Electricity is fundamental in the modern world, providing an energy source for many building systems, home appliances, and even our mobile electronic gadgets. With electrical engineering services, you can make sure your building has a safe power supply. Ideally, electrical installations should also be designed for efficient operation, reducing power bills in the long run.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) from the National Fire Protection Association, also known as the NFPA 70 standard, is the main reference document for all electrical installations in the USA. Local electrical codes are normally based on the NEC, adding specific requirements for the corresponding state or city.
Electrical engineers are highly familiarized with the NEC, since it provides the requirements for sizing all types of electrical components, from the main service equipment to the smaller circuits powering receptacles and lighting fixtures.
A modern building typically uses thousands of feet of wiring to deliver electrical power to all the appliances and equipment found inside. These circuits must meet a long list of technical requirements, and the following are just some examples:
These requirements can be considered an extremely brief introduction to the requirements and specifications found in the NEC. Electricity may seem like an overwhelming topic at first, but there is no need to worry if you are working with qualified electrical engineers.
In new constructions and building renovations, electrical engineers are normally hired to design a safe and code-compliant installation. However, you can also rely on electrical engineering services to reduce your power bills. This can be accomplished by lowering the power consumption of your building, or by generating your own electricity on-site.
Energy efficiency and renewable generation achieve synergy: while energy efficiency reduces the amount of electricity needed, renewable generation provides an on-site supply. Electrical engineering consultants can perform an energy audit of your property to identify the most promising energy efficiency measures and to suggest any renewable generation systems that are viable for your property.