We have 3 outlets on the exterior of our home and garage that are on same circuit and have voltage but no power out of them. I am looking at getting an electrician to work on it for us and my wife says her colleagues husband is a commercial electrician and could do it on the side. Is this generally a good idea? Or should I simply look for local residential only electricians. Any advice is appreciated.
Totally fine. There are different regulations between the two, but the work you’re describing is pretty basic and common between both.
Super simple job. Just get somebody you trust
He should know how to fix your problem . if he was specialized electrician then that would be a different story such as fire alarm guy or industrial sparky or something similar
Practically, it is fine.
Generally, commercial and residential have different code compliance and a commercial electrician may not know local resi rules. You mentioned a garage. Rules surrounding GFCI in garages are a hot topic for resi.
If you’re the stickler type, this is going to bug you. If you’re the “okay with what works” then go with the friend.
It’s possibly not a good idea if a negative experience could result in friction between coworkers. But a commercial electrician should be able to solve a 120V outlet problem, as those are common in both fields.
Yes, that’s fine. Commercial electricians know residential, but not all residential know commercial/industrial.
I don’t doubt the commercial guy can get you sorted out. It sounds like it would be a side job for him, and he isn’t actually setup with a master’s licence or even liability insurance. There are controls in place to ensure that contractors have the proper knowledge and training to complete a task, as well as insurance and a bond to ensure that the homeowner is not left holding the bag in the case that something does go wrong.
FAQs
1. Can a commercial electrician do residential electrical work?
Yes. Commercial electricians generally have the skills to handle common residential electrical issues, especially basic outlet, wiring, and circuit problems. However, licensing and local residential code requirements still apply.
2. Can a commercial electrician fix an outlet that has voltage but no power?
Usually, yes. Diagnosing outlets that show voltage but do not properly supply power is a common electrical troubleshooting task. The cause could involve a loose connection, failed GFCI protection, damaged receptacle, or another circuit issue.
3. Should I hire a residential electrician instead of a commercial electrician?
For straightforward electrical repairs, either may have the necessary technical skills. A residential electrician may be preferable when the work involves residential-specific code requirements, permits, inspections, or more complex home wiring.
4. Is it safe to hire an electrician for a side job?
It depends on their licensing, insurance, experience, and local regulations. Before hiring someone privately, verify that they are legally permitted to perform the work and have appropriate insurance coverage.
5. Do exterior and garage outlets need GFCI protection?
In many jurisdictions, exterior and garage receptacles require GFCI protection because these locations have increased shock risk. Exact requirements depend on the electrical code adopted in your area, so a qualified electrician should verify compliance.
