A commercial electrician and a residential electrician both work with electrical systems, but they have different focuses. Residential electricians are licensed and trained to work in residential properties, such as homes, apartments and townhouses. They mainly install, repair and maintain lighting fixtures, outlets, wiring and circuits for household use. Residential electricians typically deal with smaller-scale projects but can also help with home remodels and additions.

Commercial electricians work with electrical systems in offices, retail stores and other larger buildings. These professionals also work on minor electrical issues, such as fixing outlets and switches, similar to residential electricians. However, they often receive specialized training to handle more complex electrical systems, including high-voltage equipment. Unlike residential electricians, commercial electricians will often work on large projects.