Electrical education for construction engineers

Abstract

The complexity of building electrical systems is increasing at a rapid rate. The "e" age is partly responsible. Fiber optic networks and grid grounding systems are used in many new facilities. The cost of electrical energy and the dependability of the source of electrical energy are also increasing the complexity of building electrical systems. Smart buildings are the trend in construction. This change has been emphasized by the increased cost of the electrical system and other building systems. Ideally, building management is designed into the building construction, not added after construction is completed. It starts with the building envelope design and includes electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems. For this to happen the user must be able to communicate his/her needs to the developer/architect. The result will be specifications and plans adequate for bidding and construction. The general contractor must be able to interpret these plans and communicate effectively with the subcontractors. Good communications between the project managing engineer for the electrical contractor, client, design team, and the project managing engineer for the general contractor is critical for construction of a facility per plans and specifications on time and within budget. It is a fact of construction today that these two project managers will make many of the decisions of how to install the required materials. Many times the efficiency of these decisions will be a direct result of the construction project-managing engineer's ability to understand the electrical plans, the needs of the end user, and the ability of the electrical subcontractor. In an effort to allow this to happen many construction programs are including electrical/electronic education as part of their bachelor degree programs. In some programs this material is combined with mechanical education as a basis for a (MEP) mechanical, electrical, and plumbing emphasis. Project managing engineers traditionally have been responsible for scheduling and budgeting. This education is not part of most electrical engineering degrees. Therefore it must be obtained elsewhere. It is available from some construction program certificate curriculums. A newer trend is to make the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing education available through certificate programs to those with a wide range of bachelor degrees. Many courses are offered by distance education. The need for education beyond a bachelor's degree and in a variety of areas is a part of working in the construction field. There is no one engineering bachelors degree that can offer the variety of courses necessary to prepare an individual to manage large building electrical system design, construction, and cross-link with other building systems. The author examines why this education is needed, how it should be offered, and when it should be offered.