Commercial Electrical Services in Southeastern Wisconsin

Commercial electrical work requires a different level of expertise, licensing, and insurance than residential projects. From panel upgrades that support a growing tenant's electrical demand to parking lot lighting that keeps a retail center safe after dark, Burkhardt Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric delivers the full range of light commercial electrical services that Southeastern Wisconsin businesses and property managers depend on. Our licensed commercial electricians have served the Milwaukee metro area for over 60 years with the experience and professionalism that commercial work demands.

Commercial Panel Upgrades and Service Upgrades

Aging electrical service is one of the most common issues Burkhardt encounters in Southeastern Wisconsin's older commercial buildings. A strip mall built in the 1970s or a downtown Milwaukee storefront from the 1950s may have electrical service that simply can't support modern tenant loads — high-efficiency HVAC equipment, commercial kitchen appliances, EV charging infrastructure, and dense IT equipment all place demands that older panels weren't designed to handle. Burkhardt handles commercial service upgrades and panel replacements, coordinating with We Energies for meter and service work and pulling the required permits for a code-compliant installation.

Parking Lot and Exterior Lighting

Adequate parking lot lighting is essential for customer and employee safety, and it's often the first thing a prospective tenant or customer notices about a commercial property after dark. Burkhardt installs and maintains parking lot light poles, LED retrofit conversions, and exterior building lighting for strip malls, office parks, and retail centers across Southeastern Wisconsin. LED upgrades dramatically reduce energy costs and maintenance frequency compared to older HID fixtures, and they qualify for We Energies Focus on Energy rebates that can offset installation costs.

Tenant Build-Out Electrical

When a commercial space changes hands or a tenant's needs evolve, electrical modifications are almost always part of the build-out scope. Burkhardt works with commercial landlords, general contractors, and tenants on build-out electrical projects of all sizes — from adding circuits for a new restaurant's kitchen equipment to rewiring an entire suite for a new office tenant. We pull all required permits, coordinate with inspectors, and provide final documentation for your records and lease files.

Sign Electrical and Illuminated Signage

Commercial signage — whether a backlit panel sign, channel letters, or LED monument signage — requires a dedicated electrical connection and proper weatherproofing. Burkhardt handles the electrical rough-in and final connections for new sign installations, working with sign fabricators across the Milwaukee metro area. We also service and repair sign electrical connections, photo-eye and timer controls, and sign lighting circuits for existing signage.

Code Compliance Inspections and Corrections

Property sales, refinancing, insurance audits, and tenant changes often trigger electrical code compliance reviews for commercial buildings. Burkhardt provides commercial electrical inspections and can prepare a prioritized list of corrections needed to bring a property up to current NEC and Wisconsin electrical code standards. We then complete the corrections, pull permits, and coordinate inspections — giving you the documentation lenders, insurers, and tenants require.

Commercial Generator Installation

Power outages are more than an inconvenience for businesses — they mean lost revenue, spoiled inventory, and frustrated customers. Burkhardt installs commercial standby generators for restaurants, medical offices, retail centers, and small office buildings, including automatic transfer switches that detect a utility outage and start the generator within seconds. We size generators correctly for your critical load requirements and service them under annual maintenance agreements to ensure they're ready when you need them.

Call Burkhardt at 414-206-3049 to schedule a commercial electrical assessment or discuss a service agreement for your property.

Frequently Asked Questions – Commercial Electrical

Are your electricians licensed for commercial work in Wisconsin?

Yes. Burkhardt's electricians hold the Wisconsin state licenses required for commercial electrical work, and all commercial projects are permitted and inspected per state and local requirements. We carry full commercial general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and we can provide certificates of insurance for your records or your lender's requirements.

Can you help with We Energies rebates for LED lighting upgrades?

Absolutely. We Energies' Focus on Energy program offers significant rebates for LED lighting upgrades in commercial buildings, including parking lot lighting, interior fluorescent-to-LED conversions, and exterior building lighting. Burkhardt is familiar with the rebate application process and can help you identify which upgrades qualify and how to maximize your incentive. In many cases, rebates combined with energy savings make LED upgrades one of the fastest-payback commercial electrical investments available.