Commercial Electrician Cincinnati

Commercial electrical services for tenant improvements, build-outs, specialty equipment installations, and ongoing maintenance. We work with general contractors, property managers, and business owners directly.

Commercial Services

• Tenant improvement (TI) build-outs
• Power distribution for specialty equipment
• Lighting and controls for commercial spaces
• Code corrections and inspection prep
• Electrical maintenance programs
• Fire alarm systems (commercial)
• EV charging stations for businesses

Financing available through Wisetack (up to $25K) and Graybar →

Tenant Improvement (TI) Build-Out Process

A tenant improvement build-out is the electrical work required to customize a commercial space for a new tenant. Whether it's a restaurant moving into a former retail space or an office reconfiguring its layout, the electrical scope is usually significant.

• Plan review - we review architectural and MEP drawings, identify electrical requirements, and coordinate with the GC and other trades on scheduling and access.
• Rough-in - we run conduit, pull wire, set boxes, and install the infrastructure before drywall goes up. This is where the layout gets locked in, so accuracy matters.
• Panel and distribution - we install or modify panels, subpanels, and disconnects to support the tenant's electrical load. This includes load calculations to verify the existing service can handle the new demand.
• Lighting and controls - commercial lighting installation per plan, including occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, dimming, and emergency/exit lighting per code.
• Specialty circuits - dedicated circuits for commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, server rooms, medical equipment, or any tenant-specific needs.
• Fire alarm - new or modified fire alarm system to match the new floor plan. Required for most commercial TI work.
• Trim and devices - outlets, switches, data, and fixture installation after finishes are in.
• Testing and inspection - we test every circuit, verify all connections, and coordinate the final electrical inspection with the local authority.

Industries We Serve

Commercial electrical isn't one-size-fits-all. Different industries have different power demands, code requirements, and equipment needs.

Restaurants & Food Service

• High-amperage circuits for commercial kitchen equipment (ovens, fryers, walk-in coolers, hood systems)
• 3-phase power for heavy equipment
• Dedicated circuits for each piece of commercial kitchen equipment per NEC
• Grease hood wiring and interlock with fire suppression
• Outdoor patio lighting and heated seating areas
• POS system and data wiring

Retail Spaces

• Lighting design for product display and merchandising
• Track lighting, accent lighting, and storefront window lighting
• POS counter power and data
• Security camera and alarm system wiring
• Sign and exterior lighting circuits

Offices & Professional Spaces

• Workstation power and data for open-plan and private offices
• Conference room AV power and dedicated circuits
• Server room/IT closet power with dedicated circuits and cooling considerations
• Lighting controls per energy code (occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting)
• Break room and kitchen circuits

Medical & Dental

• Isolated ground circuits for sensitive medical equipment
• X-ray and imaging room power requirements
• Emergency power considerations
• Exam room outlet placement per medical standards
• Sterilization equipment circuits

3-Phase Power

Many commercial properties use 3-phase power for heavy equipment. If you're not sure what you have or what you need, here's the basics.

• Single-phase - standard residential power (120/240V). Adequate for most small commercial spaces like offices and small retail.
• 3-phase - delivers more power more efficiently. Required for commercial kitchen equipment, large HVAC systems, industrial motors, and heavy machinery. Three separate conductors carry power 120 degrees out of phase, producing a smoother, more constant power delivery.
• Do I need 3-phase? - if your space has (or will have) commercial kitchen equipment rated above 5 HP, large compressors, or industrial machinery, you likely need 3-phase. We'll verify during the site assessment.
• Converting to 3-phase - if your building only has single-phase and you need 3-phase, it requires coordination with Duke Energy. We handle the entire process including load calculations, service application, and installation.

Code Compliance for Commercial Spaces

Commercial code requirements are stricter than residential. Here's what we commonly address on commercial projects.

• Emergency and exit lighting - required in all commercial occupied spaces. Must be on a dedicated circuit with battery backup that provides at least 90 minutes of illumination during a power failure.
• Fire alarm systems - required for most commercial spaces. System type depends on building size, occupancy classification, and local fire code. See our fire alarm page for details.
• GFCI protection - required in commercial kitchens, bathrooms, rooftops, outdoors, and within 6 feet of sinks.
• Lighting controls - Ohio energy code requires occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, and/or scheduled controls in most commercial spaces.
• Panel labeling - every circuit must be clearly labeled in the panel directory. One of the most common commercial code violations.
• Accessible disconnects - certain equipment must have disconnects within sight of the equipment. Common for HVAC, kitchen equipment, and signs.

Working With General Contractors

We regularly work as the electrical subcontractor on commercial projects managed by general contractors. Here's how we approach it.

• We carry full insurance and licensing for commercial work in Ohio and Kentucky.
• We coordinate with other trades on scheduling, access, and wall/ceiling penetrations.
• We attend project meetings and provide input on electrical design when needed.
• We pull our own permits and coordinate inspections directly.
• We provide detailed scope documentation and clear communication on change orders.

If you're a GC looking for a reliable electrical sub in Cincinnati, call (513) 866-8685 or reach out through our contact page.

Common Questions

Safety Questions