What Is a Residential Electrician?

A residential electrical contractor installs and repairs electrical components in homes. They may work on an independent basis or for a construction company, and they often perform electrical inspections to determine whether a home's wiring is in compliance with current safety standards.

Typical tasks of a residential electrician include wiring new outlets and circuits, installing tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs), and repairing and upgrading old equipment. They also provide updates to existing lighting and heating systems.

Some of the duties and responsibilities of a residential electrician include working on lighting, receptacles, outlets, and switches; reading blueprints that show where circuits and outlets are located; troubleshooting electrical problems; removing and repairing defective or damaged panels; and completing inspections to ensure that electrical systems meet local codes. They are responsible for ensuring that all work is done in compliance with the National Electrical Code and local building codes.

How Is a Residential Electrician Different From a Commercial Electrician?

Commercial electrician works in businesses and offices, and their wiring is generally more complex than a residential electrician's. Their work involves installing power outlets, lighting, and a variety of circuits that run a higher voltage than residential wiring uses. They may have a more extensive toolset than a residential electrician because they have to work with more equipment, such as conduits, fuses, circuit breakers, and other power-related hardware.

Their responsibilities vary according to their position and experience level, but they typically have more responsibility for public safety than a residential electrician. For example, they must follow OSHA safety standards while installing tamper-resistant receptacles, and they can be required to install ground fault circuit interrupters in kitchens and bathrooms.

If you're a commercial electrician who wants to move into residential, you will need to complete additional training or an apprenticeship. You will need to learn how to use tools and materials that are used in homes, such as insulated wire, Romex, and plastic boxes.

Besides the specialized equipment and tools, a commercial electrician is expected to have more training in the design of electrical systems for commercial buildings than a residential electrician. They can also have more responsibility for public safety than a domestic electrician, due to the large number of people who will be in their work area.

When comparing careers as a residential and commercial electrician, keep in mind that they are both highly skilled jobs. They both have high demand, and the job outlook is positive.

The average salary for a residential electrician is $57,212. This salary is slightly lower than that of a journeyman electrician, who makes $62,379 per year.

The job outlook for residential electricians is excellent, with employment increasing by 9 percent through 2026. A growing population and the rise of alternative energy systems will increase demand for this type of work. The best way to prepare for this career is by getting a degree in electrical engineering or a related field and gaining hands-on experience through an apprenticeship.