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Industrial electricians and commercial contractors have much in common, but they also have important differences. The general term “electrical contractor” may not be sufficient to determine whether a company has the ability to complete the work you need, so you must do your homework before deciding whom to hire. Read on for some helpful information for identifying each type of contractor and for determining what your project actually needs. Requirements of all Electricians Each state sets forth its own laws, so requirements may vary depending on your location. Virtually every state requires electricians to hold a contractor’s license. To qualify, the electrician must pass a test that demonstrates his or her knowledge of current codes, safety standards and best practices. Licensure is overseen by a registrar of contractors or department of commerce. Contracting firms typically must employ a licensed master electrician who acts as the qualifying party for the license and oversees the work of the firm. Commercial Electrician Requirements Companies performing commercial electrical work may require a different license than those working in the residential industry, simply because commercial systems are more complex. Public safety is an important consideration in the commercial realm, as commercial facilities are often open to the public. One important consideration for commercial electrical contractors today involves the increasing interest in green technologies and how those affect the electrical trade. Companies are upgrading their lighting systems to take advantage of energy-efficient fixtures. Others are installing charging stations on site for electric cars, for use by employees and customers. Although many electricians are qualified to perform both residential and commercial work, not every commercial electrical contractor is qualified to perform industrial work. Industrial Electrical Contractor Requirements For those electricians who perform industrial work, the additional knowledge and experience requirements are substantial. Industrial facilities may include large manufacturing firms, mining companies, warehouse complexes or even power generating plants. Contractors serving the industrial sector are typically much larger, with resources scaled to meet the needs of this high-demand industry. The industrial sector operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and contractors must be available at all times in the event of an emergency. Heavy-duty manufacturing equipment that fails unexpectedly must be restored quickly or the business may suffer significant production losses. Electrical problems in this setting can pose a significant safety risk to the client’s employees as well as equipment and inventory. Industrial electrical service also requires a variety of specialized equipment. Industrial electricians must be competent in servicing generators and even robotic equipment. Finally, industrial electrical contractors must provide effective routine maintenance for their clients to prevent unexpected system failures and costly outages. If your business requires the service of a commercial electrician, look for a locally owned and operated contractor that is licensed and experienced in your area. If you require industrial electrical contracting services, however, evaluate any potential contractors based on their availability, level of service and experience in your industry. Do your research before you need service. This way, you won’t risk your company’s facility and equipment to just any contractor that lacks experience as an industrial electrician.
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