Electrical Designer

Job Description

Electrical designers create electrical systems. Using their expertise on how electricity works, they come up with wiring and power distribution diagrams to fit the needs of individual projects. This might entail examining the electrical needs of a new building and figuring out how best to supply it. Or it might mean talking to the makers of a revamped appliance and determining how to get it to perform at capacity while still being electrically safe.The services of electrical designers are of value to an array of people and industries. Homeowners, architects, and construction firms need their input for building projects. Manufacturers ask them to design circuits and switchboards for machinery and equipment. Power distribution, utility, and telecommunication companies seek electrical designers to work on public grids and route wires in the best ways.Electrical Designer Duties and ResponsibilitiesElectrical designers see ideas through from the brainstorming stage through installation. Our analysis of job postings revealed the following activities to be among the main ones employers expect them to perform:DesigningElectrical designers are presented with a situation that needs to be figured out. After consulting with interested parties such as managers, clients, and colleagues they begin designing solutions. Using CAD software, electrical designers draft what the electrical system will look like. Their work includes electrical specifications and detailed drawings.PlanningElectrical designers estimate the time, cost, labor, and materials that are needed to produce a real version of their ideas. They reformulate plans along the way based on unexpected circumstances or client changes.Attending to SafetyPreventing electrical hazards is a top priority for electrical designers, thus, they need a thorough understanding of relevant standards, including the National Electric Code (NEC)the benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection in all 50 states.UpdatingElectrical designers may be responsible for one part of a larger project. They have to keep colleagues, managers, and clients in the loop as to progress and deviations from schedule or budget so as not to disturb the workflow of the whole.MonitoringElectrical designers may be on-site during some or all of the installation of their design to make sure things are going as planned, answer questions, and respond to any problems.Electrical Designer SkillsTechnical prowess isnt the only thing on the minds of hiring managers when examining resumes for electrical designer positions. Qualifications found among successful electrical designers often include:

• Communicating effectively with fellow tech staff as well as with clients and other people who may need things explained in lay mans terms
• Working well with others since projects are often done as a team
• Problem-solving to make adjustments when plans dont go as expected
• Attending to detail to ensure consistency and safety of final products
• Maintaining professionalism when dealing with colleagues and clients

Electrical Designer Tools of the tradeElectrical designers require an array of things to do their job. Some of the most common items include:

• CAD software design and drafting software, such as MicroStation and AutoCAD, that enables creation of precise 2D and 3D drawings
• Currents electric charges, expressed as AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current)
• Wires used as conductors (gives electricity a path on which to flow)
• Switches controllers to turn electrical systems on and off
• Circuit breakers safety devices that stop the flow of current
• Volts measurement of electric potential

Electrical Designer Education and TrainingElectrical designers often hold an associates or bachelors degree in electrical engineering. Coursework centers on math, physics, and science, as well as specifics such as electrical circuits, digital electronics, electrical codes and computer-aided design (CAD). Electrical designers wishing to further their career prospects frequently opt to get a professional engineering license. Requirements vary by state but generally involve passing a test on fundamentals and completing several years of work experience. Some employers like candidates to possess a journeyman electrician certificate.Electrical Designer ResourcesAs you consider a career as an electrical designer, the following books and organizations may be good places to turn to for further information:

Keyskills :
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