As blood is to a human, so is electricity to a commercial building. Instead of veins, electric wires run through an office space to provide gadgets and equipment with the required power to get jobs done. Business owners render services to their customers effectively, thanks to electricity. Without this factor, appliances, like air conditioners, computers, light bulbs, and many more will not function. Whether one acknowledges it or not, electricity plays an essential role in ensuring the smooth running of businesses.
Image by Michal Jarmoluk
Having electricity running through an office implies that there is a need to keep a commercial electrician close by. A business owner does not joke around when it comes to securing and executing contracts. As such, the individual must address factors that may hinder workflow, including electrical faults, hazards, and even fines from specific agencies. On the other hand, a commercial electrician understands building codes and electric safety rules that keep lives and properties safe.
Why Hiring A Residential Electrician Wouldn’t Work?
A residential electrician addresses electrical requirements in a home. However, outside this environment, limitations are bound to spring up when working on a commercial project. A residential electrician may have limited knowledge of licensing needs, building codes, and other aspects not available in a regular residential apartment. Also, they may not have the resources to take on complex commercial projects in the area of electrical works. As such, their roles in the business environment are restricted.
On the other hand, a commercial electrician understands fully the electrical needs of a business facility and can provide immediate solutions. They can also address residential work as well. These professionals have handled large-scale projects worth millions of dollars, so fixing poor wiring in a two-bedroom apartment is a walk in the park. Above all, they have the skill, training, and experience needed to get the job done, regardless of the environment.
When to Hire a Commercial Electrician
Not all electrical issues in an office require the help of a commercial electrician, especially those that are small-scale. For example, changing a bulb should be easy-peasy for anyone in a formal environment. However, this statement applies to those with some degree of knowledge of electrical works. They must have also undertaken similar tasks in the time past. Otherwise, it is best to contact an electrician, preferably a residential one since the problem is minor.
However, for large-scale or complex electrical projects, including repairs, hiring a commercial electrician is a call in the right direction. Of course, business owners don’t have extensive knowledge to take on these tasks, which may include:
- Remodeling and rewiring
- Cable repairs and replacements
- Lighting and electrical maintenance
- Light fixture installations
- Datacentre installations
- Generator installations
- Surge protection installations
- Timer and sensor installations
- Energy-efficient lighting projects
- Electrical safety inspections
- Parking lot lighting projects
- Code updates and corrections
These services and many more are within the scope of a commercial electrician’s expertise.
Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Commercial Electrician
Commercial buildings don’t come cheap, regardless of size. They cater to business operations, generating profit for business owners from time to time. As a result, they must be in good shape. Electrical faults can hinder workflow and even lead to the loss of lives and properties. A commercial electrician is to ensure that none of these occurs. However, it is the job of a business owner to find the right commercial company to handle such electrical needs. Here are some factors worth considering:
Certification and Licensing
It is essential to find out if a commercial electrical company is accredited by a reputable body. Look out for license certificates showing that they have been vetted to carry out commercial electrical works.
Safety Record
A reputable commercial electrician has a record of successful safety works completed for previous clients. With this documentation, the professional can bid for new projects. It is essential to check this record to ensure that the electrical job is in good hands. If possible, contact past clients to get their opinion of the electrician in question. Online review platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Trust Pilot, Angie’s List, Yelp, and Consumer Affairs, provide insights into people’s reviews and ratings on businesses. Hence, a business owner in need of electrical service can find out what others are saying about a commercial electrical company.
Experience
Putting one’s commercial electrical project into the hands of a start-up electrical firm can be dicey. There should be a significant level of work experience. How many years have company XYZ solutions been in service and how many clients have enjoyed their electrical services during this period? These questions will determine if a commercial electrician is worth hiring.
Understanding of Local Codes
A business owner should know how well a commercial electrician understands local codes. In truth, electricians work with the National Electric Code (NEC). As such, they know the groundwork for electrical safety in different environments and can protect the business owner from traps, fines, and other potential threats.
Proof of Insurance
A reputable electrical company should have proof of insurance to show that they can undertake an electrical project without causing harm or damage to lives and properties. A business owner should request such documentation before granting a go-ahead. Should there be issues during the project, the electrical company bears full responsibility.
Response to Emergencies
No one can fully anticipate when electrical failures would occur, even though people implement precautionary measures. But when they occur, a commercial electrician must be on standby to resolve them. Robust electrical firms provide customers with services round the clock. As such, it is easy to address an electrical fault when it occurs, saving the business time and money. But that is not all. A commercial electrical should respond to emergencies promptly as time can be a deciding factor in saving a business.
Cost
Of course, hiring a commercial electrician is not the same as hiring a residential electrician. Costs vary, even among those into commercial electrical works. Two electrical firms may not have the same quote, even if the project is the same. The element of cost is directly related to quality as well. Hence, even though a business owner would like to go for an affordable, the individual should consider professionalism as well. A reputable commercial service provider should be able to provide both quality and affordability. The average service fee sits between $50 and $100 per hour.
In Summary
Running business operations in a commercial building is no walk in the park. A business owner must ensure that such property is safe at all times, one of which includes keeping a commercial electrician close. This professional can be a lifesaver when the situation calls.
