Electrical engineers are some of the most in-demand professionals in the market. They play a crucial role in a construction project. This article looks at their scope of work and the best time to hire one. So, let’s get into it.
What is an electrical engineer?
An electrical engineer applies skills in physics and mathematics of electronics, electromagnetism, and electricity, to design, develop, test and maintain electrical equipment. It includes the installation of lighting systems, sound systems, machinery automation and more. Electrical engineers also install EV charging stations in residential and commercial properties.
What do electrical engineers do?
Electrical engineers have different roles depending on their scope of work. For example, some will invent new electrical products while others repair and maintain them. Others will document how the product works and offer detailed guides.
Some of the tasks Tercero, Inc. does include:
- Consultancy: An electrical engineer will create an electrical drawing such as control designs that are unique to your needs. They use software to show the kind of circuits and electrical systems to be implemented in a building.
- Electrical repairs: They repair or replace faulty electric equipment such as lights, circuit breakers and others.
- Lighting installation: Electrical engineers also install lighting systems in commercial and residential areas. For example, they install solar lamps or energy-efficient lights reducing the electric bill significantly. They can include security, general, interior, and exterior lighting systems.
- Power upgrades: Often, energy demands in a factory or commercial building can overshadow the supply. As such, you need to upgrade panels and other equipment. Electrical engineers can assess your situation and perform diagnoses, ensuring the installation of a more efficient panel.
- Infrared analysis: It’s common for commercial and industrial properties to experience power outages and electrical brownouts. To if this, you need to consult an engineer who will perform an infrared analysis to identify loose connections and other issues.
- Electrical machine troubleshooting: Electrical engineers also troubleshoot machinery on the factory floor, in a bid to identify repair and maintenance needs. Tercero, Inc. provides wholesome electrical machinery troubleshooting mitigating ensuing downtimes in your factory.
- Machinery automation: Thanks to the advent of technology, most tasks can be automated, improving productivity and efficiency. And this is what electrical engineers afford you. They can modify your machinery, automating most of the production line.
- Remodeling: Remodeling a home or office will require changes in the existing electrical system. Engineers can help you with wiring and sound system upgrades, ensuring it meets your needs and also building code regulations.
Industries that electrical engineers work in
Electrical engineers work in a wide range of industries that involve large-scale electrical systems. It can include power generation and transmission as well as motor control. Thanks to their vast experience in different technologies, they design households, telecommunication systems, and satellite communications, among others.
The demand for Electrical engineers is on the rise, especially in industries such as:
- Renewable energy
- Global Positioning System technologies
- Banking
- Finance
- Mobile networking
The highest employer of electrical engineers are companies offering engineering services. The second employers are distribution, transmission, and electric power generation companies, followed closely by the manufacturing companies of electromedical, navigational, measuring, and control instruments.
When should you hire an electrical engineer?
For efficient design plans creation
Frequent power outages can negatively affect the productivity of your business, resulting in lower profit margins. Hiring a professional electrical engineer can help mitigate such scenarios. Electrical engineers are thoroughly trained to develop optimal designs that ensure uninterrupted electric power flow.
They help design power grids that provide even distribution of power, preventing overload to some machines. Uneven power distribution can cause equipment damage. In worst cases, it can cause fire outbreaks, leading to millions of losses.
Electrical engineers will develop the grid and an efficient backup system, reducing downtime in your business.
For safety guarantee
There are many fire outbreaks in residential and commercial buildings due to poor electrical cabling systems. It leads to loss of life and property. To avoid incurring losses and loss of life, consult a professional electrical engineer. Since they are trained to handle just about any electric voltage, they’ll no doubt develop safety procedures to avoid accidents.
Furthermore, having an in-house electrical engineer can be a boon in an emergency since they’ll know how to handle it. If you are constructing a building, an electrical engineer will ensure proper electric system installation, mitigating future problems. Tercero, Inc is one such company you can trust with your projects.
For cost reduction
Most business owners or homeowners avoid hiring professional electrical engineers, believing they are saving money. Well, that’s far from the truth. Hiring a half-baked engineer might seem cost-effective, but it will surely catch up in the future.
Their crude methods will lead to accidents and penalties since they don’t meet local building codes. Besides, few come with the right tools, meaning you’ll have to buy them.
A professional engineer will come with the right tools; follow the industry standards, saving you millions in damage and accidents. They’ll also ensure your building meets local regulations.
For analytical calculations
Electrical engineers have a vast background in mathematics, allowing them to solve problems analytically. It means they’ll handle your project in the most efficient approach. They understand that a slight difference can cause a ripple effect across the electrical system. While they demand high salaries, you are sure your project is well done.
For overseeing product manufacturing
One of the electrical engineering duties is overseeing electrical device production. You can hire an engineer to ensure the products meet the proper standards and specifications if you have an industrial plant. They also test products before reaching the market.
If they give a product the green light, you are sure it will meet the needs of your target customers. Electrical engineers also ensure efficiency in plants that use robots and other automated tools.
What to consider when hiring an electrical engineer
Education and training
The responsibilities of an electrical engineer are very technical and require one to be keen on details. It requires utmost accuracy and precision since a minute mistake can jeopardize an entire project. It is why you need an electrical engineer with the proper training.
It isn’t very reassuring to get into a project only to realize they don’t know how to accomplish what you’ve asked. This can be a costly and dangerous mistake in most cases.
Certifications and licensing
One way to ensure that electrical engineer is as sound as they claim to be is to look at their certifications and licenses. Many engineering sectors require one to meet specific requirements. And one way to go about it is through certifications.
Some of the most recognized certificates are:
- Engineering in Training (EIT)
- Certified Technical Professional (CTP)
- Professional Engineer (PE)
- Certified Systems Engineer Professional (CSEP)
- Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
To qualify for a license, an electrical engineer must graduate from an ABET-accredited program.
Budget
Budgeting is a crucial aspect that can lead to the success or downfall of your project. In construction, there are many elements to include in your budget, including payment to your electrical engineering team. Since they have unique input to your project, they’ll often request higher wages. Discuss charges and fees before starting the project to avoid conflict of interest.
Personality and skills
While technical skills are of great value, you must consider the engineer’s personality and soft skills. Generally, electrical engineers don’t work alone; they work in collaboration with other professionals. As such, they need proper communication and teamwork skills.
Problem-solving is another crucial skill to consider. While they prevent problems before they emerge, there are instances where they’ll need to troubleshoot a situation. Your desired engineer should analyze and dig deep into finding the problem’s origin and providing solutions.
Availability
Construction projects can take months, if not years. It means you want an expert who’ll be available throughout the project. They should adapt to changes in project timelines, which is inevitable in most cases. Furthermore, there are limitless reasons why a timeline can change. The electrical engineer needs to be consistent despite these reasons.
Do you need an electrical engineer?
Electrical engineers ensure your project runs smoothly and meets industry standards. If you need the input of experienced engineers, reach out to Tercero, Inc. for the best electrical engineering services.
