MEP simply stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing engineering. These three fields are specialized areas of engineering, and they typically cover the necessary trades to create an inhabitable building. These engineering “trades” are grouped together because there is so much association between them when designing and constructing a building. This consolidated approach reduces the amount of conflicts between the three trades and also makes it easier to resolve any problems that may be encountered down the line.

There are many advantages to working with experienced, professional, and knowledgeable MEP engineers like Engineering Solutions, one of these benefits is that they can decrease your installation costs by improving the material requirements. This will decrease costs and also improve the end results, while also meeting the relevant building codes. This is important especially in New York City, where construction costs are high and the building codes are especially demanding.

There is a specific code for each of the engineering trades in MEP:

Mechanical Code
Electrical Code
Plumbing Code

Additional codes outside of these three may apply depending on the specific project and its location, so be aware of that. For example, the Energy Conservation Code has many requirements that will affect all of the three engineering trades, and similarly the Fuel Gas code must be adhered to when designing the use of any combustion appliances. If you are planning to “go green” with your MEP installation and design, you must first ensure that the licensing needs are met for both the design and installation. Only Registered Design Professionals (RDPs) can file MEP designs with the Department of Building (DOB), and only certain contractors are authorized to received work permits.

M: Mechanical Engineering

Structure and buildings take advantage of multiple types of mechanical frameworks. However, the major part of the mechanical engineering work in residential and commercial buildings is with Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC). In this area the mechanical engineers deal with ventilation, cooling and space warming.

The aim with this HVAC work is to keep the space, its indoor temperature and dampness at a level that promotes health and solace. Mechanical ventilation ensure that there is a consistent supply of fresh air into the building, to bring down the level of pollutants and keep them at a safe level.

Mechanical equipment works best when the capacity of the hardware is at the right level. Common thinking may suggest that over-designing and over-engineering the mechanical equipment is the right way to go, however this can lead to problems. For example, if the boiler or chiller is larger than usual, it can cycle quickly leading to the equipment to wear out faster than normal and also causing indoor temperature differences.

Outside of correctly specifying and sizing the HVAC equipment, the mechanical engineering work includes determining the proper courses for heat appropriate frameworks like refrigerant piping, hydronic funneling, air ducts, steam channeling and much more. It is also important to ensure that HVAC equipment is properly vented to get rid of the exhaust gases that are produced.

E: Electrical Engineering

In tall structures or buildings, it can save a huge amount of time and money to determine the ideal course for electrical conductors. Electrical circuits take up much more space than their mechanical counterparts so there is much more adaptability and flexibility with the design of their route. Along with the mechanical programming, overall circuit length can be reduced while also being spread out, and limiting clashes with equipment from the other trades.

The installation of lights is probably the highest energy utilization component worth mentioning when it comes to structures and buildings. Air conditioning is also an area that requires close work between the electrical and mechanical engineers. Electrical engineers design the electrical circuits and ensure that the equipment will work securely and consistently.

P: Plumbing Engineering

Similar to the other trades, the design of a plumbing system will be closely linked to the Mechanical and electrical systems. The plumbing system will also be required to follow the relevant plumbing codes, and the configuration of the pipes will need to facilitate ventilation in the mechanical systems and channel in the electrical system. The advantage of having an MEP engineer on these projects is that isolated trades do not have to be in constant contact, therefore reducing the overall timeline for the project.

For instance, taller buildings typically need water supporter pumps, which will need electrical power. Homegrown high temperature frameworks generally need a dedicated water heater or heat exchanger along with a space warming evaporator.

Added Benefits of MEP Engineering

When constructing a building or structure, an incorporated MEP approach offers a better end product than any other method. With a MEP design team like Engineering Solutions, design clashes are limited and the planning phase of the project is much more streamlined. The framework of each engineering trade is complex, so constant coordination is a must.

The latest in CAD software can also be utilized to shorted the design phase as much as possible. 3D models can be created of the structure, with model being used for reference and design changes as the project progresses.

For modern projects, an experienced and professional MEP team is a must. They will be able to keep the various contractors in the loop with the other trades, be it a residential, commercial, or industrial project.

What do you think of these benefits of MEP engineering? Do you have anything to add to this, or will you be utilizing an MEP design team for your next project? Engineering Solutions would love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comments below, and as always don’t hesitate to call us regarding your next engineering project!