The Difference Between An Electrician Vs. An Industrial Electrician
If you’re looking to hire an electrician, it’s important to know which type of electrician will be best suited for your job. This article outlines the difference between an electrician and an industrial electrician in Calgary such as their expertise and daily duties in each field.
A commercial electrician and an industrial electrician are two of the most popular jobs in the electrical trade industry. Both are licensed professionals and focus primarily on projects involving the electrical system at work. While they do share many commonalities, they are very different types of electricians.
Both commercial and industrial electricians work with electricity in different types of settings. Commercial electricians focus on small-scale electrical infrastructure, including power outlets, lighting and basic wiring. Industrial electricians tackle complex electrical systems that use a high voltage or large scale, like those found in factories, mines and chemical plants.
Listed below you will find the duties of an electrician vs. an industrial electrician and what each professional does on a daily basis:
Electrician
The daily duties of an electrician depend on their specific job location and their employer’s needs. The following is a list of tasks that an electrician could perform for a client on a daily basis:
- Diagnose, repair and install electrical resources such as lighting and power outlets;
- Test new and existing electrical power sources;
- Have extensive understanding of government regulations on electrical safety;
- Create and analyze technical drawings;
- Use knowledge of electrical coding, tubing and piping;
- Train electrical apprentices; and
- Use a variety of tools and equipment such as pliers, screwdrivers, wirestrippers and more.
The daily duties of an electrician depend upon the size of their company and the needs of their clients. Larger companies will likely have electricians complete higher volume activities, such as inspecting installations for defects, troubleshooting electrical problems, and other general maintenance.
Smaller companies may depend upon the experience of their electricians to specialize in certain types of jobs, such as troubleshooting or installing emergency generators. As they gain experience and become licensed in certain areas, they may also be able to complete projects that an inexperienced electrician would typically be unable to tackle.
Industrial Electrician
Industrial electricians in Calgary install, maintain and repair electrical systems in industrial sites. They also work with a range of equipment, instruments, and machines to complete their tasks. They may also handle customer problems and concerns. The following are some common duties for an industrial electrician:
- Diagnose, repair, install and maintain electrical equipment at their workplace;
- Use a variety of different equipment including electrical tools;
- Maintain a schedule of safety and regulatory checks;
- Keep a log of electrical issues and repairs needed;
- Uphold all electrical safety standards within the workplace;
- Ensure all electrical equipment is running at optimum capacity;
- Have knowledge of industrial circuits, robotics and manufacturing tools; and
- Analyze electrical issues and implement solutions.
Industrial electricians are knowledgeable and well-trained tradesmen. They have to deal with many problems related to the electrical systems of large buildings, production lines and other industrial installations. They work in a wide range of industries and, by following strict safety procedures, they ensure that several vital functions are always running smoothly. Through their hard work and dedication, they help keep your favourite corporate offices up and running to serve you, the customer.
The Takeaway
The two types of electricians should not be confused. Though they use similar tools and both require licensure, their training differs and so does their focus. Both are trained to work in accordance with strict safety codes, but industrial electricians are more likely to work with large machinery, dangerous chemicals or toxic materials.
In short, an industrial electrician in Calgary will be responsible for maintaining the electrical systems at a specific manufacturing plant or other facility while a commercial electrician will be tasked with installing outlet boxes and lighting in an office or retail setting. Needless to say, the two jobs rely on different skill sets and do not carry the same level of risk.
