What does an electrical engineer do?
Electrical engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems and equipment of all sizes. Their work can involve massive power grids and the tiny microchips inside your phone. Ultimately, they're problem-solvers who make sure our electrical devices and infrastructure are safe, reliable, and efficient.
When you reach out to an electrical engineer, be sure to confirm that they have experience with your specific type of project.
What type of home projects do electrical engineers work on?
Electrical engineers typically work on complex or large-scale residential projects that require system design and technical expertise. Examples include:
New home construction: Designing complete electrical layouts and load calculations.
Major renovations or additions: Upgrading service capacity and redistributing circuits.
Solar panel systems: Designing grid-tied or off-grid renewable energy systems.
EV charger installations: Evaluating panel capacity and dedicated circuit design.
Backup generators: Planning transfer switches and load management systems.
Smart home systems: Integrating advanced controls and automation infrastructure.
In many cases, the engineer designs the system and a licensed electrician completes the installation.
Do I need an electrician or an electrical engineer?
Whether you hire an electrician or an electrical engineer depends on the scope and complexity of your project.
Hire an electrician for installing, repairing, or upgrading wiring, outlets, panels, lighting, or appliances. They handle hands-on electrical work and code-compliant installations.
Hire an electrical engineer for designing electrical systems, load calculations, large-scale power distribution, renewable energy systems, or complex commercial/industrial projects.
In many construction projects, an engineer designs the system and an electrician completes the installation. For typical home repairs or upgrades, an electrician is usually the right choice.
How do I hire an electrical engineer?
Hiring an electrical engineer involves finding someone qualified to design, analyze, or troubleshoot electrical systems for your specific project.
Define technical needs: Determine whether you need help with power distribution, circuit design, building electrical plans, control systems, or renewable energy.
Confirm licensing: Look for a Professional Engineer (PE) license if the project requires stamped electrical drawings or code compliance. Research the licensing requirements for your area and ensure your pro is properly certified.
Check relevant experience: Review projects involving similar systems such as commercial wiring, solar installations, or industrial controls.
Review engineering deliverables: Ask what they will provide—schematics, load calculations, panel schedules, or construction drawings.
Discuss coordination: Ensure they can collaborate with architects, electricians, and contractors during the project.
A written agreement should outline scope, technical deliverables, timeline, and fees.
How do electrical engineers set their prices?
Electrical engineers tend to set their prices based on project scope, complexity, and level of responsibility. Pricing commonly depends on:
Project type: Industrial or commercial work tends to be more expensive than residential work.
Design complexity: The engineer will consider things like load calculations, system modeling, and code requirements.
Time and labor: Your pro will estimate hours for design, revisions, and coordination, and factor those into their price.
Licensing and liability: They'll factor in the extent of the project and the expertise required.
Location: Regional market rates and permitting requirements can impact the total cost.
Engineers may charge an hourly rate, a flat project fee, or a percentage of total construction costs, depending on the agreement.
What should I expect during my consultation with an electrical engineer?
During your consultation, you may expect them to begin by discussing your project’s scope and reviewing any existing electrical schematics or plans. The engineer will then likely perform a detailed site analysis, using specialized equipment to test circuits, assess power loads, and check for code compliance. Afterward, they should explain their findings, outline a clear plan of action, and discuss the next steps for designing, implementing, or troubleshooting your electrical system.