We are residential electrical wiring experts but also provide commercial electrical services. Electricians in Iowa are able to work on electrical systems in both residential and commercial buildings but will often specialize in one or the other. Here are some of the key areas where commercial and residential electrical services are different and one area, they are the same.
Type of Building
Residential electricians will work in homes or apartment buildings and commercial electricians work in places like stores, warehouses, malls, or office buildings. The size of the property can be quite large for some commercial properties. Energy requirements will differ depending on the size of the building, age, what the electrical needs are, and other factors. A bucket truck or aerial services may be needed for warehouses, specialty lighting, or parking lot lighting so the electrician is able to safely work where needed.
Voltage Requirements and Wiring
A commercial or industrial building will often require more electricity. This means they may need higher voltage. A home will most often have 120V-240V and a commercial space will use 120V-480V. With the higher voltage, electricians will use a three-wire approach to distribute the electricity and lighten the load for an individual wire. With lower voltage requirements in homes, this isn’t required.
Residential wiring is enclosed in plastic sheathing to protect from electrocution. Wires in homes are typically hidden behind walls preventing children or pets from playing or interfering with the wires. In commercial or industrial spaces, wires may be exposed giving the electrician easier access to perform electrical repairs.
Standards, Compliances, and Regulations
Both commercial and residential electricians have regulations and standards they must follow. These include electrical equipment and personal safety standards.
Commercial buildings may require more durable materials that can withstand heat corrosion and chemical exposure along with high usage. Commercial buildings are also required to have backup power in the case of an emergency. Homes are not required to have an emergency power source, but some may choose to have a generator installed for these situations.
Electrical Project Size
Commercial electrical projects are often larger and more complex than residential projects. They can take much longer to complete and, in some cases, there could be multiple electricians working on the project or specific areas. Often residential electrical projects are quicker to complete as they are smaller in scope.
How Often You Need Electrical Services
Electrical demands in a commercial building are usually higher than in a home and will, therefore, require more servicing.
Safety is Key for Both Residential and Commercial Electrical Services
A key component for all electrical work is safety and security. Whether it is providing commercial electrical services or residential services, an electrician wants to make sure the structure is safe for the people that live or work there.
Electricians are also able to look at energy efficiency to help lower energy costs for any type of property. Installation and upgrades to your electrical system can result in energy savings.
All electricians in Iowa must be licensed. There are rigorous training and education programs to ensure the safety of the individuals providing electrical services and to the structures they perform electrical work on.
Do you Need Residential or Commercial Electrical Services?
In most cases, you will know what type of electrician you need. If you aren’t sure, we can help. Perhaps you are running a business from home that needs more electricity than you are currently wired for or you have a business in a residential building or your home is a large estate with complex wiring systems.
Just let us know what you need and we’ll be able to send an electrician to help. Contact us today to book an appointment for residential or commercial electrical services. You can also give us a call at 515-669-3418 for Central Iowa or 319-313-3313 for Eastern Iowa. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
