How to Be Electrical Designer / Drafter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 7, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of an Electrical Designer/Drafter is to design and create electrical drawings to support the construction of a facility. This job requires a great deal of knowledge in electrical engineering principles and the ability to work with complex designs. The outcome of this job is a set of accurate and complete electrical drawings that are used to ensure the correct installation of electrical systems in a facility.

These drawings will also be used to provide clear instructions to installers and electricians, ensuring the safety of all personnel who will be working with the system. In turn, this will result in a successful electrical system that meets all safety regulations, as well as providing an efficient, reliable, and safe environment for operations and personnel.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or Equivalent. The first step to becoming an electrical designer/drafter is to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. This will provide the basic math and science skills needed for the job.
Earn a Certificate or Technical Training. Many employers prefer to hire designers/drafters who have completed a degree or certificate program in electrical design/drafting or a related field. This type of program is offered by many trade schools, community colleges, and universities.
Get Work Experience. In order to gain experience in the field of electrical design/drafting, some employers may require that applicants have some kind of hands-on experience. This can be gained through internships, part-time jobs, apprenticeships, or volunteer work.
Gain Certification. It is not always necessary to become certified in order to become an electrical designer/drafter, but it can be beneficial. The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) offers a certification program for those interested in electrical design/drafting.
Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state and employer, it may be necessary to obtain a professional license in order to work as an electrical designer/drafter. Requirements vary, but generally include passing exams and completing continuing education requirements.

Electricity is a key part of modern life and the design and drafting of electrical systems is a critical component in providing reliable and efficient electricity. Designers must understand the needs of the system, the components involved, and the environment in which the system will be located. They must also have a thorough understanding of safety standards, current codes and regulations, and the latest technological advancements.

Drafters must be able to accurately create drawings that are precise and detailed, as well as being able to create diagrams and schematics. The combination of a designers expertise and drafters precision produces electrical systems that are reliable and efficient. This, in turn, provides peace of mind for users as well as cost savings in terms of energy consumption.

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Job Description

Design and develop electrical schematics and drawings using CAD software.
Develop wiring diagrams, layout drawings, and other electrical drawings.
Estimate material and labor costs for electrical projects.
Analyze technical specifications to determine the design requirements of a project.
Collaborate with other engineering personnel to determine the most appropriate design solutions.
Troubleshoot existing electrical systems to identify and solve design problems.
Prepare cost estimates for materials, labor, and other costs associated with electrical projects.
Assist in the preparation of bids and contract documents for electrical projects.
Develop specifications for electrical components and systems.
Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of electrical engineering fundamentals
Familiarity with electrical industry codes and standards
Proficiency in CAD software
Ability to interpret schematics and diagrams
Experience with circuit board design
Knowledge of power systems, transformers and switchgear
Understanding of wiring diagrams and schematics
Ability to research and analyze complex technical data
Good communication and problem-solving skills
Attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
Ability to work effectively in a team environment

The most important skill for an Electrical Designer/Drafter to possess is a sound understanding of electrical engineering principles. Having knowledge of the principles of electricity, electrical components and systems, circuits, and other related topics is crucial in order to design and draft electrical systems that are safe, efficient, and reliable. having the ability to use computer-aided design (CAD) software is essential in order to create accurate and detailed drawings of electrical systems.

Finally, having problem-solving skills is also beneficial in order to effectively troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the design and implementation process. With this combination of skills, an Electrical Designer/Drafter can ensure that their designs are able to meet the needs of their client and perform as expected when implemented.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with Autocad, Revit, and other drafting software?
How do you approach making design changes?
What experience do you have with electrical design calculations?
How do you stay organized in a fast-paced environment?
What kind of tools and processes do you use to manage multiple projects?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy when creating electrical drawings?
How do you handle competing deadlines?
Describe a difficult electrical design project that you worked on and how you overcame it.
How do you manage client expectations when dealing with complex projects?
Describe your experience in working with a team of electrical engineers and designers.

Common Tools in Industry

AutoCAD. A computer-aided design (CAD) software used to create precise 2D and 3D technical drawings. (eg: electrical circuit diagrams)
Visio. A diagramming and vector graphics application used to create detailed diagrams and flowcharts. (eg: schematic diagrams)
EPLAN Electric P8. An electrical design software for the automated design of electrical control systems. (eg: industrial control panels)
MicroStation. A 3D CAD modeling software used to create detailed 3D models from 2D drawings. (eg: equipment layouts)
SolidWorks. A 3D mechanical CAD software used to create solid models for machining and parts assembling. (eg: machine assemblies)
PSpice. A circuit simulator used to model the behavior of electrical circuits. (eg: power supply units)
Revit. A building information modeling (BIM) software used to create 2D and 3D architectural drawings. (eg: building plans)
National Electrical Code (NEC). A set of national standards for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment. (eg: NEC-compliant wiring diagrams)

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)

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Common Important Terms

CAD (Computer-Aided Design). A type of software used to create and edit digital designs, such as those used in electrical engineering.
Schematic Design. The process of creating a schematic diagram, which is a visual representation of a circuit.
Electrical Components. Various components used in electrical systems such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, and integrated circuits.
Electrical Layout. The arrangement of electrical components within a circuit.
PCB (Printed Circuit Board). A board used to connect electronic components and form an electrical circuit.
Wiring Diagram. A diagram that shows the wiring of a system or circuit, with the components and their connections represented by lines and symbols.
Circuit Analysis. The process of analyzing a circuit in order to determine its behavior and performance.
Circuit Simulation. The process of using mathematical models to predict the behavior and performance of a circuit without building it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Electrical Designer/Drafter?

An Electrical Designer/Drafter is a professional responsible for creating detailed drawings, schematics and designs for electrical systems. They use a variety of software tools to create accurate and comprehensive plans that help to guide the construction of electrical systems.

What qualifications are required to become an Electrical Designer/Drafter?

To become an Electrical Designer/Drafter, you should possess a degree in electrical engineering, computer-aided drafting or a related field. Additionally, experience in electrical design, knowledge of electrical components, and familiarity with CAD software is beneficial.

What are some of the duties of an Electrical Designer/Drafter?

The duties of an Electrical Designer/Drafter include developing electrical schematics and designs, utilizing CAD software to create detailed drawings, reviewing documentation for accuracy, and providing technical advice to other departments.

What is the salary range for an Electrical Designer/Drafter?

The salary range for an Electrical Designer/Drafter typically ranges from $45,000 to $80,000 per year. The exact salary will depend on the level of experience and qualifications.

What type of environment does an Electrical Designer/Drafter work in?

Electrical Designers/Drafters typically work in an office environment, with their work taking place on computers and drafting tables. They are often required to collaborate with other designers, engineers and technicians to ensure that all project requirements are met.