Do civil engineers work with electricity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on whether civil engineers work with electricity and the relevance of electrical knowledge in civil engineering practice. Participants explore the necessity of understanding electrical concepts within the broader scope of civil engineering, touching on personal experiences and historical context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that civil engineers typically do not work directly with electricity, indicating that knowledge of electrical systems is not a primary focus in their roles.
  • Others argue that while civil engineers may not design electrical systems, having a basic understanding of electrical principles is beneficial and necessary for overall engineering competence.
  • A participant shares their experience as a naval architect, noting that although they studied basic electricity, it was not frequently applied in their work, suggesting variability in the relevance of electrical knowledge across engineering disciplines.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of being aware of electrical standards, indicating that ignorance in this area can be detrimental, similar to how an electrical engineer should understand civil aspects like structural support for electrical installations.
  • Historical context is provided, noting that civil engineering has evolved to encompass various sub-disciplines, implying that a broad knowledge base is essential for engineers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that civil engineers do not primarily work with electricity, but there is disagreement on the extent to which electrical knowledge is necessary or utilized in practice. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific applications of electrical knowledge in civil engineering.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying degrees of reliance on electrical knowledge based on personal experiences and specific engineering roles, highlighting the potential for differing educational and professional requirements within the field.

Mddrill
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Hi, I just switched my major to civil engineering. I like the math and the mechanics, but I don't like having to learn about electricity (although it may just be my physics II professor and the lab TA). Do civil engineers ever actually work with electricity? meaning will I ever use this knowledge as a civil engineer?
 
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I think it depends but mostly no. My friend is Civil Engineer and he works as a manager. İt means you need to look for a job which is not related with electricity.
 
Mddrill said:
Hi, I just switched my major to civil engineering. I like the math and the mechanics, but I don't like having to learn about electricity (although it may just be my physics II professor and the lab TA). Do civil engineers ever actually work with electricity? meaning will I ever use this knowledge as a civil engineer?
You may not work with electricity like an EE might, but as an engineer, you should know the basics.

I'm a naval architect, and I sat thru a couple of classes on basic electricity in college, but I have not used that knowledge in my practice much, even though most boats and ships have an electrical system of some sort.
 
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As others have pointed out, a civil engineer generally does not design electrical systems. But ignorance of electrical standards and the like is no better than an electrical engineer who pays no attention to the size of a power transformer or the concrete footings required for a substation.
 
Historically there were Civil Engineers and Military Engineers only .

Civil Engineering then embraced all the sub classes of engineering which we have today .

Actual answer to your question is same as others have given - you need basic knowledge of electrical work . Doesn't end there though - an engineer needs an extensive general knowledge of many diverse subjects .
 

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