Building Electrical System Design & Drafting Course

About the Course

This course provides comprehensive, hands‑on training in designing and drafting complete building electrical systems. It emphasizes real‑world projects—such as high‑rise offices, hospitals, data centers, and villas—so that learners can apply calculations, code requirements, and drafting practices in practical scenarios. Participants will gain skills in power distribution, lighting, grounding, lightning protection, emergency systems, and integration of renewable and backup sources.

By the end of the course, students will be able to confidently produce design packages, drawings, and calculation reports that meet international standards and local authority regulations. The training balances theory, code, and software application with project‑based deliverables, ensuring graduates are job‑ready.

Format: Online, project‑based (self‑paced or cohort)
Duration: 10–12 weeks (60–80 learning hours)
Tools: AutoCAD, Revit, ETAP/SKM, Excel, Dialux/Relux
Codes/Standards: NEC (NFPA 70), IEC 60364, IEEE, NFPA 70E, NFPA 780, IES, local authority regulations
Deliverables: SLDs, riser diagrams, load schedules, cable/feeder sizing sheets, coordination studies, lighting calcs, layout drawings, BoQs, T&C plans

Key Learning Outcomes

• By completing this course, participants will:

  • Understand international electrical codes and apply them to building projects.

  • Perform load estimation, diversity/demand analysis, feeder and cable sizing, and short‑circuit calculations.

  • Draft and interpret single‑line diagrams, risers, and panel schedules.

  • Design interior, exterior, and emergency lighting systems using photometric tools.

  • Select and coordinate protective devices with time‑current curves.

  • Integrate UPS, generators, solar PV, and EV charging infrastructure into designs.

  • Develop grounding and lightning protection systems compliant with NFPA/IEC standards.

  • Produce professional AutoCAD/Revit drawings and coordinated BIM models.

  • Prepare specifications, BoQs, and construction submittals.

  • Plan testing, commissioning, and handover documentation for building projects.

Who Should Enroll

• This course is designed for:

  • Electrical engineers and designers seeking practical design and drafting skills.

  • MEP engineers and technicians looking to specialize in electrical systems.

  • BIM/CAD technicians who want to strengthen their electrical knowledge base.

  • Site engineers and project managers are responsible for electrical coordination.

  • Facility managers who oversee electrical infrastructure operations.

  • Students and fresh graduates preparing for entry into the MEP/electrical design field.

Why Take This Course?

• Industry Relevance: Gain skills aligned with NEC, IEC, IEEE, and other major standards used worldwide.

• Hands‑On Learning: Apply knowledge through real‑world projects like high‑rise offices, hospitals, data centers, and villas.

• Career Advancement: Build a portfolio with design packages and calculation sheets to showcase to employers.

• Software Proficiency: Learn leading tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, ETAP/SKM, and Dialux/Relux.

• Professional Recognition: Earn a certificate of completion and CPD hours that add value to your career profile.

• Job Readiness: Develop confidence to handle design office tasks, client coordination, and site support activities effectively.

Course Overview

This course is organized into progressive modules that move from fundamentals to advanced applications:

• Module 1–2: Electrical fundamentals, codes, and drafting standards.

• Module 3–5: Load calculations, panel schedules, SLDs, risers, feeder sizing, voltage drop, and short‑circuit analysis.

• Module 6–8: Protection coordination, lighting/emergency design, grounding, and lightning protection.

• Module 9–10: Emergency power, UPS, PV, EV integration, BIM/CAD coordination, and 3D modeling.

• Module 11–12: Specifications, BoQ preparation, site practices, testing, and commissioning.

• Capstone Project: Apply all skills in a real‑world scenario such as a high‑rise office, hospital wing, data center, or villa project, producing a complete deliverable package.

The structured flow ensures learners master calculations, drafting, code compliance, and practical project coordination, culminating in a portfolio‑ready capstone.

Course Modules

Module 1 — Fundamentals & Codes (Week 1)

• Electrical quantities, single‑/three‑phase systems, power factor, demand/diversity.

• System topologies: utility service, MV/LV distribution, radial vs. ring.

• Code navigation: NEC Chapters 1–9, IEC 60364; NFPA 70E basics; local authority approvals.

• Workshop: Code lookup exercise, create a compliance matrix.

Module 2 — Project Setup & Drafting Standards (Week 1)

• Title blocks, symbols, layer naming, lineweights, view templates, discipline coordination.

• Sheet sets, revision control, CAD to BIM handoff.

• Lab: Start a project template in AutoCAD/Revit; symbol/keynote legend.

Module 3 — Load Calculation & Panel Schedules (Week 2)

• Space/program take‑off; receptacle, lighting, HVAC, process loads.

• Demand and diversity factors; load balance across phases.

• Calculations: Panel schedules in Excel; connected vs. demand kW; feeder amps.

• Deliverable: Room‑by‑room load sheet + panel schedules.

Module 4 — Single‑Line Diagrams & Riser Design (Week 3)

• Service entrance, CT/VT, main switchboard, distribution boards, MCCs.

• Transformer selection (kVA, impedance), generator/UPS integration, ATS/STS.

• Lab: Draft main SLD and LV riser with tagging and references.

Module 5 — Feeder/Cable Sizing, Voltage Drop & Short‑Circuit (Week 3–4)

• Ampacity basics, grouping/ambient corrections, conduit fill.

• Voltage drop (branch/feeder) and motor starting considerations.

• Short‑circuit current (SCC) at key buses; equipment interrupting ratings.

