What is a Commercial Electrician?

Posted By Amber Electrical  
07/04/2021

Commercial electricians are trained specialists who perform troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance on electrical systems in commercial settings such as retail shops, offices, restaurants, cafes, and most other workplaces. They are also able to conduct safety checks, identify issues and make recommendations to improve safety and / or address any issues that may be found.

 

In addition to these routine tasks conducted after a commercial electrical system has been installed, commercial electricians can also design, plan, and build new electrical systems. Obviously, a good commercial electrician is also able to update and modify existing systems according to the needs of the business.

 

There are several tools commercial electricians use to carry out the work they are tasked to do including:

 

  • Circuit Finder
  • Multimeter
  • Voltage Tester
  • Wire Stripper
  • Pliers
  • Specialised Nut and Screwdrivers
  • Tape Measure
  • Torch
  • Level
  • Hammer
  • Fish Tape
  • Electrical Tape
  • Utility Knife

 

The Importance of Finding the Right Commercial Electrician

 

Sometimes a business that is run out of a building that is shared by other businesses – like a shopping mall, office building, government building, or media centre – will hire a permanent commercial electrician to handle anything that comes up. Whether the electrician is employed directly by the building owner or works for a company that is contracted to do the electrical work varies from site to site. The most common situation is for a building owner / manager to have a running contract with a reliable commercial electrical contractor company like Amber Electrical Services.

 

If you are business owner or commercial property manager, having a reliable commercial electrician on hand - or even knowing of one you can call on when needed – is an asset to your operation. When you find a commercial electrician that does good work, shows up and finishes on time and is affordable, be sure to work on establishing a good relationship and keep their details handy!

 

A commercial electrician can help you with:

 

  • Design, planning and analysis of electrical systems and wiring.
  • Repair and maintenance of Air Conditioning units.
  • Installation of new electrical equipment.
  • Installation and proper wiring of lights, switches and power points / outlets.
  • Repair and maintenance of existing electrical equipment.
  • Security system installation – security cameras, alarms, etc...
  • Installation and integration of ‘smart building’ technology / building management systems.
The Importance of Finding the Right Commercial Electrician

 

What Factors Should Be Considered When Looking for a Commercial Electrician?

What Factors Should Be Considered When Looking for a Commercial Electrician?

 

With so many commercial electricians to choose from, having some insight into what you should look for before hiring one can be helpful. Here is a list of things to consider and questions to ask when looking for a commercial electrician:

 

  • Experience and qualifications are important. How many years have they been an electrician?
  • Are they specialised to do commercial electrical work?
  • Have they / are they currently training apprentices?
  • How much of the work will be done by an apprentice vs the actual commercial electrician?
  • Can they give you examples of their work?
  • Google them – what’s the feedback on Google and Facebook like?
  • If you can’t find them on Google or Facebook, you might want to look elsewhere.
  • This one is a bit tough to find out but try to find out if they can easily adapt and come up with creative solutions to problems.
  • Are they able to work with a range of people such as builders, contractors, property and business owners / managers?
  • Do they present themselves in a professional manner?
  • Ask what their ‘clean-up’ policy is. A good commercial electrician will clean up after themselves and leave a job site as clean as or cleaner than when they arrived.
  • Ask what their preferred jobs are – what types of electrical jobs excite and interest them.
  • Is your business a good match for them and their area(s) of interest?
  • What are their rates / how do they determine costs of a job?

 

What is Required to Become a Commercial Electrician?

 

There are several requirements for anyone wishing to become a commercial electrician in Australia.

 

2 of the most important factors are 1) completion of a 4-year apprenticeship and 2) enrolling at a trade school and completing the required courses and assessments.

 

Apprenticeships can begin with work experience in year 10. Young people can get their foot in the door by connecting with an electrician and doing work experience. If you establish a good rapport with the electrician, they may offer you an official apprenticeship or help you find one when you leave school. While in school, it’s advisable to study maths and physics. If those subjects don’t interest you, you may want to reconsider being an electrician as they are vital parts of an electrician’s work.

 

After leaving school to become a commercial electrician you will also need to complete a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician. You must also pass the Licensed Electrician’s Assessment (LEA).

 

Becoming a commercial electrician does take time, but the benefits at the end of it all can be well worth the time and work. Commercial electricians are always in high demand and the pay can be quite good. Becoming a commercial electrician is a good way to establish a great lifestyle for yourself and future family.

 What is Required to Become a Commercial Electrician?

 

The commercial electricians at Amber Electrical Services tick all of the boxes we’ve discussed above and are happy to answer any questions you may have. Please give us a call on 1800 888 171 or contact us to find out how we can help you and your business or commercial property!