Do I Need an Engineer?
One of the most asked questions we receive is when an Electrical Engineer is needed. This can vary depending on circumstances. In most cases, much like if the question was asked if a doctor or lawyer is needed, if you have to ask the question the answer is yes. Many times an engineer could be used to help troubleshoot and commision systems. Even on such a small task this often times saves Owners or Contractor valuable time and money.
The State of South Carolina defines the practice of engineering as the following:
["Practice of engineering" means any service or creative work, the adequate performance of which requires engineering education, training, and experience in the application of special knowledge of the mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences to such services or creative work as commissioning, consultation, investigation, expert technical testimony, evaluation, design and design coordination of engineering works and systems, design for development and use of land and water, performing engineering surveys and studies, and the review of construction for the purpose of monitoring compliance with drawings and specifications, any of which embraces such services or work, either public or private, in connection with any utilities, structures, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, work systems projects, and industrial or consumer products or equipment of control systems, chemical, communications, mechanical, electrical, environmental, hydraulic, pneumatic, or thermal nature, insofar as they involve safeguarding life, health, or property, and including such other professional services as may be necessary to the planning, progress, and completion of any engineering services.]
In short, engineers are required by law on most any project that could impact the health, safety, and well-being of the public. In the electrical world this includes the design and implementation of most power and control systems as well as studies for commercial and industrial systems.