Yes, that makes perfect sense. Here's a breakdown of why a good engineer/CAD person is crucial for shop drawings and the level of detail electrical shop drawings typically show

Why a Good Engineer/CAD Person is Essential for Shop Drawings
Accuracy and Efficiency

Shop drawings are the blueprint for field installation. Inaccurate or unclear drawings lead to:

Errors

Mismatched components, incorrect dimensions, and installation mistakes.

Rework

Time and material wasted correcting errors.

Delays

Project timelines extended due to rework and problem-solving.

Increased Costs

Higher material costs (due to waste), increased labor costs (due to rework and delays), and potential fines.

Optimization

A skilled person can optimize the design for:

Material Usage

Efficient layouts minimize waste and reduce material costs.

Constructability

Drawings that are easy to understand and implement in the field reduce installation time and errors.

Prefabrication

Well-prepared drawings facilitate prefabrication of components offsite, improving efficiency and quality.

Coordination

Shop drawings facilitate coordination between different trades. Clear and accurate drawings help avoid conflicts between electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and structural elements.

Communication

They are the primary communication tool between the designer, fabricator, and installer. Clear and concise drawings minimize ambiguity and misunderstandings.

Level of Detail in Electrical Contractor Shop Drawings

Generally, yes, electrical contractor shop drawings are expected to show a high level of detail, including branch circuit conduits and cables. Here's a more specific breakdown: Conduit Runs



Size

Specify the diameter of the conduit.

Type

Specify the type of conduit (e.g., EMT, PVC, Rigid).

Routing

Accurately show the path of the conduit, including bends and offsets.

Support Locations

Indicate the location and type of conduit supports.

Fill

Show the conduit fill percentage if required by specifications or for complex scenarios.

Cable Trays and Raceways



Type and Size

Indicate the type and size of the cable tray or raceway.

Routing

Show the path of the cable tray, including changes in elevation and direction.

Support Locations

Indicate the location and type of supports.

Cable Fill

Indicate the cable fill, ensuring compliance with codes and standards.

Wiring



Wire Gauge and Type

Specify the gauge and type of wire used in each circuit.

Conductor Color Coding

Typically shown to ensure proper connections.

Termination Points

Clearly indicate where each wire terminates (e.g., panelboard, device box).

Device Locations



Outlets, Switches, Lighting Fixtures

Show the exact location of all electrical devices.

Mounting Heights

Specify the mounting heights of devices.

Panelboards and Electrical Equipment



Dimensions

Show the physical dimensions of the equipment.

Mounting Details

Indicate how the equipment is to be mounted.

Connection Points

Show the location and type of electrical connections.

Grounding



Grounding Conductors

Show the size and routing of grounding conductors.

Grounding Electrodes

Indicate the location and type of grounding electrodes.

Important Considerations Project Specifications

The specific requirements for shop drawing content are always outlined in the project specifications. Pay close attention to these requirements.

Coordination with Other Trades

Ensure that the electrical shop drawings are coordinated with the shop drawings of other trades to avoid conflicts.*

Code Compliance: All shop drawings must comply with applicable electrical codes and standards.In summary, a skilled engineer/CAD person is invaluable for producing accurate, efficient, and constructible electrical shop drawings. These drawings, showing detailed conduit and cable routing, are the backbone of a successful electrical installation. Flag for review