Whether you’re running a business or managing an industrial setup, electrical systems are a mainstay of your operations. These systems work in the background, ensuring seamless operations and productivity. They need maintenance to prevent sudden breakdowns and disruptions.
Industrial and commercial electricians in Melbourne are the ones to call, whether you’re setting up a new system or need repairs. Who you call depends on the type of system you’re using. Aren’t commercial and industrial systems the same? Here’s what to know about the differences between the two.
Voltage and Power Capacity Differences
A major difference between commercial and industrial electrical systems is the voltage and power capacity they require. Most commercial settings like retail stores, restaurants, and showrooms receive single-phase power at 230V. This is appropriate for smaller loads like a moderately sized air conditioning unit, lighting, office equipment, and machinery like photocopiers or kitchen appliances.
In industrial applications, three-phase power at 400V is preferred because it’s much more efficient and reliable for large-scale applications. Heavy-duty settings like processing plants, warehouses, and production facilities rely on bigger machines, motors, automated processes, and manufacturing lines, which need more power.
Why It Matters
These differences matter because the electricians you hire need to be experienced in installing and repairing the electrical system in question. Industrial electricians are trained and licensed to work on systems with higher voltages and high-power distribution. Calling in a commercial electrician to work on an industrial system could risk in inadequate installation and noncompliance with regulations.
Equipment Types and Infrastructure
The most obvious contrast between the two systems is the infrastructure and equipment they support. The average commercial electrical infrastructure will include an HVAC system, lighting, and lifts. Beyond that, it only needs to power standard office appliances and computers. This infrastructure is standardised and adjusted depending on whether it’s for an office, mall, or hospital.
Industrial electrical infrastructure includes large motors, conveyor systems, control panels, and heavy machinery. Because the massive scale and different purpose of each industrial location is so different, the infrastructure can’t be standardised. It’s customised and far more robust to allow seamless operations in production environments like refineries and factories.
Why It Matters
Industrial electrical infrastructure features high-power machinery that requires years of training and experience to install and repair. Automation systems, production-line motors, and conveyors are much more complex and need a thorough understanding to avoid damaging the machines.
Safety Standards and Regulatory Requirements
Commercial and industrial electrical systems each have to follow different electrical safety standards and regulatory requirements.
In commercial settings, businesses have to comply with the common electrical standard, the AS/NZS 3000:2018 wiring rules. They also have to follow the AS/NZS 3760:2022 standard for designing, installing, and maintaining electrical systems. This also covers safety inspections and testing equipment to ensure it meets safety requirements.
Industrial electrical systems have to comply with these standards, and follow additional regulations. For example, high voltage electrical installation work should comply with the AS 2067 and AS/NZS 7000 according to EnergySafe Victoria. Similarly, industrial environments should comply with the AS/NZS 61439 standards to ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of low-voltage electrical switchboards and control panels. Not to mention, businesses need to comply with AS/NZS 4836 for safe working with low-voltage electrical installations.
Why It Matters
They should also be well-versed in the regulations surrounding your particular industry. Industrial electrical systems don’t just have to meet standards for large-scale electrical infrastructure. They also have to meet industry-specific requirements, such as those governing pharmaceutical, food, and tech industries.
ONJ Services Can Service Commercial And Industrial Electrical Systems
At ONJ Services, our clientele includes various manufacturing facilities in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. For industrial clients, we’ve designed and built control panels for centrifuges and cutting tables, integrated PLC controls, and made safety upgrades to comply with AS 4024.
Our previous projects include increasing plant current to accommodate new line, wiring raw material blenders, and refurbishing packing machines. Industrial jobs like these aren’t for the average electrician.
And our 2-hour emergency response time means that we address issues quickly to restore industrial operations. To know more about industrial and commercial electrical maintenance, give us a call.
