Exciting Job Role Description Of A Commercial Electrician
The installation and maintenance of electrical systems in commercial establishments need special care and expertise of the electrician. Hence, a trained commercial electrician should be hired for this kind of job, whose job profile is much different from electricians involved in electrical works of residential buildings. This electrician receives specialized training in the form of an Associate degree in electrical works, along with the experience of apprenticeship in this work. Moreover, he should obtain a valid license to start handling all kinds of electrical works in commercial buildings.
Specific Job Profile Of A Commercial Electrician
Installation: The main job of a commercial electrician is to install, maintain, and repair all electrical systems, which consist of the motors, power circuits, generators, switchboards, transformers, and conduit. He installs commercial switchgear, cable trays, outlet boxes, and bus ducts as required in different points of a commercial building. He handles all the electrical works in the generators, commercial transformers, and raceways.
Repairs: He can repair all problems spotted in the electrical circuits, fuses, electrical ballast, fluorescent tubes, switches, and bulb holders. Â An educated electrician can make use of a schematic diagram to fix all troubles arising in the light fixtures, power circuits, electric ballasts, switches, and fuses.
Advice: The electrician installs or suggests to install several precautionary measures to avoid accidents from the electrical systems in a commercial building. He also takes care of the regular maintenance of the electrical lines to avert all dangers of short-circuits.
Heating and cooling systems: The heating, cooling, and lighting systems of a commercial building are handled only by a certified commercial electrician. He designs and installs these systems according to the architectural blueprint provided by the contractor of that building.
Wiring: He needs to be more careful in laying the electric lines in a commercial place, as the wirings at a commercial building carry more electricity than that of any residential house. The commercial wiring usually ends at a switch, electrical relay or circuit power breaker panel. The wiring for the air-conditioning system and refrigerator tend to be stronger than the ordinary ones. Hence, the electrician takes extra care while handling these wirings, with all safety measures.
Tools: The experienced commercial electrician carries all the tools usually needed for electrical works, like screwdrivers, pliers, Sawzall, and knives. However, he is also proficient in using the power tools, conduit benders, pipe threaders, and test meters. Heavy tools are mostly supplied by the electrical agency with which the electrician is associated.
Distinction Of A Commercial Electrician From Residential And Industrial Electricians
The job of a residential electrician is much lighter and risk-free than commercial and industrial electricians. While a residential electrician handles only a single-phase carrying the electricity of 120 volts/240volts; a commercial electrician needs to install power outlets and lighting at offices and stores, with three phases of much higher voltage up to 277 volts/480volts. An industrial electrician handles the electrical works in manufacturing units, mines, chemical plants, and other large industrial centres, where he handles three-phase wiring with RMC conduit for supplying power to large motors and other machinery parts.
It is the personal choice of an electrician which field he wants to work in, as he needs to undergo specialized training for each category. The training for a commercial electrician lasts for 4 – 6 years, including both classroom sessions and practical apprenticeship. He may also take an on-job training provided by his employer, after joining any commercial organization. He can be promoted to the title of a master electrician, after 2 – 4 years of experience in this field and also needs to pass an examination conducted to check his eligibility for this position. A master electrician can apply for the license of an independent electrical contractor.