.
License Qualifications
Being licensed to perform electrical work is different for residential and commercial contractors. Residential electricians must go through the process of being properly licensed by the state and by a local agency. To be licensed for commercial work, an electrician must have a significant number of hours as an apprentice under their belt before they can take the exam and be certified. There are several additional certifications to acquire as well for working on various components.
Promise Electric employs only master electricians to provide service for both commercial and residential electrical systems. Call today for information on how our skills and expertise can assist with your project – no matter the size or scope.
