120/208 installation

As a business owner, there are many hats to wear. When planning a commercial venture, there are many things to take into consideration. Depending on the type of business you start, say owning a condo building or a strip plaza, you will need specific power to run the facility. At Integrity Electricians, we have the know-how to determine what you need and the expertise to install it.

Commercial vs Residential vs Industrial

Wiring your facility for commercial applications is much different than your home or a factory producing all manner of things. Commercial wiring is differentiated by code and load needs. The differences even permeate the wire used, meaning you need a task-specific commercial electrician with the knowledge and ability to carry out the work successfully.

Commercial Wiring Differences

The first difference you will notice in commercial wiring is that it is encased. Sometimes in conduit, metal or plastic sheathing for protection, depending on where the wire is run. The sheathing reinforcement makes commercial wiring much stronger than residential wiring, and it has to be.

The current carried through commercial wires is different than residential wiring. Residential service runs on single-phase while commercial structures run on three-phase. In commercial applications, 120/208 wye is used to power volt plug loads, small HVAC systems, and lighting.

Some Benefits of 120/208

• Using a three-phase electrical configuration using 120/208 is cheaper than a single-phase system.
• The power use is smoother for any motorized equipment drawing power
• The 120/208 produces 120V power from the three “hot legs.”

Three-Phase Systems Need A Panel

If you are running a three-phase 120/208, you need a panel to help operate the system – generally three-phase. It consists of a trio of wires 120 degrees apart, carrying electrical current through the load centre circuit breaker back to the meter.

Panel Tips

• Ensure enough power is running through the building before new panels are installed. If you don’t have adequate power, adding new circuits or equipment will be a problem down the line.
• ALWAYS turn off your main breaker before any work commences
• Panel compatibility is essential to a successful installation. If your wire service is 120/208, your panel must have the same service capabilities.
• Breaker size matters, determine how many amps are needed, and then you will determine the size and number of breakers required.
• The panel’s location is vital in relation to the conduit that will protect the wires. You don’t want a poor panel placement to interfere with other systems like HVAC operation.

If this sounds complicated, you need a commercial electrician to deal with the finer points of panel installation before you set about the work.

Electrical component installation and wiring components can be complex and dangerous for the unskilled and untrained. Working with electricity is dangerous, and many accidents can happen if you don’t know what you are doing.

When you work with us at Integrity Electricians, you should know that as your commercial electrician, safety is our priority. We follow the electrical code to the letter and don’t cut corners on installation.

Our team is fully licensed as commercial electricians for your protection, and our experience and expertise are our reputation over two decades of service. Let’s talk about your commercial electrical needs, and we will supply a free quote.