Electrical Systems Design and Safety for Non-Electrical Professionals

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Understand and apply electrical code requirements effectively in various work situations.
• Design electrical systems that comply with the latest codes and standards.
• Enhance safety by implementing proper grounding, bonding, and protection measures.
• Analyze and address electrical hazards, including arc flash and high-voltage lines.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly with engineers, contractors, and stakeholders.

Description
Engineering disciplines are increasingly integrated into industrial and commercial environments, making a foundational understanding of electrical systems essential for non-electrical engineers. This course thoroughly introduces basic electrical design concepts, focusing on practical knowledge that can be applied to real-world scenarios. You will explore essential topics such as electrical circuits, power generation, transmission, distribution, design philosophies, and electrical safety.

Participants will learn about the Canadian Electrical Code and how it impacts design procedures, grounding methods, and power quality considerations. Key areas covered include voltage levels, system design, construction materials, and the specifics of lighting, motor branch, feeder circuit, and service design. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to handle electrical systems' design and maintenance, ensuring compliance with standards and optimizing performance.

Whether you are involved in building, upgrading, or expanding electrical systems in an industrial plant or a commercial building, this course will provide the skills needed to communicate effectively with electrical engineers and contractors. No prior electrical engineering experience is necessary, making this course accessible to all professionals interested in electrical systems.

Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for non-electrical engineers actively engaged in projects involving electrical and lighting systems within industrial plants, commercial facilities, and institutional buildings.

It is also suitable for plant, project, and facility engineers looking to expand their knowledge of electrical systems and electrical contractors and sales engineers who work with electrical equipment and systems. No formal electrical engineering education is required, and the course is designed to start from the fundamentals. Additionally, facility managers, maintenance personnel, and anyone involved in designing, installing, or maintaining electrical systems will find this course particularly beneficial.

By broadening your understanding of electrical principles and design practices, you will be able to contribute more effectively to your projects and communicate with electrical engineers and contractors. This course will empower you to make informed decisions about electrical systems, helping to ensure safety and efficiency in your work.

Day I

Welcome, Introduction, Workshop Preview, Learning Outcomes and the Assessment Method

Basic Concepts

• Voltage, current, power
• Resistance, inductance, capacitance
• Ohm’s law, RMS, average values
• Three-phase systems
• Power factor

Grounding Concepts

• Grounding for safety
• Grounding for equipment operation and protection

Electrical Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution

• Fundamentals of power generation, transmission and distribution
• One-line diagrams
• Power quality

Day II

System Design Philosophy

Voltage Levels

• Transformers
• Theory, types, connections
• Types of Faults and Fault Current

Overcurrent protection

• Interrupting ratings
• Coordination
• Load study/possible loads
• Load characteristics
• Load locations

Standards, Recommended Practices, Guides and Codes

• Introduction to Canadian Electrical Code
• Key relevant sections of the Canadian Electrical Code

Electrical Construction Materials

• Wires
• Raceways
• Devices
• Boxes
• Panelboards
• Motor control equipment
• Switchboards

Day III

Design Procedures

Lighting and Non-motor Branch Circuit Design

• Harmonics consideration
• CEC requirements
• Circuit protection

Motor Branch Circuit Design

• CEC requirements
• Motor protection
• Circuit protection
• Calculations

Feeder Circuit Design

• CEC requirements
• Circuit protection
• Calculations

Service Design

• Commercial/Industrial
• CEC constraints
• Utility constraints
• Equipment
• Switchboards
• Metering: CTs, PTs

Arc Flash Hazard and Electrical Safety

Case Study

Questions and Answers and Feedback to Participants on Achievement of Learning Outcomes