In 1990, the Bank of China built a 1,204-foot tall skyscraper that cost them $1 billion. This building arches upwards to the sky and becomes slender and pointed at the very tip.
It is a beautiful marker of human engineering and a broad show of money and power. This is an extreme example of complicated engineering and construction, but projects requiring both of those things happen on a smaller scale every day. Perhaps such a construction project is on your list.
Hiring MEP engineering consultants (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing experts) can simplify this project. But what services will you actually receive when hiring an MEP consulting firm?
Keep reading to learn all you need to know about these expert consultants!
Why is MEP Engineering So Important?
MEP engineering is vital to almost every part of the building and construction process. MEP stands for “mechanical, electrical, and plumbing” and it includes everything from start to finish.
Every step of the way, it is essential to have the advice and guidance of an MEP engineer. These engineers know how to maximize space and ensure that safety and code standards are followed.
They know where to install fire alarms and how to implement an escape route properly. Each part of the triad performs a separate job to bring the building together. They maximize the available space to ensure energy is not wasted, nor are standards eased.
One prime example in recent years is the need for buildings to have HEPA filters (for COVID-19 and other particle control). These filters help preserve air quality and prevent the spread of the disease. MEP engineers advise building planners on where to place these and how many to install.
They also help plan the layouts of AC and heating units in the ductwork of a building and help ensure the space is used appropriately so that no energy is wasted in the process.
Next, we will explore each letter of the MEP acronym in detail.
The “M” in Mechanical
The “M” in MEP stands for “mechanical”. This portion of the job description refers to the heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in a building.
The mechanical engineers are experts in building airflow and energy utilization including technical guidelines, regulations, common mechanical issues and their solutions, and compliance with global, federal, and state legislation.
They make sure everyone in the building is comfortable and safe in the environment.
Mechanical Engineering Services include the planning and design of:
- Central Heating & Cooling Systems
- Ductwork Design & Optimization
- Filtration Systems and Dust Control systems
- Exhaust Systems
- Humidity Controls
- Title-24 Compliance
- VRF and one-to-one mini split systems
- Refrigeration systems
- Clean Room systems
- VAV systems
The “E” in Electrical
The “E” in MEP stands for “electrical.” They specialize in the proper placement of power surges and wiring throughout the building.
Electrical engineers guarantee the wiring is not interfering with the plumbing and ductwork of the building. They know how much power you can use in your space, ensure safe installation and maintenance of all electrical systems, and prevent fire hazards through the proper installation and placement of alarms and detectors.
This branch of MEP design also guarantees the continuous operation of the building by planning the placement of backup generators and electrical protection.
They are part of the energy conservation experts along with the HVAC experts. Through the proper planning of the building’s power systems, they can save the building managers a lot of money.
Electrical Engineering Services include the planning and design of:
- Power and Control Design
- Power Distribution
- Lighting Systems
- Control System Upgrade and Replacement
- Energy Audits
- Switchgear design
- Emergency Power Systems
- Power Quality
- Lightning Protection
- Renewable Energy and Solar Design
- Title-24 Compliance
The “P” in Plumbing
The “P” in MEP stands for “plumbing.”
Plumbing engineers are responsible for planning and designing the pipe installation.
A plumbing engineer will design reliable and highly accurate plumbing system designs that meet your sustainability goals. With a good plumbing system design you can avoid oversized pipes and fittings for your new constructions which reduces the installation cost of your plumbing system.
Plumbing Engineering Services include the planning and design of:
- Water Conservation
- Gas Piping
- Sump/pump systems
- Waste Piping
- Process Piping
- Compressed Air
- Vacuum Systems
- Sewage Ejectors
- Grease Interceptors
- Water heating
- Plumbing Vent and other water/gas/sewer system design
What are MEP Engineering consulting Firms?
Basically, an MEP engineering consulting firm brings all three of these experts together to help plot out and properly layout your entire building. Between these three types of experts (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), they know it all. A consulting firm will advise you on where to place each appropriate unit. They will advise you on the proper implications of standards, such as fire escapes. They can also help you meet the legal and regulatory requirements.
Depending on the state in which you are building, there are many regulations. These are often building and zoning laws that can inhibit your construction process. An MEP engineering firm can help you meet the requirements as you build.
This can save you time and money in the long run. You don’t want to install your restrooms and find out after the fact that they failed inspection.
Some of the top benefits of hiring an MEP consulting firm include the following:
- Increased efficiency
- Environmentally friendly systems
- Effective execution
- Cost-effective solutions
- Abidance of local regulations
- Abidance of state/federal regulations
The most appealing aspect of hiring MEP engineering consultants is to ensure efficiency. You do not want to expend money on heating, cooling, and lighting unnecessarily.
An environmentally friendly building is also an important factor in its construction. Especially with the likely increase in environmental laws in the coming years. An experienced MEP consultant can have your building prepared to meet these coming restrictions.
Lastly, these experts can increase the speed at which your building will be completed. They can help your building project run smoothly and efficiently.
MEP Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) for Your Next Project
But finding the right MEP engineering team can be difficult. Our team of experts at Pro Engineering Consulting, Inc. can help you accomplish your dream building. We provide you with:
- An End-to-End Approach: Pro Engineering provides expertise throughout the entire life cycle of your project, from technical advice, surveys, and system design to construction management and whole-life cost analysis
- Less Risk: We possess extensive knowledge of technical guidelines, federal, state, and local legislation and regulations, and the latest building technologies and compliance standards
- High-Quality Personalized Services: Our industry experts can work with you to provide customized services that fit the exact needs of your project
- Sustainable Building Services: We prioritize resource-efficient technologies that promote energy and water conservation including renewable (solar) energy, grey water recycling, and heat and power solutions
Contact us today to discover how we can help you on your next project.