Survey: Domestic or Commercial? What Type of Work Do Sparkies Prefer?
One of the biggest questions new electricians face is whether to focus on domestic work or commercial installation. Each route has different training requirements, costs, and day-to-day challenges. While many electricians e ventually cover both, the decision often starts with training: do you invest more time and money in the commercial route, or take the shorter path into domestic installation (often called house bashing)?
For career changers, apprentices, and trainees alike, the choice can feel daunting. That’s why we asked working electricians what they actually prefer once they’re on the tools. Their responses reveal not just a split in opinion, but also the realities of the job market.
Domestic vs Commercial Training Routes
In the UK, anyone looking to become an electrician will normally follow one of a few key pathways.
- Domestic route – Quicker to complete, generally focused on Part P domestic installer work, rewires, fuse board changes, and testing.
- Commercial/industrial route – Requires more training, often through the full Level 3 Diploma and NVQ 2357, but opens doors to larger-scale projects and higher earning potential.
- Combined route – Newer qualifications (like the EAL pathways) aim to cover both, giving learners the flexibility to move between settings.
For a detailed breakdown, see How to become an electrician and the full qualification journey explained by Elec Training.
What Electricians Told Us
We gathered responses from a group of practising electricians about which type of work they prefer. The results showed a slight edge towards commercial, but domestic work was never far behind.
The comments highlighted a few key themes:
- Commercial: More pure electrical work – Many sparks like that commercial jobs involve less pulling up of floorboards, working in lofts, or awkward property layouts. The focus is on installation, maintenance, and testing of large systems.
- Domestic: Bread and butter of small firms – Others stressed that domestic jobs are easier to secure and help fill work gaps. Rewires, PAT testing, and small repairs keep the cash flow steady for self-employed electricians.
- Commercial: Larger projects, bigger money – Big contracts can bring in higher e arnings, but often require joint ventures with other electricians, longer payment terms, and careful risk management.
- Domestic: Variety and character – From older properties to new builds, domestic sparks deal with everything from smart home upgrades to swimming pool electrics. The variety appeals to many.
Commercial Work: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Generally larger-scale projects.
- Greater earning potential per contract.
- More straightforward installations without the quirks of domestic homes.
Cons
- Harder for sole traders to break into without networks.
- Payment from large contractors can be slow.
- Exposure to risks like asbestos on older sites.
Commercial electricians often partner with others to secure long-term contracts. The work can be steady and well-paid, but competitive.
Domestic Work: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Essential for small businesses to thrive.
- Regular flow of jobs from homeowners.
- Huge variety of property types and challenges.
Cons
- Involves more physical work in awkward spaces.
- Some jobs can be low-paying.
- Requires strong customer service and trust-building.
As one respondent put it: “Domestic work may be challenging, but it’s your bread and butter when you’re a small company.”
How It Affects Training
Your choice of preferred work may also influence the training you take. For instance, those focusing on domestic only might consider a shorter pathway into Part P work and then upskill gradually. But if you want to keep doors open to larger projects, it usually pays to complete the full Level 3 Diploma and NVQ route early.
To compare what electricians actually earn in each sector, see How much do UK electricians charge for domestic work?. And for learners in the Midlands, local centres such as Electrician courses in Northampton and Electrician courses in Stourbridge give flexible access to both routes.
Why Many Keep Options Open
The truth is, most electricians end up doing a bit of both. Even sparks who p refer commercial projects take on domestic jobs to keep things ticking over. Likewise, domestic installers sometimes step into small commercial sites when opportunities arise.
The introduction of broader qualifications has made it easier to stay flexible. The EAL 7695 Domestic Electrician course, for instance, helps learners future-proof their skills while keeping career options open.
The market itself also shifts over time. With renewables, EV charging, and smart tech blurring the line between domestic and commercial, tomorrow’s sparks may find that the old categories no longer apply so neatly.
