Electrical Engineer in a Construction Project

Inspect work for compliance with design drawings and code.

Implement electrical works as per shop drawings and supervise to make sure that electrical works are not in conflict with other trades during installation in job site. Conduct QA/QC job to ensure that all electrical works are conformed to electrical standards and applicable electrical codes.

Dear Sir,

The role of an Elec.Engr in a construction site depends on the hat he wears.

If he is in a service dept- His primary job is to see that power is available when

and where it is required. He has to keep the back up power sources like DG sets

in operational conditions. Communications will be on his head. The Electrical

Safetycompliance , power usage records , to see that the power bills are paid in

time to avoid any disconnections etc.

If he is on the construction side : He has to see that the work schdules are

adhered to for early completion of the work. To order, receive, inspect, and use

the electrical items are his duties. He has to interact with various departments like

civil, architecture, and other external agencies like sub-contractors , electrical

authorities etc for earliest completion of the project.

Manroop.Chennai.

Hi guys. Thanks for the answers.

I actually got an offer from a construction firm and the project that would be assigned to me is quite wide. I actually asked whether there are other electrical engineers in the site and they say that if in case I accept the offer, I would be the only electrical engineer. Considering that I am a newbie in construction, I am a little bit worried if I could do the job. Anyway, based on your answers, it seems that it wouldn't be that easy at first. Somehow, I would be needing some consultants. I hope I could refer to you guys just in case I have some queries.

I think I will be accepting the offer. The job is interesting and I'm into the experience that I will be gaining from the project.

Good day and thanks again.

Hi georgfreidich,

Having done this sort of a job I can advise that the role of the electrical engineer will change as the project develops. I used to find that at the outset you were required to establish a site infrastrucure and this might start with getting a generator to supply the site huts,etc. Later this would evolve into power for tower cranes and batching plants. Then as the structures 'came out of the ground' you became involved in designing and installing the 'T/L' which involved miles of 110VAC temporary circuitry for lighting and power tools.

Rarely did I become involved in the actual fitting out work as this was the responsibility of the appointed electrical contractor and the designers.Having said this I later became a commissioning engineer and therefore learned a lot about setting to work and diagnostics so I look back on my time as the man on the site with an appreciation of a steep learning curve, and gaining a high degree of self reliance.

It was extremely interesting work and as you have discovered already you 'are it' and as the sole site engineer the buck really does stop with you. Just watch the safety side of things and pay particular attention to earthing as some nasty effects can arise when earths go missing.

I wish you well in your new venture,

Massey.

He/She should have what it takes according to the needs of the recruiting company(the construction company in this case).