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

Nov 2, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The need for electrical drafters has been on the rise due to the increased complexity of electrical systems. This is because of advancements in technology, increased population, and the need for more efficient electrical systems. As a result, electrical drafters are needed to create detailed drawings and schematics of complex electrical systems.

They are responsible for determining the size, location and route of electrical equipment and systems, as well as ensuring that all parts of the system fit and function together properly. Electrical drafters must also have a good understanding of electrical codes, regulations and safety standards, in order to ensure that their designs are safe and compliant. The demand for electrical drafters is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as more people start to use technology, and the need for efficient electrical systems increases.

Steps How to Become

Obtain an Associate's Degree. Get an Associate's Degree in Electrical Drafting and Design from a community college or technical school. This type of degree program will provide you with the basic skills and knowledge needed to be an Electrical Drafter.
Attend Additional Training. There are many courses available online and through technical schools that offer additional training on the latest electrical drafting software programs. Additionally, local or national trade organizations may offer training on specific areas of electrical drafting.
Gain Experience. You can gain experience by working as an intern or apprentice in an electrical drafting shop. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire Electrical Drafters with experience, so gaining experience in the field is essential.
Earn Certification. Becoming certified as an Electrical Drafter is not required, but it can help you land a job and increase your earning potential. There are many national organizations that offer certification for Electrical Drafters, such as the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA).
Join Professional Organizations. Professional organizations such as ADDA, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) offer members access to training materials, conferences, and networking opportunities. Joining one of these organizations can help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the field.

In order to be a reliable and competent Electrical Drafter, one must possess a thorough understanding of electrical principles, as well as a keen eye for detail. Additionally, they must be proficient in industry-standard drafting software and have the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings. Moreover, they must have excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently, and be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. All of these skills combined will help an Electrical Drafter to be reliable and competent in their position.

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Job Description

Create electrical drawings and schematics.
Design and develop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and circuit diagrams.
Use CAD systems to generate detailed electrical drawings and schematics.
Incorporate customer design specifications into drawings.
Collaborate with engineers to ensure accuracy of drawings.
Maintain records of electrical drawings and schematics.
Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulations.
Research new electrical materials and components.
Develop bills of materials for electrical assemblies and components.
Provide technical support to sales staff and customers.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Proficiency in AutoCAD and other relevant CAD software
Knowledge of electrical engineering principles and practices
Understanding of electrical schematics and drawings
Ability to read and interpret blueprints
Ability to use relevant mathematics and geometry principles
Attention to detail and accuracy
Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Good organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks
Problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Having a strong understanding of electrical drafting is an essential skill for any electrical drafter. This understanding allows drafters to accurately interpret plans and conceptualize designs in order to create comprehensive blueprints for electrical systems. technical knowledge of electrical components and systems is necessary to ensure that projects are constructed safely and efficiently.

Furthermore, the ability to effectively collaborate with other members of a team, such as engineers and contractors, is critical for successful completion of projects. Lastly, excellent communication skills are essential for an electrical drafter in order to communicate ideas and designs to a variety of stakeholders. These skills are extremely important in order to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget while also meeting safety regulations.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in electrical drafting?
What software programs are you most comfortable working with?
Describe a complex project you have worked on as an electrical drafter.
How do you stay organized when managing difficult electrical drafting projects?
What type of design methods do you prefer to use when creating electrical drawings?
How do you ensure accuracy when creating electrical drawings?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a problem with an electrical drawing.
What techniques do you use to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and industry standards related to electrical drafting?
How do you collaborate with other engineers or technicians to ensure accuracy in your electrical drawings?
Describe a time when you had to complete a project with tight deadlines.

Common Tools in Industry

AutoCAD. Software used to create 2D and 3D technical drawings. (eg: electrical wiring diagrams)
SolidWorks. 3D CAD software used to create 3D models and technical drawings. (eg: circuit boards)
AutoDesk Inventor. 3D CAD software used to create 3D models and technical drawings. (eg: piping schematics)
Revit. Software used for building information modeling (BIM). (eg: electrical panel layout plans)
SketchUp. 3D modeling software used to create 3D models and technical drawings. (eg: wiring diagrams)
MicroStation. CAD software used to create 2D and 3D technical drawings. (eg: lighting plans)

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)
Illuminating Engineering Society (IES)
ASHRAE - American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)

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Common Important Terms

CAD. Computer-aided design is a type of computer software used to create and modify designs that are then used in various engineering or manufacturing processes.
Electrical Schematics. A diagram showing the relationship between components in an electrical system, such as circuit boards, wires, and transistors.
Power Distribution System. A system designed to provide power to different areas of an electrical system, such as buildings, homes, or factories.
Circuit Board Design. The process of designing a circuit board by laying out components and wiring them together using a CAD software.
Wiring Diagrams. A diagram showing how wires are connected to one another, such as in an electrical system.
Drafting Standards. Guidelines created by an organization or industry that provide specific rules and regulations for electrical drafters to follow.
CAD Software. A type of computer software used for designing and creating drawings, such as electrical schematics or wiring diagrams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of software is typically used by Electrical Drafters?

Electrical Drafters typically use CAD (Computer Aided Design) software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Solidworks to create electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.

How long does it typically take to become an Electrical Drafter?

Becoming an Electrical Drafter typically requires a minimum of two to four years of post-secondary education in engineering technology or drafting.

What type of job duties are involved with an Electrical Drafter?

Job duties for an Electrical Drafter include creating detailed drawings of electrical systems, producing schematics and wiring diagrams, and reviewing and checking layouts for accuracy and compliance with regulations.

What is the average annual salary for an Electrical Drafter?

The average annual salary for an Electrical Drafter is $58,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What type of qualifications are needed to become an Electrical Drafter?

Qualifications to become an Electrical Drafter include a degree in engineering technology or drafting, knowledge of relevant codes and standards, and experience with CAD software.