• Workshop: ETAP/SKM preliminary model; VD and SCC worksheets.

Module 6 — Protection & Coordination (Week 4)

• Device types: MCB/MCCB/ACB, fuses, relays; settings (LSIG).

• TCC curves; selectivity vs. sensitivity; arc‑flash boundaries (NFPA 70E).

• Lab: Build TCC for a sample feeder; arc‑flash label data extraction.

Module 7 — Lighting & Emergency Systems (Week 5)

• IES target illuminance, UGR, uniformity; controls (occupancy, daylight, DALI/0–10V).

• Emergency/egress lighting, exit signage, central battery vs. self‑contained.

• Exterior/site lighting & photometrics (Dialux/Relux).

• Deliverable: Lighting layout + photometric report + schedule.

Module 8 — Grounding/Bonding & Lightning Protection (Week 6)

• Earthing systems (TN/TT/IT); equipment vs. system grounding.

• Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, impedance paths.

• LPS design (rolling sphere, mesh); down conductors, earth pits, test points.

• Lab: Grounding layout, rod sizing, LPS plan & details.

Module 9 — Emergency Power, UPS, PV & EV Charging (Week 7)

• Generator sizing, starting kVA for motors, fuel/storage, emissions basics.

• UPS topologies, autonomy, battery sizing, and harmonic filters.

• PV interconnection (string/inverter, rapid shutdown), net metering.

• EVSE types, load management, and panel impact.

• Workshop: ATS sequences; one‑line with PV & EV load management.

Module 10 — BIM/CAD Production & Coordination (Week 8)

• Revit families, connectors, systems; worksharing, clash detection.

• Cable tray, trunking, conduits, clearance zones; elevations & sections.

• Lab: Produce coordinated plan, section, and 3D views; clash report.

Module 11 — Specifications, BoQ & Submittals (Week 9)

• Spec sections (CSI/MasterFormat); product datasheets; compliance statements.

• Quantity takeoff, BoQ; vendor coordination; RFIs & submittal workflows.

• Deliverable: Mini‑spec + BoQ for a sample floor.

Module 12 — Site Practices, Testing & Commissioning (Week 10)

• Method statements; ITPs; FAT/SAT; pre‑functional checks; functional performance tests.

• Megger, continuity, insulation resistance, primary injection, relay tests.

• Workshop: T&C plan with checklists and sign‑off sheets.

Capstone (Week 11–12)

Choose one scenario and deliver a full package:

1. High‑Rise Office Floor; 2) Hospital Diagnostic Wing; 3) Small Data Room; 4) Villa/Small Commercial.
   Package: SLD + riser, panel schedules, lighting layouts with photometry, feeder sizing, TCC snapshots, grounding/LPS plans, coordinated BIM views, BoQ, spec excerpt, T&C plan.

Core Calculations & Thumb Rules (Reference)

• Transformer kVA: kVA ≈ (Total kW ÷ PF) ÷ η

• Feeder current (3φ): I ≈ (kW × 1000) ÷ (√3 × VLL × PF × η)

• Voltage Drop (approx., 1‑run Cu): VD% ≈ (2 × L × I × R_cable ÷ V) × 100

• Motor starting: Starting kVA ≈ 4–7 × FLA (across‑the‑line)

• Diversity/Demand: Apply per NEC/IEC tables and building type program

• Short‑Circuit: I_sc at bus from utility fault level and X/R; verify device IR

• Ground rods: Typical ≤ 25 Ω target (verify code/authority); parallel rods reduce R

Always confirm with governing code sections, manufacturer data, and local utility requirements.

• Submit detailed drawings, calculations, and a commissioning plan.

How long is the course?

The course duration is a Total of 40 to 60 hours and it varies, typically spanning several weeks with flexible scheduling options.

Is certification provided?

Yes, participants receive certification upon successful completion of the course.

Certification & Benefits

Certification

• Certificate of Completion: Awarded to participants who successfully finish all modules and the capstone project, validating their skills in electrical system design and drafting.

  • Portfolio Development: Graduates will leave with a complete set of design documents, calculation sheets, and drawings that can be showcased to potential employers or clients.

  • Career Growth: Equips learners with industry‑recognized competencies to pursue roles such as Electrical Design Engineer, MEP Designer, BIM Coordinator, or Facilities Engineer.

  • Professional Development Hours (CPD): The course provides CPD credits where applicable, enhancing professional credentials.

  • Practical Readiness: Hands‑on exposure ensures graduates can contribute immediately to design offices, MEP consultants, and contracting firms.

  • Global Applicability: Skills gained are aligned with international standards (NEC, IEC, IEEE), making them relevant for projects worldwide.

Benefits of the Course

• Comprehensive Learning Path: Covers fundamentals through advanced topics in a structured flow.

• Real‑World Applications: Assignments and capstone projects simulate actual industry design challenges.

• Flexibility: Online format allows self‑paced learning while still enabling collaboration in cohort options.

• Multi‑Project Exposure: Experience with diverse project types including high‑rise, healthcare, data centers, and villas.

• Industry‑Standard Tools: Training includes AutoCAD, Revit, ETAP/SKM, and Dialux/Relux to ensure workplace readiness.

• Confidence Building: Prepares learners for job interviews, design discussions, and client presentations.

• Networking Opportunity: Connect with peers, instructors, and professionals in the MEP community for career development.

Get in Touch

Contact us for inquiries about our BEMP course.