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by Daniel_Newby 5970 days ago
That's a step in the right direction, and many jurisdictions seem to be doing it lately. However it is still too much. They need more gradations, like how medicine has a spectrum from phlebotomists (people who draw blood) to board certified neurosurgeons. As it is, a handyman who uses Ohm's law to choose the size of a wire has committed illegal engineering.
1 comments
assemble 5969 days ago
Generally, Electricians can do things similar to that if they follow the local electric code. I've watched them work--they don't consult the building drawings or whatever, and they can make some pretty extensive changes.

The PE license gets you the ability to sign off on drawings, so if there isn't a drawing change involved, there isn't any engineering to sign off on.

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Daniel_Newby 5969 days ago
Read the actual laws. They generally require a licensed PE for any task that (1) requires engineering or technical knowledge to complete correctly, and (2) has an influence on life, health, or property, no matter how trivial. It's like requiring personal trainers to be board-certified cardiologists. Naturally everybody ignores this, and compliance consists of not drawing the attention of the state engineering board.

Electricians follow a handbook rather than derive results from general knowledge, so the PE laws don't apply. As long as the electrical code handbook allows it, they can do it. Possibly at enormous expense, which is why you want a power engineer to plan your factory wiring.

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assemble 5968 days ago
The laws vary from state to state. I'm not going to read them all. Here are the laws in my state: http://www.kansas.gov/ksbtp/statutes.html Specifically pertaining specifically to who does or doesn't need a license: http://www.kansas.gov/ksbtp/74-7035.pdf

I've always thought a phlebotomist is similar to a licensed electrician. (Assuming an MD is similar to a PE)

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