Mar 14, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
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2026-2027 Undergraduate Academic Catalog
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ARE 3101 - Principles of Electrical Engineering for Buildings

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
This course applies electrical engineering principles to the analysis and design of building electrical and power systems. Students examine the operation and distribution of electrical power in buildings and apply applicable codes and standards to perform load calculations, size equipment, and evaluate system performance. Emphasis is placed on public health, safety, and welfare, including grounding and overcurrent protection. Students also analyze lighting and building support systems and consider energy efficiency, sustainability, and interdisciplinary coordination in electrical system decisions. Through analytical problem-solving and applied design exercises, students develop the ability to apply engineering design principles within the context of professional architectural engineering practice.
Prereq: ARE 2111 or ELE 2051  
Note: None
This course meets the following Raider Core CLO Requirement: None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Analyze single-phase and three-phase building electrical distribution systems to determine loads, voltage levels, power factor, and equipment requirements.
  • Apply the National Electrical Code (NEC) and relevant standards to perform building electrical load calculations and to size conductors, transformers, and overcurrent protection devices.
  • Analyze electrical system configurations to assess compliance with public health, safety, and welfare requirements, including grounding, bonding, and overcurrent protection.
  • Apply engineering design principles to develop coordinated building power and lighting system layouts that meet specified functional and code requirements.
  • Analyze building electrical design alternatives with consideration of energy efficiency, environmental impact, economic constraints, and coordination with other building systems.
  • As part of their development of an Entrepreneurial Mindset (EM), students will reflect on and connect course principles to prior learning and future design courses or professional applications.
Prerequisites by Topic
  • Electrical current
  • AC steady-state analysis
  • DC circuit analysis
Course Topics
  • Electrical design in buildings
  • Codes and standards including the National Electrical Code
  • Electrical power
  • 3-phase power
  • Power factor
  • Branch circuit design
  • Conductors
  • Voltage drop
  • Overcurrent protection
  • Grounding and bonding
  • Transformers
  • Short circuits
  • Introduction to motors and motor controllers
  • Emergency and standby power systems
  • Fire alarm systems
  • Communications systems
  • Lighting sources and equipment
  • Lighting calculations
  • Lighting controls
  • Coordination with other disciplines
Coordinator
Dr. Habib Arjmand Mazidi


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