McGill is Positioned as an Electrical Engineering Industry Leader
Electrical engineering is a dynamic field that is interminably evolving due to advancements in design, techniques, technology, and existing models. Here at McGill, we have a robust engineering program that is up to date on state and national codes and responsive to most utility needs.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Electricity is a fundamental part of everyday modern life, and therefore, it is easy to forget the notion that without it, we would not have functioning cellphones, computers, light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, radio, radar, GPS, and so much more.
McGill’s electric engineering experts work closely with our clients and communities — heavily focusing on responsible energy, cost-effective strategies, and innovative approaches to the power needs of each project they undertake. Some of those projects include utility power and lighting systems, power and controls, management services, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system designs, electrical construction administration, fire alarm system design, video surveillance, roadway and outside lighting, standby generator power, and commercial and industrial facility system design.
MEET MCGILL’S ELECTRICAL PRACTICE AREA LEAD
McGill Electrical Practice Area Lead Nick Huffman said, “We enjoy working on a variety of electrical projects at McGill and I really like working on the power side of the business in power distribution systems, including substations, transmission lines, and distribution lines.”
Nick has always been interested in technology — specifically computers. “In high school, I took all the computer tech classes I could take, as well as a test program for network certification. Then in college, I used that to get a summer job working on networks for a business in Raleigh. I started at North Carolina State University to study computer engineering and while I was there, took a lot of electrical engineering coursework. As a result, I ended up double majoring in computer and electrical engineering,” he explained.
Following graduation, Nick met McGill’s now president, Andy Lovingood, at a North Carolina State University Career Fair, and said, “The rest is history.”
HOW MCGILL PRIORITIZES RESPONSIBLE ENERGY USAGE
A lot of what McGill’s electrical engineers do is determined by our water and wastewater groups, and the particular processes they use to solve utility issues that arise, are where energy savings can be prioritized. “From the electrical side, we make sure we specify motors and transformers to be as efficient as possible — these are driven by energy codes which we follow.”
HOW OUR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS PUT CLIENTS FIRST
Our number one objective at McGill is providing our clients with excellent service, and that starts with prioritizing their safety. “From the numerous studies that we have conducted for our clients, we have identified areas to improve client safety through new technologies and simply mitigating / eliminating hazards before they ever become an issue,” said Nick.
KEEPING THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY IN MIND
Engineers across all disciplines here at McGill, take a holistic approach to projects. Not only are we focusing on the satisfaction of our clients, but we make it a point to engage and consider the entire community as well.
For example, McGill is assisting Bessemer City with its vision for Stinger Park — an all-ages community athletic facility to enhance the lives of local citizens and increase available recreational opportunities. One of the amenities the park will utilize is the latest in LED technology to enhance the player and spectator experience and attract regional and national leagues. While our engineers were working to bring this initiative to fruition, they were also paying mind to those in neighborhoods around the park.
Nick noted, “The fixtures were specified to use house shields and other forms of directional lighting to prevent light pollution and spillage. An advantage of LED lighting is that it can be pin pointed based on the layout and design of the fixture, where older high pressure sodium lighting had to strictly use shielding to prevent light pollution.”
CHANGES FOR ELECTRIC ENGINEERING DESIGNERS
One particular thing that is changing for our electrical engineering designers is the request for demonstrating how the lighting will be featured on a project — before construction is underway. Our engineers are staying ahead of this by, “Using modeling software that demonstrates light patterns, and can plot those on a plan sheet for representation,” explained Nick.
LEARN MORE
Click here to read a case study on a Fiber Optic Connections project that our electrical engineers worked on. Click here if you are interested in joining our team, and making a difference in people’s lives utilizing your talents in technology.