Electrical systems

Electrical Systems in Construction is generally broken down to into New Construction, Existing Construction, and Design Build. All designs should meet the standards of client satisfaction, safety, code compliance, aesthetics, and profit.

General Design

A successful design involves a strong understanding of application, safety, layout, growth, flexibility, incorporating old technology with new, and meeting "local" requirements. All Electrical designs needs to be coordinated with the involved trades, such as but not limited to structural, Mechanical Systems/HVACs, Plumbing, and Fire/Life Safety.

Also see Code of Ethics, and Grounding

Power

Branch Circuits can be broken down into Conductors, Overcurrent Devices, and Raceways. Each component has maximum loads which needs to be calculated and properly designed to protect the system. Each component should have proper protection from the elements depending on the local conditions. Conduits need to have their proper insulation and overprotection devices should be kept in panelboards or switchboards.

Also see Panel Schedule and Single Line Diagram

Low Voltage Systems

The Low Voltage Systems (Signals) can include audio/video, voice/data, fire alarms, security, and other low voltage equipment. It also includes commercial and residential satellite systems, off air antennas, and coaxial cable design and installation. Low Voltage systems can also encompass intercom systems, wireless access systems, and surveillance.

Lighting

The purpose of lighting design should be to provide quality lighting for the task area, to be aesthetic, and minimize energy usage. Lighting is measured terms of footcandles, illuminance, lamp efficacies, footlambert, candlepower or lumens per watt. In theory, light dimishishes as a square function as the distance increases from the source.

Safety Hazards

Electrocutions are the fourth leading cause of death for construction workers in the U.S, so maintaining safe work conditions are important.

• Overload of Cable Trays
• Electrical Fires
• Arc Flash
• Failure to have electrical power disconnected during demolition
• Working near underground electrical cables
• Using heavy equipment near overhead powerlines
• Failure to deenergize while working with or near live wires.