Electrical Engineers are responsible for the design, installation, operation and monitoring of the electrical systems required for the safe, comfortable, environmentally friendly and economically feasible operation of buildings. It’s the role of an Electrical Engineer to design building protection and alarm systems for fire and theft to minimize loss of life and property. It is the responsibility of the Electrical Engineer to ensure conformance to local regulations and standards. This extends even to the installation and operation stages. Operations have an economic implication and it is the responsibility of the Electrical Engineer to ensure that the installation is economically feasible at installation and also during the operation and maintenance period.

LIGHTING AND POWER DESIGN

It is the electrical engineer who designs the lighting of a building. He takes care of the different lighting levels required for given environment or work. For example the lighting level for a library is different from the one for say, a bedroom. He also chooses the best lighting fitting for the same reasons. We have fittings for warm light, cool light and daylight as well. The lighting must be designed to reflect the required mood. It is the role of the Electrical Engineer to double up as a lighting designer and design a building’s lighting system to guarantee visual comfort, energy efficiency all the while being visually pleasing. The engineer also designs the electrical power distribution in a building to enhance its utilization. All loads in the building have to be supplied with enough electrical power. He also has to have provisions for future load expansion as well as a backup generator in case of Mains failure. Sockets must be well positioned to ensure convenience.

LIGHTNING PROTECTION

Electrical Building Services Engineers are tasked with the design of lightning protection systems for buildings especially for those in lightning prone areas, say in the High lands of Rift Valley, Kericho, Kisii region, South Nyanza and along the shorelines of Lake Victoria.

FIRE ALARMS SYSTEMS DESIGN.

The electrical engineer also undertakes the fire alarm system design. Smoke detectors, Heat detectors must be properly positioned according to the chosen zones. Sounders and Beacons, as well as break glass must be well positioned. The latest technologies must be applied.

PUBLIC ADDRESS & AUDIO VISUAL/IP TV

Television and piped music is also provided at specific locations. During normal conditions, these systems play music in common areas and can be used to page people and to make public announcements. In case of fire, a signal from fire alarm panel initiates announcement of pre-recorded message in all the groups/zones. Manual announcements can also be made through the PA system.
The electrical engineer must choose the right amplifiers, mixers, speakers and displays.

SECURITY SYSTEMS INSTALLATIONS

These include Digital CCTV systems (Day and night fixed cameras Exit / entry barrier systems, and Walk-through metal detectors.
Design must consist of high-resolution surveillance cameras which are capable of recording on a full time basis or on motion (every time there is movement) and playback events at will. One must also be able to also view the cameras remotely using their Cell phone, tablet or PC.
Electric Fences
Electric Fences are now a common non-lethal effective barrier protection system for most households and businesses. The electrical engineer is also tasked with design of the same.
Why Electric Fences?
• Effective physical and psychological barrier against intruders
• Integrate with existing alarms systems
• Durable and easy to maintain
• Add sensor switches to automatically adjust sensitivity
• Zoning provides information on attempted point of entry
Turnstiles, Bollards & Traps
Effective crowd control is essential when it comes to certain types of businesses. Turnstiles offer an effective solution for employee management and crowd movement especially in super markets, large factories and the like.
Rising or fixed bollards are used as vehicle barriers. The main benefit of rising bollards is that they operate even in the event of a vehicle knocking into them. Operated automatically, bollards can be programmed to allow certain vehicles at allocated times to ensure effective vehicle control.
UVIS (Under Vehicle Inspection System)
Under Vehicle Inspection Systems are also specified by the electrical engineer. Modern UVIS (Under Vehicle Inspection System) use LED infrared lighting which has numerous merits: no sensitivity to sunlight, long life, low power consumption, and, contrary to halogen, invisible to the ‘audience’. They provide clear images of the underside of the vehicle – from small cars to trucks.

ACCESS CONTROL INSTALLATIONS

Access control systems design for sensitive areas like server rooms, offices and storage areas must also be properly carried out. Sample equipment include, IP access readers with Ethernet capabilities, Finger print reader, proximity card reader, high quality optical sensor, magnetic door lock, and RFID Hotel Door Locks.
Why Access Control?
• Restrict unauthorized Access
• Track entry/exit of personnel
• Allow restricted access to the work place after office hours
• Eliminate key problems – duplications, jams, etc

STRUCTURED CABLING INSTALLATIONS

Structured cabling design consists of Data/Internet and communication services for all offices, meeting rooms and any other room where these services are required. Copper or Fiber optic is used depending on the complexity and length of cables use. Fiber optics is used to provide high quality compressed signal communication, thus reducing on cable space volume and ductwork. Sample Equipment include Dual RJ45 Cat 6 outlets for Voice and Data, Wireless access points for Wi-Fi access, IP Phones ; Voice over IP (VoIP) methodology is the preferable technology for the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks.

LIFTS/ELEVATORS INSTALLATIONS

Electrical Engineers are also involved in lift installations design. Will the lift be used for carrying people or goods, or to provide special disabled access? What size and speed would the new lift have? How many stops? These questions are all answered by the electrical engineer. A lift may be designed to reflect an individual tastes, or to be consistent with a corporate brand.

GENERATOR INSTALLATIONS

Full back up generator for all services with Automatic Load Transfer switch.
The electrical engineer also designs the electrical back up system of a building. The load must be accurately calculated. The generator is also sized according to the attitude of the building location. The running at sea level is different form say a generator running at 1800M above sea level.

GUESTROOM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

This is mainly for hotels. The system manages different scenarios in each guest room, including welcome, living and sleeping settings. Lighting, temperature and curtains can be controlled to suit the activity of the occupant. The guest room management systems can be integrated into any Building or Property Management System (PMS) to help reduce running costs and increase the efficiency of a building. Settings can either be adjusted in the room by the guest or centrally via the hotel management system.

BUILDING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (BMS)

The electrical engineer is also responsible for the overall design of the building management system. BMS integrates all the above systems as well as mechanical systems.
The BMS comprises the following parts: Automation stations, Field devices, Field communication network, Main server, LAN Network.

SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS INSTALLATIONS

Electrical Engineers are involved in the design of these systems as well as street lighting. Electrical engineers first embark on determining the economic viability of a solar system before immersing themselves in the detailed design. They then advice the client accordingly.

Electrical Engineers use popular design software such as AutoCAD and Revit MEP to carry out their design work. It is very prudent for building developers to engage the services of professional engineers in any undertaking. They will ultimately save on time and money as well as ensure quality work.