Wiring diagrams and power distribution diagrams are used to supply electricity to homes, businesses, and various electronic products by an electrical designer. He determines the best equipment for supplying electricity in these applications, as well as the best wires and cables for distributing that power where it is required. The electrical designer uses knowledge and experience in electrical principles, as well as information from industry codes and safety standards, to carry out these responsibilities. He may have engineering, electrical, or drafting training, depending on his position and responsibilities. Many electrical design professionals spend a significant amount of time creating these designs using computer-aided drafting (CAD) software.
In the construction industry, electrical designers are responsible for the layout of equipment, wiring diagrams, and how these systems are connected. These engineers calculate how much electrical power is required within a structure, then determine the most efficient way to deliver that power to the structure in order to maximize performance and safety. They meet with homeowners or architects to learn about the various types of electrical systems that will be needed, and then create CAD drawings that detail lighting, power, cable, telecommunications, and security systems. Contractors use the plans created by the electrical designer to install and maintain the building’s electrical systems.
These designers also work in manufacturing and industrial settings, where they design and manufacture electrical equipment and accessories. Transformers, generators, and other equipment, as well as cables, wires, and other items used to transport electrical signals, may be designed by them. Electrical designers create items such as light fixtures, switches, and outlets for use in homes and buildings.
An electrical designer can even assist in the development of products that are not related to the electrical industry. He designs switchboards and circuits for machinery and equipment, for example. Control systems for products ranging from computers to electronics equipment are also designed by these professionals.
Finally, electrical engineers may collaborate with both public and private power distribution companies. Utility companies that provide power to homes and businesses, as well as cable, phone, and Internet companies, are among them. An electrical designer who works for a municipal agency contributes to the design and maintenance of the public power grid. To minimize outages and reduce the risk of accidents, he determines the best way to route underground or overhead wires. These professionals can also work in power plants, which include coal-burning electric companies, solar energy companies, and even nuclear power plants.