How to Save on Costs by Installing Your Own Commercial Electrical System

Installing your own commercial electrical system can be a great way to save on costs for your business. However, it's important to understand the complexity of commercial electrical work and follow all safety regulations. Here is an in-depth guide on how to legally and safely install your own commercial electrical system.

Research Permit and License Requirements

The first step is to research the permit and license requirements in your state and municipality.

• Most areas require a licensed electrician to perform commercial electrical work.

• You may be able to pull your own permit for the work if you are the business owner, but a licensed professional will need to oversee and sign off on the installation.

• Check with your local building department on the specific permitting rules and licensing requirements for commercial electrical work in your region. Failing to get proper permits can risk fines or having to redo faulty work.

Consider Hiring a Licensed Electrician

While DIY electrical work may seem like a way to save money, consider partnering with a licensed electrician for such a major commercial project. An electrician can:

• Ensure the installation meets all building codes and safety standards.

• Provide expert advice on the right materials and components to use.

• Legally pull work permits and oversee critical connections.

• Catch any wiring issues that a DIYer may miss.

• Take liability if any problems arise from the installation down the road.

Having a professional electrician oversee the work can give you peace of mind that the system is safe and installed correctly. Their involvement is often legally required.

Create a Comprehensive Electrical Plan

If you do decide to take on installing a commercial electrical system yourself, the next step is to create a comprehensive plan. This includes:

• Hiring an electrical engineer to draw up professional plans and diagrams for the electrical layout. This is not something you want to DIY.

• Mapping out where all circuits, panels, wiring, switches, outlets, and other components will be installed. Consider future electrical needs.

• Determining the required amperage capacity for the building based on electric load.

• Selecting the appropriate size electrical service panel and sufficient circuit breakers.

• Choosing suitable gauge wire for each circuit run based on voltage and amperage.

• Incorporating any required fire alarm, security, phone, data, and low voltage wiring into the plans.

Having professional electrical plans is vital for getting your DIY commercial project properly permitted. The electrician overseeing the work can also ensure your plan is feasible.

Purchase Commercial Grade Materials

One mistake DIYers often make is buying consumer-grade electrical supplies from home improvement stores rather than commercial grade materials:

• Use thicker THHN wiring rather than Romex for all circuit runs. Romex is only rated for residential use.

• Choose metal industrial switch and outlet boxes instead of plastic ones. Commercial applications require more durability.

• Buy commercial spec circuit breakers, switches, receptacles, and other components. Consumer items fail quicker under heavy commercial loads.

• Use metal conduit for exposed wiring instead of nonmetallic sheathed cable. Rigid conduit provides the most protection.

• Invest in a larger service panel than you think you need to leave room for expansion. 200 amps or more is common for commercial spaces.

Cheaping out on electrical supplies risks dangerous failures down the line. Stick to commercial rated, metal components.

Follow Best Practices During Installation

When tackling the installation, be sure to:

• Keep wires color coded and labeled for easy circuit identification.

• Avoid kinking wires or making sharp bends that could damage insulation.

• Use junction boxes to house and protect all wire connections.

• Pay close attention to wire gauge when making connections. Mixing can cause issues.

• Mount all components securely and double check for exposed conductors.

• Keep commercial and residential circuits separated as required.

• Take photos before closing up walls in case issues arise later.

Rushing the installation or ignoring best practices can lead to faulty and hazardous wiring. Take it slow and steady.

Arrange for Professional Inspections

Throughout the installation process, be sure to:

• Call for rough-in inspections of the service panel, conduit runs, and junction boxes before they get covered by finished walls.

• Do not continue the installation until wiring corrections noted during rough inspections are addressed.

• Schedule a final inspection once all equipment is powered up and operational.

• Only obtain final sign off once the inspecting electrician confirms that all wiring was done to code.

Rigorously going through building inspections ensures your DIY electrical work meets all safety regulations. Permit sign off is required before power can be activated.

Installing a commercial electrical system yourself has the potential for huge cost savings but also comes with risks if not done properly. Follow all permitting and licensing rules, use commercial grade materials, adhere to best practices, and arrange for professional inspections. Taking these steps will help ensure you safely reap the rewards of a DIY commercial electrical installation.