Commercial and residential electricians are both in the same field, but they have some differences that set them apart. One works for businesses and organizations while the other works on homes around the neighborhood. Choosing the right electrician for your project is important because their skills vary.
Both types of electricians complete the wiring on new construction and installation. They also have general knowledge of electrical services and emergency repairs. They both focus on different areas of electrical work, but what are the main differences?
What Do Commercial Electricians Do?
Commercial electricians are knowledgeable about electric requirements and specific codes when dealing with commercial buildings. Both types of electricians need to complete an apprenticeship, gain hours of experience, and then pass an exam to become licensed electricians. A commercial electrician works with businesses and organizations and can install electrical wiring for new commercial construction.
Here are some of the many responsibilities a commercial electrician has:
- Work with high voltage systems (240 volts and above)
- Commercial installations: wiring, lighting, etc.
- Electrical panel replacement
- Low voltage systems: fire alarm, security, voice/data, audio/video
The project size for a commercial electrician is larger than residential electricians’ projects. Since they are working on larger scale buildings that require more than one electrician on-site, these projects can last a long time.
According to zippia.com, there are almost 500,000 electricians employed in the United States. This means that you will not have a hard time finding the best commercial electrical company for your business. You have an array of options when it comes to your local electricians.
What Do Residential Electricians Do?
Residential electricians are knowledgeable about electric requirements and specific codes when dealing with residential homes. As stated before, both types of electricians need to complete an apprenticeship and pass an exam to become licensed electricians, but the worksites are different. Residential electricians work in dwellings, completing repairs and making sure the installation of new electrical equipment is correct.
There are many responsibilities that a residential electrician has and these can be:
- Electrical repairs
- Wiring
- Lighting installation
- Electrical panel replacement
Residential electrician projects are on a smaller scale. These projects can usually be done by one electrician on-site or two, depending on the installation process. There are times when they will join a construction team to help with the finishing installations and wirings of a home, but they often work independently.
Reach out through phone or email to a local electrician today. They can work with you to find the right electrician for your project.
Selecting the Right Electrician for Your Project
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, upgrading a service panel, installing whole‑home surge protection, or adding an EV charger, you need a residential electrician. These specialists understand single‑phase systems, dwelling‑specific NEC codes, and deliver finish‑grade workmanship that blends seamlessly with your décor.
When the project involves a retail build‑out, restaurant kitchen, office network room, or a factory line expansion, a commercial electrician is essential. Commercial pros work with three‑phase distribution, perform complex load calculations, and follow OSHA and NFPA 70E safety protocols on tight schedules.
For mixed‑use properties, farmsteads that power heavy equipment, or large estates requiring both 240 V appliances and 480 V machinery, a hybrid team licensed for both scopes is the safest choice. Bush Electric’s cross‑certified crew combines residential finesse with commercial muscle, so you get the right expertise from a single phone call.
Work Environments & Specialty Gear: Residential vs. Commercial
Residential electricians spend most of their days in single‑family homes, townhouses, and apartment units. Their vans carry fish tapes, right‑angle drill drivers, AFCI/GFCI testers, non‑contact voltage detectors, and flush‑mount boxes, tools designed for tight wall cavities and finish work that must look flawless.
Commercial electricians tackle offices, retail centers, hospitals, data centers, and manufacturing plants. They arrive with conduit benders for EMT and rigid steel, three‑phase megohm meters, boom lifts, thermal‑imaging cameras, arc‑flash PPE, and lockout‑tagout stations. This gear lets them balance heavy loads, verify power quality, and work safely at height or around energized equipment.
By equipping our fleet for both environments, Bush Electric can upgrade a home breaker panel at 9 a.m. and commission a 2 MW distribution board in a factory by 3 p.m. All with the same commitment to safety, code compliance, and craftsmanship.