The role of a forensic electrical engineer is to pursue the origin, cause, and party responsible for an electrical failure or electricity-related accident. This position knits together forensic science with engineering for clients in the legal, insurance, manufacturing, and law enforcement industries.
Forensic electrical engineers from ATS are state-licensed Professional Engineers (P.E.), many of whom have earned additional certifications in CFI, CFEI, and CVFI. To obtain a P.E. license, prospective engineers in most states must:
- Earn a 4-year degree in Engineering
- Complete four or more years of work under a licensed professional engineer
- Pass rigorous and comprehensive exams
- Continue their education through ongoing training
ATS Forensic Electrical Evaluations
Power Surge
A power surge happens when an electric circuit receives more electric current than expected, which can cause damage or reduced performance to any connected appliance or device. Power surges follow:
- Electrical overload
- Faulty wiring
- Lightning strike
- Utility interruption
A forensic electrical engineer studies the circuit or equipment where the surge occurred, such as a multi-plug extension cord. They may look for physical damage, the wattage ratings of the appliance involved, and other indicators of how the surge happened and its aftereffects. Sometimes, engineers may take samples or small appliances for testing in one of our ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited labs before concluding the cause of the malfunction.
Code Compliance
To assess the safety and reliability of an electrical system, ATS forensic electrical engineers perform electrical code compliance evaluations. We can assess the condition and safety of the currently installed electrical systems according to National Electric Code (NEC). Although the NEC is not federally mandated, the code is adopted by states and state electrical boards. We can check the local laws in place before giving our reports.
If our engineers find potential hazards, improper workmanship, or defects, we can recommend the repairs needed to meet updates to the NEC.
Electric Injury
A forensic electrical engineer can evaluate the design, installation, and operation of equipment or tools responsible for an electric injury. Our engineers will also look for contributing factors to assign liability for the accident, recognize the origin of the electrical current, and report the cause of the injury or death.
Some of the circumstances that may require an electric shock or electrocution evaluation include:
- NEC recommendations are not followed
- Improper use of equipment
- Improper maintenance
- Power surge
- Lightning strike
- Material failure
Fire and Arson
Electrical faults can factor into appliance fires that spread to an entire structure or vehicle. After a fire, an ATS electrical engineer can collaborate with fire investigators to trace the path of an electrical fire or arson.
The ATS Family of Companies
Founded in Georgia in 1967, ATS has expanded its capabilities and international presence through a growing family of companies. Together, the ATS family serves businesses and industries through devotion to safe and thorough fact-finding inspection, testing, and consultation services. Our core focus is on consulting engineering, calibrations, inspections, and testing. We can perform comprehensive inspections and tests both on-site and in a state-of-the-art lab. Our central laboratory retains ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation in mechanical, chemical, electrical, nondestructive, and calibration testing. We have also received NADAP approval for nondestructive and materials testing. For a complete list of our certifications and accreditations, click here.
The ATS company’s mission is to serve clients with high-quality customer service, innovative technology, and skilled experts who promote safety and efficiency.
Contact Us
Call +1 (888) 287-5227 to learn more about how ATS can take a closer look at your electrical systems. To request our services, call us or complete the webform on this page.
