If you’re a commercial or industrial business with high-voltage energy needs, you may not realize the importance of hiring an electrician with special training in the use and management of high voltage electricity.
Much like an area of specialization, working with high voltage energy requires a specific skill-set and unique expertise.
Below, we explain what high voltage energy is, how to find the right high voltage electrician, and ultimately, why it matters to protect your business.
What is Voltage?
Voltage is the difference of electric potential between two points of an electric circuit. It is measured in volts.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) does not have standard voltage ratings. Generally accepted levels are categorized as High (HV) or Ultra-High (UHV), Medium (MV) and Low (LV). High Voltage generally ranges between (UHV) - 115,000 to 1,100,000 VAC; Medium Voltage ranges between (MV) - 2,400 to 69,000 VAC; and Low Voltage ranges between (LV) - 240 to 600 VAC.
Before you start on an electrical project, it’s important to know the voltage of your electrical system and hire the appropriate electrician to meet your requirements.
Who is a High Voltage Electrician?
A certified high voltage electrician is skilled in high voltage electrical work according to the trade's requirements and based on a recognized certification.
With a focus on voltage systems above 480 volts, a high voltage electrician brings more expertise with larger electrical systems. In addition, they also offer the experience to manage the power safely to protect your business and your employees.
High voltage electricians can delegate less skilled electricians on complicated electrical projects and train apprentices in high voltage electrical management and maintenance.
3 Reasons Why You Need a Specialist for High Voltage
If you have a business that uses a significant amount of energy, there are five key reasons why you should hire a high voltage electrician to manage your electrical management and repair needs.
1. High Voltage Expertise
High voltage is found in both industrial and commercial environments and requires especially trained electricians.
High voltage training and certification enables an electrician to perform the following high-level duties:
- Troubleshooting and repairing overhead and underground transformers, capacitors, voltage regulators, and other electrical hardware.
- Installing and replacing medium voltage overhead and underground electrical circuits.
- Installing duct banks, transformer banks, and low voltage electrical panels.
- Operating low and high-level voltage distribution, for example, cut-outs, capacitor banks, isolation switches, etc.
- Inspecting power distribution systems for damage and performance. This prevents maintenance costs and irreversible damage.
- Responding to emergency calls and responding appropriately. This can range from repairing minor electrical faults to cordoning off the area for major repair or system replacements.
- Inspecting finished electrical work and testing to confirm the system’s work.
- Erecting protective signage and providing PPEs on work sites as a precautionary measure. This may also include barring unauthorized people from accessing power grids and transformers.
- Maintaining tools and equipment found on their work sites.
- Preparing and keeping paperwork regarding projects.
2. Safety
With expertise comes better safety assurance. High voltage applications require specific expertise that only a high voltage electrician can handle successfully:
- Providing adequate insulation according to the voltage level in question.
- Employing the physical restrictions to access to prevent accidents. The installation must comply with National Electrical Code requirements too.
- Extreme temperatures wear out insulation. A high voltage electrician is trained in performing regular insulation inspections to prevent arcing.
3. Peace of Mind
High voltage equipment is expensive. A high voltage electrician’s training enables them to handle and inspect electrical machinery as well as suggest preventive measures to prevent slow damage over time.
For your peace of mind and for optimal business operations, trusting your electrical needs to a trained and certified high voltage expert is a smart choice.
You May Also Require the Assistance of an Electrical Engineer
There are some circumstances when additional assistance is required from an electrical engineer. These are discussed in detail below.
Help Creating Electrical Layouts
A high voltage electrician can help you layout the wiring, overhead, and underground distribution systems at a building's planning stage to avoid power surges and other electrical malfunctions later.
In many cases, a high voltage electrician can work directly with building architects to advise on the best layouts for optimal efficiency and performance.
Consultancy Services
High-level training, combined with years of practice, come in handy when working on electrical company projects. Some of the consultancy services a high voltage electrician can provide include:
- Overseeing electrical projects, from the design stage to the implementation of final touches.
- They can advise companies on favorable solutions for different projects. For example, commercial building designs may not work in a manufacturing plant.
- Conduct analyses on electrical projects and suggest improvements.
- Coordinating installation of new systems and consult on potential hazards.
Who We Are
At Lemberg, we value offering quality electrical solutions and electrical engineering services to our clients in any industry. Feel free to contact us now. We are happy to serve you with especially trained electricians certified for high voltage electrical work.
