Residential and commercial electrical work requires different procedures and materials. They differ in load demands, equipment used, and energy needs. Know the difference between residential vs commercial wiring before you conduct electrical work.
Although on the outside residential and commercial electrical wiring might look the same, there are a number of crucial differences that are specific to each.
Power Supply
Residential properties do not require a massive supply of power, which is why local residential electricians often only utilize single-phase and single sets of electrical wiring. In terms of power, residential houses normally use alternating currents. That means the electricity travels long distances, reverses direction, and changes magnitude.
Without the right power supply to a commercial building, the risk of losing power or causing a fire is high. Commercial properties use three-phase power which has higher output, better efficiency, can handle high-powered motors and equipment, and is typically used for industrial applications.
Wire material
Another notable difference between commercial and residential electrical is the wiring material they use. At a residential property, the wiring is commonly placed either in the crawl space or the attic. That is why it is important that the wire is encapsulated in a PVC and a plastic sheath or insulation to protect residents from electrical shock.
In a commercial building, Arvada electricians use a different material. The electrical wiring is held in protective tubes and more visible for easy access. Generally, the electrical wiring for commercial buildings has more thermoplastic insulation to protect it from high-heat and corrosive environments.
The entire network of cabling and electrical wiring is the most crucial part of any real estate property since they deliver power, data, and security for the entire infrastructure. The six most common type of wires and cables used in building residential and commercial buildings are:
- Armored cables. The primary goal of this cable is to make the transfer of data fast and easy.
- Low voltage cables. This type of cable is common in both residential properties and commercial buildings.
- Non-metallic sheathed cables. This comes with insulated wires that make the flow of electric current safer.
- Instrumentation cables. This is used for allowing communication between operators and instruments within a site, hence it is only commonly used only at the industrial level.
- Communication cables. The sole purpose of this kind of cable is to transmit signals such as high-frequency broadcast transmission.
All these types of wiring and cables are being used when building residential or commercial infrastructure. Each electrical wiring should be insulated and labeled properly to avoid costly problems. Hiring a seasoned electrician nearby who knows the standard materials, as well as, the proper electrical wiring methods will save you money and effort in the long run.
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Type of outlet
In some commercial buildings, the need to install high-grade outlets is important to allow colossal power to pass through. Commercial buildings usually use devices that are bigger and require more power compared to regular household appliances. For example, hospitals use heavy-duty medical equipment in order to provide the right service to the people. Installing the wrong electrical outlets could damage such devices and cause hazards to the patients.
The takeaway
These are the major differences between residential and commercial wiring. With basic knowledge of these differences, you should be able to make a simple electrical assessment in your home or office. However, due to the several factors that must be considered when doing electrical work or when rewiring a house, it is always best to ask for the assistance of a professional electrician in Arvada, CO.
Are you looking for a seasoned electrical expert to perform an electrical inspection on your commercial property? Or are you searching for a residential electrician that can provide high-quality home electrical repair service? We are the right partner for you!
ElectriCall consists of expert electricians that can help you with technical and electrical troubles. We are just a phone call away if you need professional residential or commercial electrical services. Let our skilled team help you fix any issues you have with your electrical wiring system.
