A commercial electrician is a qualified electrical technician who focuses on wiring and electrical installations in commercial buildings. Unlike a residential electrician, a commercial electrician works on a larger scale since most commercial buildings require a lot more power and need more advanced electrical installations. However, a large apartment building can be considered a commercial building due to the scale of installations required.
Commercial electricians don’t have to work solely on an office building. Some commercial electricians have dedicated their craft towards certain specific facilities such as mining operations, factories, elevators, security installations, and normal lighting work. Broadly, these categories of commercial electricians can fall into the following subgroups:
• Wind Turbine electrician,
• Building Automation Systems
• Electrical Inspector
• Industrial Electrician
• Low Voltage Electrician
• Security and Fire Alarm Installer
• Sign Specialist Electrician
• Solar Energy Technician
The duties and responsibilities of commercial electricians vary depending on which of the above sub-categories the electrician has specialized. In some cases, this specialization depends on the utility company they work for, and sometimes a qualified and certified commercial electrician from Broadbeach will move between these different subgroups depending on the needs of the employer or the availability of work.The commercial electrical industry is therefore wide enough to accommodate a large variety of interests and skills. Most commercial electricians share the following duties:
Most commercial electricians in Canada start as apprentices. An apprentice has to do both classroom study as well as a practical study under the guidance of a certified electrician, also referred to as a journeyperson. An apprentice earns about 40% of what a certified electrician earns. There are varying entry requirements to enter into an apprenticeship in each of the provinces in Canada. In most provinces, the minimum age is about 16 years and a grade12 education. Some provinces such as Quebec require an apprentice to have studied maths, physics, and English, whereas others already have apprenticeship programs for high school students.
In Canada, the apprenticeship program takes about 4-5 years. These are divided into four 12 month periods with 8000 hours of practical training where the apprentice earns a salary. This is followed by four 8 week periods that involve technical training and a certification exam. A certified electrician in Canada must have the interprovincial standards Red Seal and this is a uniform requirement across all provinces.
The average pay for a commercial electrician is higher than that of a residential electrician. On average a commercial electrician earns C$ 34.25 per hour, but this figure fluctuates depending on the level of certifications. An electrician with the interprovincial standards Red Seal can earn as high as C$41.25.
Commercial electricians work an average of 40 hours per week, however, this is only for the amount of time spent at a site. In most cases, the work of a commercial electrician involves planning and layout, before actual installations or repairs. Experienced electricians know that access to the right tools and assistants goes a long way to assure the work is done faster and with the highest professionalism. For certain commercial properties, commercial electricians have to work as independent contractors, and this means they are answerable to the main contractor. However, a large number of electricians prefer working as employees for major contractors because of the assured work and preferential benefits.
Maintenance is another aspect that commercial electricians have to factor in. The highest earning over a long period comes from maintenance work. The complex electrical systems require the same contractor to conduct maintenance especially if they are the ones who designed the outline. Therefore, a commercial electrician will work closely with electrical engineers to make their work easier.
The scale of commercial buildings makes commercial electrical work quite exhausting. A commercial electrician will have to contend with risks of shock, fire, heights, and harsh weather conditions. Since the electrical works involve indoor and outdoor, commercial electricians must be well conversant with all safety protocols by attaining sufficient safety training and certifications. A good capacity to use tools and harnesses would go a long way in ensuring they work to the best of their level.
Canada is a very diverse country. Some parts such as Quebec are still extensively Francophone and the main language and culture are French. A commercial electrician has to understand French before seeking work in such territories. Electricians from Quebec tend to follow French codes and have a lot more in common with their French counterparts in more ways than just the similarity in language. This affinity for the French language further extends towards using French tools and appliances, whereas the rest of the country might prefer interaction in English.
Language barrier aside, any electrician has to understand the different regulations in the provinces they seek work. Though the rules have a lot of similarities, it is important to still understand the differences. Most Canadian electricians already understand this during their apprenticeship but for others moving into Canada these differences can be quite daunting. Lately, there has been a large influx of Americans and Mexican electricians seeking certification for work as electricians in Canada.
Overall, the work of a commercial electrician is rewarding in Canada and many apprentices immediately find work and fulfilment the more certifications they earn. For foreigners coming into Canada to work as commercial electricians, they must first meet the regulations and certifications at the provincial level as well as other required work permits. In essence, Canada remains a major hub for prospective commercial electricians due to the high benefits and availability of quality jobs.
Luxury used to be all about flashing big logos and bold statements. But lately, the game’s changed. Quiet luxury is all about subtlety: investing in quality, craftsmanship, and classic pieces that don’t cry out for attention but quietly elevate your space. It’s that feeling you get walking into a room where everything just feels right, without needing […]
Imagine a home that breathes with the breeze, where sunlight filters through lush foliage, and the vibrant hues of nature are an extension of your living space. Tropical houses are architectural marvels; a profound dialogue between human habitation and the natural world, born from centuries of adapting to warm, humid climates. Far from rigid structures, […]
Buying a mini excavator isn’t something you do on a whim. Whether you’re expanding your fleet or picking up your first machine, you need to know it’s the right fit, not just for today’s jobs, but for what you’ll be tackling a year or two down the line. These machines might be smaller than full-size […]
“Dream kitchens don’t just happen — they’re designed with care and style.” Walking into the same old and outdated kitchen in your home? It’s time to change the design and get that wow factor, according to your needs and wise design choices. Seems like a challenging task, right? But let’s be clear here, the kitchen […]
Kerala style homes have courtyards surrounded by rooms on each side. Traditional Kerala-style homes have a central courtyard known as Nadumuttam surrounded by rooms. These homes promote natural light and ventilation according to the region’s climate. These homes, due to the feature of courtyards as their core spaces, offer beautiful opportunities for social gatherings. This […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]
The integration of screening evergreen trees serves as an artful blend of practicality and natural beauty. These screening evergreen trees, with their lush foliage and diverse benefits, play a crucial role in enhancing privacy. It also blocks unwanted views, and contributes to the overall well-being of homeowners. From the majestic Jamun trees to the versatile […]