Commercial Electrical Wiring Calgary

Commercial electrical wiring is very different from residential wiring. Load requirements are different, building codes are different, even the type of wire used is different. All this means that you must work with someone who has experience with commercial electrical wiring. But how can you tell if they have the knowledge when you don’t know much about it yourself?

This page is designed to give you some basic information you can use when talking to electricians. It will help you gauge the amount of knowledge and experience the electrician has so you can make an informed decision.

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What’s Different About Commercial Electrical Wiring?

Electrical wiring in commercial facilities is usually encased in a conduit or in metal or plastic cables (tubing). This protects the wire when it is run through open spaces. Thanks to the conduit and a thick nylon coating on the wire, commercial wiring is a lot stronger than the electrical wiring used in our homes.

The amount of electrical current running through the wires is also different in commercial facilities. Residences run on 120/240 volts single phase, while commercial facilities have three-phase wiring. In a three-phase system, there the systems are generally 120/208 volts, 277/480 volts, or 347/600 volts.

Commercial electrical wiring should always be done by an experienced electrician.

Commercial Electrical Outlet Wiring

Commercial electrical outlet wiring must be done correctly to ensure safety and avoid costly power outages. If your outlets are incompatible with your circuits, you risk a host of potential problems, including the risk of fire.

It’s important to note that some appliances need different outlets. For example, larger power tools and appliances will require 20-amp electrical outlets or larger, whereas things like computers and televisions can use 15-amp outlets—the standard outlet seen in residences. (You’ll know an outlet is 20-amp because the neutral slot will be horizontal instead of vertical.) To determine if your equipment needs a 20-amp outlet, just look at the cord.

Before installing an electrical outlet, check that the circuit’s amperage is equal to or higher than the outlet’s amperage. We can do this for you.

GFCI Outlet Wiring

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets should be installed in areas where electricity could come into contact with water.

It’s very important to do GFCI outlet wiring correctly so that the circuit will break immediately if the current is not on its intended path. This will keep people from being shocked.

At Clear Electrical Solutions, we can help you determine where your commercial building requires GFCI outlet wiring, supply you with the GFCI outlets, and ensure the wiring is done correctly so the outlet will do its job.

Outdoor Outlet Wiring

Outdoor outlet wiring is necessary for commercial facilities in Calgary so people can plug in their vehicles during the winter months. Outdoor outlets must be installed in electrical boxes and have covers. For potentially wet locations—including the parking lot—you need to use boxes designed for wet locations. There must also be a cover that goes over the plug when the outlet is being used.

Clear Electrical Solutions can help you determine the number of outdoor outlets you need and do all the outdoor outlet wiring.