What Do Industrial Electrical Engineers Do?

The industrial electrical engineer is an unsung hero of manufacturing and other industrial businesses. Their technical expertise is of great value to companies. Industrial electrical engineers are responsible for examining, designing, developing, and testing electrical and electronic equipment and machinery used in manufacturing and other industrial processes.

Throughout this blog post, we will discuss what industrial electrical engineers do, how to become one, the benefits of becoming one, and some typical projects an industrial electrical engineer might undertake.

Repair

Electricians repair various equipment, including motors, generators, lighting systems, and control panels. Once a problem has been identified, they repair or make adjustments to improve equipment performance and efficiency. They also perform routine checks of equipment and wiring to prevent problems from happening in the future.

Additionally, electricians often support troubleshooting problems in mechanical systems or manufacturing processes.

Installation or Renewal of the Electrical Distribution Board

An industrial engineering technician specialises in installing and repairing electrical systems, including the electrical distribution board. The electrical distribution board is the central hub that collects all the electricity that flows into a building’s electrical system before distributing it throughout its circuits.

As part of their duties, these technicians can also install or replace electrical distribution boards, ranging from single-phase to three-phase boards, depending on the industry in which they are employed. Technicians have to diagnose faults in distribution systems and recommend solutions.

Renewal or Installation of Lighting Systems

Electricians are responsible for installing or renewing lighting systems. This can include everything from lighting systems used at manufacturing plants and refineries to systems used at offices and warehouses.

In addition to using a variety of tools and equipment, industrial electrical engineers can make decisions about lighting layouts that are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. This can help improve productivity, efficiency, and safety in the workplace and give the place a more professional look.

Additionally, they will be responsible for properly disposing of all waste materials produced during installation work.

The Installation and Testing of Emergency Lighting

They are also responsible for installing and testing emergency lighting systems. This could include anything from simple emergency lighting used in manufacturing plants and warehouses to complex emergency lighting systems used in office buildings and schools.

Installation and testing are the most crucial parts of any project, both from a safety perspective and a legal perspective. Any errors made during this stage could expose the owner to civil lawsuits if an accident occurs.

Additionally, they often work with other tradespeople to ensure that installations are completed correctly.

Installation of New Supplies for Machinery

Another important function of an industrial electrical engineer is installing new machinery supplies. This can include anything from motor controllers to oil and gas extraction machines. They work with engineers to ensure the proper equipment is installed and that it is working properly.

Another responsibility they have is to install control systems for new or upgraded plants. This could include the installation of automated control systems for manufacturing processes, as well as working with equipment operators to ensure automation processes are working correctly too.

How to Become an Industrial Electrical Engineer

Becoming an industrial electrical engineer requires a significant amount of education and training. One option is to pursue an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, which includes passing a series of electrical and electronics courses. It may take three or four years to finish this degree.

Another way to earn a degree in industrial electrical engineering is to pursue a graduate degree in industrial engineering. The completion of these courses will take between one and three years to complete. After earning an industrial engineering degree, you will need practical working qualifications by working under an electrical engineer on an industrial engineering project. This will take one to two years to complete.

Finally, you must pass a standardised training course to become a certified industrial electrical engineer.

In most cases, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an accredited university is necessary. After completing a four-year program, students must pass the Engineer in Training exam. Once the EIT exam is passed, engineers must gain four years of professional experience before taking the Professional Engineering exam. Upon passing the PE exam, individuals are licenced to practise engineering independently.

The Benefits of Being an Industrial Electrical Engineer

There are several career opportunities available for industrial electrical engineers. They can work on short-term projects, including modifying and installing new systems in large factories or manufacturing plants, and longer-term projects, including installing and repairing electrical systems, installing backup generators, and finding innovative solutions for large-scale system issues.

For small business owners, having an industrial electrical engineer on staff can be invaluable to ensure a business’s electrical systems are functioning properly and are being improved to increase workplace productivity. Industrial electrical professionals also possess a huge wealth of industry experience and can be used as a resource when businesses require help troubleshooting their electrical systems.

The job requires a strong understanding of both electrical theory and practical application. Industrial electrical engineers are in high demand due to the growing need for qualified professionals to oversee the ever-growing network of electrical systems in factories, power plants, and other industrial facilities. As an industrial electrical engineer, you can expect to earn a competitive salary and enjoy excellent job security.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and play a key role in keeping vital industrial operations up and running. Industrial electrical engineering may be the perfect fit if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career.

Conclusion

In conclusion, industrial electrical engineers play a vital role in ensuring commercial and industrial facilities’ safe and efficient operation. These professionals are responsible for the safe installation and maintenance of electrical systems and the development of new electrical systems.

For more information on which type of electrician you require, contact Somerset Electrical Company today! We offer complete commercial and industrial electrical services throughout the Somerset area.