At first glance, it would seem like an electrician and an electrical contractor are the same. They both work with electrical systems, but the way in which they do so is definitely different.
So What’s The Difference Between the Two?
An electrician is a tradesperson who deals with the (electrical) wiring of buildings – residential or commercial – transmission lines and machinery. In the US, an electrician can be classified as the following:
- Lineman: An electrician who does high voltage utility company distribution work
- Wiremen: Someone who do work at lower voltages inside of buildings
- Electrical contractor: A firm or business person that designs, builds, and maintains electrical systems.
An electrical contractor can typically be classified into three different classifications:
- Outside contractors : Also known as line contractors, they work on high-voltage power transmission and distribution lines. They are responsible for ensuring that electricity is safely transmitted through substations and high voltage powerlines before powering homes and businesses. In other words, if industrial control systems in Edison, NJ, or elsewhere needed to be maintained, you’d call an outside contractor to do it.
- Inside contractors: They provide power to all structures within those same structures property line; this includes any substations and outdoor lighting. Inside contractors can be primarily responsible for all electrical and cabling design as well as the installation, and maintenance of an electrical system for any type of building be it commercial or residential.
- Integrated Building Systems (IBS) contractors: They mostly work with back-up power, fiber optics, climate controls, wireless networks, energy-efficient lighting, and security systems. These are what you would call “low-voltage installations and IBS contractors make sure that they work to their fullest potential.
If you’re in need of more details then you can call AG Electrical Contractors Inc. We’ve been helping power homes and businesses through maintaining Industrial control systems in Edison, NJ, for 29 years and are very much willing and able to continue on for many more. Contact AG Electrical Contractors today.
