Whether you are a business owner looking to revamp your office space or a homeowner planning some much-needed renovations, understanding the differences between commercial and residential electricians is important. 

Residential Electrician

A residential electricians repairs and installs electrical systems inside residential structures. These individuals may focus on electric systems in single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and apartment complexes.

Commercial Electrician

A commercial electrician is a type of electrician who focuses on repairing, installing, and updating electric systems in commercial buildings. These individuals may also work on other electrical components, such as receptacles, transformers, generators, and lighting. Some of these individuals' most familiar buildings include schools, hotels, retail stores, office buildings, industrial facilities, and other buildings designed and used for commercial purposes.

Differences Between Residential and Commercial Electricians

Even though residential and commercial electricians have many of the same job responsibilities, the two have several key differences.

  • Work Environment

A large portion of a residential electrician's work involves working in private residences, handling everything from installing and repairing electrical systems to troubleshooting issues in existing systems. They also work on renovation or remodeling projects in homes, which can involve updating old wiring, adding new fixtures or outlets, and ensuring that the electrical system meets current safety standards. In addition to single-family homes, residential electricians might work in larger residential buildings like apartments and condos, addressing common areas and individual units.

Commercial electricians often work at construction sites for commercial structures. They may have to make repairs to electrical systems that are inside actively used commercial structures, or they may have to perform maintenance on the system. Because these facilities often have workers in-office during regular business hours, most commercial electricians work on structures late in the evening or early in the morning to accommodate business hours.

  • Education Requirements

Whether electricians focus on residential or commercial electricity, they must have completed a high school diploma or a GED. They will also have to go through an apprenticeship or complete a two-year technical school program and then go through an apprenticeship. This helps to ensure that they are well-versed in various practices and have real-world experience and knowledge for installing, repairing, and performing other electrical work.

  • Responsibilities on the Job

Given the different work environments and the differences between residential and commercial electricity rates, job responsibilities tend to differ.

Residential electricians and commercial electricians often work with different voltages. Most residential structures are fixed with high-voltage systems between 120 and 240 volts. Commercial structures often have high-voltage systems that are 240 volts or higher.

In addition, the structures have different types of wiring systems. Residential electricians often work with much smaller wiring systems that are finished with plastic sheeting. These systems usually fit into crawlspaces and are hidden from homeowners' view. In contrast, commercial electricians are known to work with much larger wiring systems that are completed with tube conduits.

Each type of electrician works with different quality systems. Commercial electricians are often required to establish backup power sources for some structures they work on. This is particularly true in medical laboratories, law enforcement facilities, grocery stores, and hospitals. These systems are not typically required on residential structures. However, we always encourage whole-house surge protectors and installing back-up generators in residential homes. 

Let Our Professionals Help With Your Electrical Needs

At Mister Sparky, delivering outstanding and dependable electrical services is our foremost commitment. Our locally owned and operated branches are equipped with skilled, experienced, and friendly electricians, ensuring every job is well within our capabilities.


With an on-time guarantee, 100% satisfaction, a strict code of ethics, and the use of only top-quality materials, we take pride in delivering exceptional services that give our customers peace of mind. Don't risk doing it yourself when you can call our team of professionals today. Let our team help you with all your home electrical needs.