Our survey showed no clear winner, just two routes with different advantages. Commercial work brings scale and earning potential, while domestic jobs provide stability and variety. The best approach may be to build a foundation in one, then branch into the other as your career develops.
Whatever path you choose, the demand for electricians in the UK remains strong. With the right training and a willingness to adapt, both domestic and commercial sparks can build rewarding, long-term careers.
FAQs
What is the main difference between domestic and commercial electrical work?
The main difference between domestic and commercial electrical work lies in the scale, complexity, and power requirements. Domestic work typically involves single-phase systems in residential homes, focusing on installations like lighting, sockets, and consumer units with lower voltages (230V) and simpler wiring, while commercial work deals with three-phase systems in larger buildings (e.g., offices, factories) with higher loads, more complex cabling (e.g., SWA for durability), and additional safety measures for public use. Domestic work is often more accessible for sole traders, while commercial requires specialized skills for larger structures.
Do I need different qualifications to work on domestic and commercial projects?
No, the core qualifications are the same for both domestic and commercial work, typically starting with a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (e.g., C&G 2365) followed by NVQ Level 3 (C&G 2357) and AM2 assessment for full qualification. However, commercial work may require additional training in three-phase systems, industrial wiring, and safety protocols, while domestic focuses on Part P compliance. Both need the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (C&G 2382-22) for BS 7671 compliance.
What are the current recognised routes to becoming a Qualified Supervisor with NICEIC or ELECSA?
Yes, it is quicker to qualify as a domestic installer, typically taking 1–2 months for a Part P Domestic Installer course (e.g., C&G 2393-10) or fast-track programs, compared to 3–4 years for full commercial qualification via apprenticeship or 1–2 years fast-track with additional three-phase training. Domestic routes focus on residential skills, while commercial requires broader experience.
Which type of work typically pays more – domestic or commercial?
Commercial electrical work typically pays more, with an average salary of £43,912, compared to domestic at £34,901, due to larger scale, complexity, and three-phase systems. Overall electrician salaries average £43,416, but commercial offers higher rates (£49,654 high end) vs. domestic (£33,000 median).
Why do many electricians describe domestic work as the “bread and butter” of the trade?
Many electricians describe domestic work as the “bread and butter” because it provides steady, reliable income from frequent small jobs (e.g., rewires, socket installs), is easier to access for sole traders, and has consistent demand in residential areas, forming the core of their business. It’s saturated but faster to qualify for and offers work-life balance.
What are the main challenges electricians face in domestic properties?
Main challenges in domestic properties include outdated wiring (e.g., rubber-insulated from pre-1960s), frequent circuit breaker trips, flickering lights, dead outlets, and safety issues from DIY attempts, requiring inspections to identify overloads or faults. Access in older homes and client expectations add complexity.
Are commercial jobs harder to secure as a sole trader?
Yes, commercial jobs are harder to secure as a sole trader due to the need for specialized qualifications, insurance, and experience in three-phase systems, with larger contractors often preferring established firms for complex projects. Networking and subcontracting help, but domestic is more accessible.
Can an electrician train for both domestic and commercial routes at the same time?
Yes, electricians can train for both domestic and commercial routes simultaneously through combined Level 2/3 Diplomas (C&G 2365) and NVQ Level 3 (C&G 2357), which cover residential and commercial skills, with add-ons like three-phase training. This provides flexibility for varied work.
How is EV charging solar PV blurring the line between domestic and commercial work?
EV charging and solar PV blur lines by requiring similar skills (three-phase for commercial, single-phase for domestic) and integrations (e.g., commercial PV powering EV fleets), with electricians handling both in hybrid setups like workplaces with solar-charged EV points. This creates cross-over opportunities in energy-efficient buildings.
Which training route is best if I want flexibility to do both types of work in the future?
The best route for flexibility is the full apprenticeship or combined Level 2/3 Diploma + NVQ Level 3 (C&G 2365/2357), which covers both domestic and commercial skills, allowing progression to specialized work. Fast-tracks like 4 Steps provide similar breadth.
