By | Alex Brown
An electrical engineer in the construction industry is primarily in charge of all electrical work, design, and installation. Electrical engineers in the construction industry are responsible for designing electrical systems implemented in residential and commercial structures. Because electricians and other construction workers are not licensed to create and approve electrical plans, only electrical engineers design electrical systems.
The electrical engineer is also responsible for estimating the costs of materials such as electrical wire, conduits, lighting fixtures, switches, and circuit breakers. They will also oversee the delivery dates and purchasing material schedules for the duration of construction projects. The electrical engineer is also in charge of determining the number of light fixtures required per room. The electrical engineer will also monitor the electrical wire installation since they must ensure that the systems adhere to the National Electrical Code, which is the standard utilized in the United States for the safe installation of electrical systems.
Role of electrical engineers in the construction industry
Engineers are mostly employed in research and development, although there is a growing demand in construction and industrial domains on online job portals like Primus Workforce. That being stated, the professional duties of an electrical engineer in the construction industry can be extensive. Electrical engineers’ major activities on a building site often involve overseeing projects, making reports, and resolving concerns, but several sub-disciplines exist.
These sub-disciplines might range from signal processing and power generation to transmission and distribution applications, instrumentation, and computer engineering. An electrical engineer’s job is to design high-voltage equipment such as wire systems, power distribution systems, generators, and lighting systems, among other things. On the other hand, an electrical engineer has several responsibilities in the building sector, particularly on a construction site.
While some parts, such as lighting fixtures and receptacles, or those with a purpose that necessitates them, are exposed in residential and commercial structures, most electrical installations are hidden from view using access doors. Electrical systems in building interiors are more visible in industrial environments since no drywalls or dropped ceilings conceal junction boxes, conduits, and other peripherals.
Electrical System Design
Electrical engineers design electrical systems for commercial, residential, and industrial construction projects. High-voltage systems for providing power are also covered, as are low-voltage applications such as Ethernet and fiber-optic lines. They must also collaborate closely with designers to identify how to incorporate electrical aspects effectively, prepare plans, and incorporate the electrical feature. This entails assessing the critical electrical elements required for the specific project and determining how to include them. In addition, an electrical site engineer will create project designs.
Supervision of Electrical Contractors
Electrical engineers must also actively supervise and manage teams of electrical contractors and subcontractors. Furthermore, they may direct daily activities, respond to concerns regarding power requirements and electrical codes, and lead workers throughout the construction process. Many engineers also work on construction projects as subcontractors, partnering with electricians and other contractors.
An electrical engineer is responsible for overseeing and managing electrical contractors. Assigning work, directing activity, and answering inquiries are all examples of what this entails.
Troubleshooting Electrical Issues
Electrical engineers are also responsible for resolving issues during construction projects involving electric systems or gadgets. When old electrical plans and blueprints are no longer viable or specifications alter, necessitating a different power arrangement due to changes in a building’s design or practical concerns, electrical engineers should immediately revise plans to fix issues and avoid disruptions.
Things don’t always go as planned, and existing plans, settings, or drawings must be adjusted. If this occurs, an electrical engineer is responsible for resolving any concerns or problems that may arise. They work rapidly to alter the blueprints to ensure no disruption or delay in the building.
Creating Cost Estimates
At the start of the construction planning process, electrical site engineers assist in developing cost estimates for both material and labor. They also estimate personnel and timeframes to provide project managers with the information they need for contractor bids and keep the project on budget. They also examine drawings and site specs to estimate the amount of wire, fittings, and other supplies needed.
One of an electrical site engineer’s key roles is preparing and generating cost estimates for materials and labor before planning and construction begin. They can also precisely calculate the number of laborers required and provide an accurate timeframe to guarantee the project stays within budget and on time.
Construction Timetable Management
One of the responsibilities of electrical engineers is to manage construction timelines for electrical elements on job sites. They must also collaborate closely with planners and utility providers to decide when project milestones will be achieved to avoid delays and maintain profitability. They also commonly develop timetables in coordination with subcontractors to ensure that electrical work is executed concurrently with other work components.
System Testing Execution
Electrical engineers test electrical systems throughout the construction process. This also includes supervising final job inspections and testing individual components or the entire system. They must also inspect the contractors’ work to ensure that it complies with local and national electrical codes that all devices operate safely, and that power is delivered accurately. An electrical engineer will regularly execute system tests on electrical systems and equipment throughout their career.
This guarantees that everything is functioning properly and that problems may be rectified before they become larger problems. An electrical engineer will not only examine individual components and the electrical system as a whole during the final inspection, but they will also guarantee that everything is by local and national codes.
The task of an electrical engineer includes designing high-voltage equipment such as wiring systems, power distribution systems, generators, lighting systems, etc. However, within the construction industry, an electrical engineer has many responsibilities, especially when it comes to a construction site. Some elements like lighting fixtures and receptacles in residential and commercial buildings, or those with a function that requires it.
Finally, an electrician’s responsibility is to guarantee that electrical systems that require additional care and protection are safely encased inside superior access doors.
