The role of an electrical CAD drafter is to create the technical illustrations which are used as visual aids for the creation of complex equipment, including technical details such as procedures and dimensions. These are often used by electrical workers when repairing or installing equipment. Electrical CAD drafters design electronic products and electrical equipment ranging from power networks to microchips – any products which transmit energy and process information – with their primary tasks being schematic diagrams and circuit designing.
Preparing and drawing the technical drawings of wiring systems, electrical CAD drafters generally work on projects related to power generation and transmission rather than consumer-scale projects, tending to work closely with engineers and architects to develop specifications, functional guideline documents, and specification sheets for the maintenance and installation of electrical wiring and power transmission. Their role requires a solid understanding of the principles of electrical transmission and the ability to comprehend and present information in an accessible manner for electrical contracting work.
The circuit designing career is frequently changing. Electrical drafter education must be ongoing to keep up with constantly updating technology, starting with a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in engineering, though some employers require master’s degrees.
Primary Tasks of an Electrical CAD Drafter
Collaborating with architects and engineers to resolve design issues, electrical CAD drafters also correspond with construction workers and production teams to clarify details on design and receive improvement feedback. Besides technical drawings, they may also be required to provide documentation manuals for electrical workers during installation or repair, as well as being responsible for evaluating drafts to ensure the plans meeting building regulations and providing cost estimates. They may also be responsible for overseeing technicians and other drafters.
Developing wiring diagrams throughout the lifecycle of the project, including master drawings which show wiring systems and structures, and detail drawings which illustrate distances, electrical connections and landscape elements that need consideration during planning, electrical CAD drafters may also prepare drawings of equipment and wiring connections.
Working closely alongside architects, engineers, and technicians, electrical CAD drafters determine functional requirements and project specifications, examining proposed projects and sites to generate estimates for materials and determine power needs. Electrical CAD drafters tend to work closely with engineers throughout the lifecycle of a project as, as work continues, power needs can change.
After functional requirements for the power transmission project have been gathered, electrical CAD drafters are responsible for preparing technical specification guidelines, possibly assembling a series of documents designed to guide the maintenance and installation of electrical lines. Requiring an extremely high level of attention to detail, they much check the technical documentation to ensure perfect accuracy.
Working closely with installers and contractors for much of the project lifecycle, electrical CAD drafters must review diagrams and documents with installers early in the process, answering any questions regarding power or material needs. Later, they are responsible for inspecting work to ensure contractors are adhering to specifications and following diagrams.
Electrical CAD drafters must collaborate with contractors, engineers, and technicians to resolve any electrical issues throughout the project lifecycle. As an example, if a contractor informs the engineer that, due to unforeseen circumstances, he is unable to follow the present specifications, the electrical CAD drafter is responsible for revising drawings and returning them for approval.
Ideal Skill Set for an Electrical CAD Drafter
While many employers look for electrical CAD drafters with certificates or even master’s degrees, they often prefer drafters with strong, active listening and reading comprehension skills. Electrical CAD drafters must also often be familiar with transmission and electrical generation best practices and principles, as well as the following:
Tool Knowledge
While electrical CAD drafters traditionally completed their diagrams by hand, computer-aided design and drafting systems mean that they now work with the assistance of these systems which allow them to design, view, print, save and transfer their drawings electronically. They also allow drafters to quickly create variations and edit designs. Drafters may also make use of traditional tools such as T-squares and protractors, calculators and technical manuals, as well as computer technology. Some of the software used by electrical CAD drafters are:
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk Revit
- Bentley AutoPLANT Plant
- Bentley I/RAS B Utilities Tools
- Electrical design
- Computers and Electronics
First-Hand Experience
- Strong attention to detail is required
- Solid knowledge of AutoCAD or MicroStation
- Working knowledge of spreadsheets and PDF software
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Basic ability to articulate complex ideas to co-workers and management
- Creative thinking in providing new solutions to design problems
- Desire and commitment to grow into an electrical designer
Other Skills
- Drafting skills
- Collaborative skills
- Mathematics
- Operations Analysis
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
Usual Electrical CAD Drafting Tasks in Lage Projects
Many, including contractors, investors, and others will want to see full plans before a project begins, and the drafting of plans allow for a far more thorough view of the potential finished product.
The average electrical system distribution in large projects usually has a complete set of electrical drawings which usually consists of:
- The building’s location and outside electrical wiring is shown in a plot and plan
- The location of electrical systems on every floor shown in floor plans
- Panelboards shown in power-riser diagrams showing
- Control wiring diagrams
- construction drawings in combination with schedules and other information
Skilled CAD Drafters Are an Asset for an Engineering Firm
Electrical design and drafting have many benefits, and it is extremely important to have the right team to accomplish a large project. While most electricians know exactly what they want to create and how the wiring should go, an intricate design is a need, especially for building information modeling and building information management. Architectural and electrical drafting can be used to do this in 2D and 3D drawings, though when electrical drawings are made, the structure must be taken into consideration as well, as railings, stairs, and other components may prevent plans from being carried out.
IndiaCADworks is an engineering service provider with an in-house team of MEP engineers and BIM specialists. For ad-hoc projects or onboarding electrical CAD drafters on a full-time basis, contact IndiaCADworks
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