COMMERCIAL VS RESIDENTIAL WIRING

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On the outside, a commercial building and a residential building might look like they have a lot in common. But when you strip them down to their bare bones, you’ll find that there’s a reason that not just any place can be used for a commercial purpose. There are a number of important differences that make a residence better suited for specific purposes.

One of these differences is commercial wiring. Wiring is like the blood supply of your building, and if your commercial building doesn’t have it properly installed, you risk losing power a or even setting a fire.

To learn more about the difference between residential  and commercial wiring, keep reading!

Wire Material

The first and most notable difference between residential and commercial wiring is the material itself. In a home, where wiring is usually placed in an attic or crawl space, it’s important that the wire is covered with a plastic sheath, usually made from PVC.

The PVC is there to protect the residents of the home from electrical shock.

However, in commercial wiring, the electric wiring is more out in the open, held in tubes to protect the area around it.

Ease of Access

When it comes to a residential building, safety and aesthetics are the most important thing. That’s why they’re tucked away in attics and crawl spaces. It makes them a little more difficult to get at in the event of an emergency, but it does keep the whole space looking good.

Aesthetics aren’t nearly as important in commercial buildings. It’s important that electricians can have easy access to to the wiring to fix any issues, and install any necessary upgrades without needing to take expensive measures to get there.

Load Capacity and Phase Design

The average home doesn’t require a colossal amount of power, which is why they make use of a single-phase, single set of wires: hot, neutral, and ground.

But commercial buildings require a lot more than that. They operate on what’s known as a three-phase design that allows them to work together to meet the high demand of a commercial occupant.

The Proper Insulation

It’s important for the insulation on residential housing to protect the structure from the risk of a fire. However, because commercial wiring operates at a much higher voltage, it requires a different kind of insulation.

Commercial wires are usually coated in nylon that resists heat and protects from corrosion damage.

Commercial Wiring for Your Business

The requirements for commercial wiring are much different than the requirements for residential wiring. If you want a commercial property to have the best chance at using energy properly, you need to ensure that you’re using the proper wiring for the job.

For more information about finding the right electrical wiring for your commercial, industrial, or municipal needs, contact us today!

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