Which decisions belong to design and which belong to drafting?
Write the responsibility split into the work order. If a drawing input is absent or contradictory, the drafter should raise it rather than create a design decision.
| Topic | Engineering design | Drafting |
|---|---|---|
| System topology | Select and approve arrangement | Draw approved arrangement |
| Equipment ratings | Calculate or approve | Record supplied ratings |
| Protection | Define philosophy and settings | Draft approved logic and references |
| Clearances | Determine project requirement | Dimension approved layout |
| Issue | Engineering sign-off | Drawing check and file control |
What regional references apply?
IEC 61936-1 addresses power installations above 1 kV AC within its scope. IEEE C2 addresses electric supply stations and lines in the United States. OSHA 1910.269 covers specified operation and maintenance work for electric power generation, transmission and distribution. The project team determines which requirements apply.
Sources: IEEE Standards Association: IEEE C2-2023 National Electrical Safety Code, International Electrotechnical Commission: IEC 61936-1:2021, Occupational Safety and Health Administration: 29 CFR 1910.269
How should a drafting brief handle gaps?
List missing ratings, geometry, logic and standards as inputs required. Mark open items on the review issue and assign them to the engineer rather than guessing.
Common questions
What else should the bid team know?
Can a drafter choose the substation topology?
No, not in a drafting-only engagement. The responsible engineer supplies or approves topology.
Can the service update an engineer markup?
Yes. The markup and related schedules become controlled inputs, with unresolved conflicts returned for review.
Who signs the engineering?
Only the registered engineer responsible for the job performs engineering sign-off.
Primary sources
- IEEE C2-2023 National Electrical Safety CodeIEEE Standards Association
- IEC 61936-1:2021International Electrotechnical Commission
- IEC 60617 Graphical Symbols for DiagramsInternational Electrotechnical Commission
- 29 CFR 1910.269Occupational Safety and Health Administration