What are the steps to choose electrical equipment and materials for your construction project?

1 Determine the load requirements

The first step is to determine the load requirements of your project, which means the amount of power and current that your electrical system needs to supply. You can use load calculation methods, such as the branch circuit method, the feeder method, or the total connected load method, to estimate the load requirements. You also need to account for factors such as the diversity factor, the demand factor, and the power factor, which affect the actual load on the system. Based on the load requirements, you can choose the appropriate voltage level, conductor size, and circuit protection devices for your project.

3 Compare the costs and benefits

The third step is to compare the costs and benefits of the different options of electrical equipment and materials that you have selected. You need to consider the initial cost, the operating cost, the maintenance cost, and the life cycle cost of the electrical equipment and materials, as well as their benefits in terms of reliability, functionality, safety, and sustainability. You can use tools such as cost-benefit analysis, life cycle analysis, or payback analysis to evaluate the costs and benefits of the different options. Based on the comparison, you can choose the most cost-effective and beneficial option for your project.

4 Coordinate with other disciplines

The fourth step is to coordinate with other disciplines involved in your project, such as the architectural, structural, mechanical, and plumbing disciplines. You need to communicate and collaborate with them to ensure that the electrical equipment and materials that you have chosen are compatible and integrated with the other systems and components of your project. You also need to resolve any conflicts or discrepancies that may arise between the different disciplines, such as the space allocation, the load distribution, the routing of the cables, or the location of the outlets and fixtures.

5 Procure the equipment and materials

The fifth step is to procure the equipment and materials that you have chosen for your project. You need to prepare and submit the procurement documents, such as the specifications, the drawings, the bills of quantities, and the contracts, to the suppliers or contractors. You also need to review and approve the submittals, such as the shop drawings, the datasheets, the test reports, and the certificates, from the suppliers or contractors. You also need to monitor and inspect the delivery, storage, and handling of the equipment and materials to ensure that they are in good condition and meet the quality standards.

6 Install and commission the equipment and materials

The final step is to install and commission the equipment and materials that you have procured for your project. You need to follow the installation instructions, the safety precautions, and the best practices for the electrical equipment and materials, as well as the codes and standards. You also need to test and verify the functionality, performance, and safety of the electrical equipment and materials, as well as the coordination and integration with the other systems and components of your project. You also need to document and record the installation and commissioning process, as well as the results and observations, for future reference and maintenance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?