Hiring the right electrician takes some time. However, it is necessary to make sure the person has the right skills and experience to complete the job correctly. Making sure your building is safe with quality electrical work is important. Do not make the mistake of hiring someone who is offering a great deal but may not know how to properly do the work you are looking for.
Residential electrical work differs greatly from commercial electrical work. An electrician may specialize in one area or all areas. Many local governments mandate that businesses must hire a licensed electrician when doing any electrical work in commercial buildings, especially those used by the public.
Commercial buildings, including industrial buildings, have different rules, regulations and codes that a business must comply with. If you make the mistake of hiring an electrician who specializes in just residential electrical work or is not familiar with all the various codes and regulations, then you could be facing huge liability issues if someone gets hurt.
An electrician working on a commercial or industrial building must be able to correctly size loads. Electrical systems can easily be overloaded in buildings if the all the components are not properly wired for use.
Fire safety is an important component of the electrical system in commercial or industrial buildings. Smoke detectors must be hardwired into a power source. The detectors must also have a battery back-up in case something happens to the power source. Fire alarms also must have the correct wiring in case a fire does occur.
Back-up and emergency lighting is something many commercial and industrial buildings are required to have. There are different types of electrical lights as well as different types of power sources, such generators, to power important equipment if the power does go out. The back-up lighting systems must be properly installed and maintained to ensure they work if an emergency does occur.
If an electrician is turning a residential building into a commercial building, he or she must be aware of any ADA (American Disability Act) requirements about accessibility as well as any zoning laws. These requirements must be met before the building can be opened to employees and the public.
Any type of electrician you hire must keep up on the latest changes in the industry. Since there some great differences in residential and commercial electrical work, it is essential you hire an electrician who has the right experience, knowledge and qualifications for your project.
