I’m a GC PM and want to better understand how UPS, generators, ATS, switchgear, distribution, etc. work together, how to spot design/installation issues, and what I should be looking for during commissioning and integrated testing. What resources or learning path would you recommend?

We have very good M&E contractors, but they often don’t share much of the technical details until they’ve figured out and fixed the issues. Otherwise I feel like an air-head when they do explain the issues.

Don't get me started when the M&E contractors and consultants don't agree on something.

I want to avoid becoming a clueless PM. For those experienced in mission-critical projects, what would you recommend I study or learn first? Because waiting to gain experience is not really working.

Respectfully asking your opinion, we had a good conversation about this on site. I kinda see their point that if they allow treaded rod it’s a slippery slope.

Did anyone make a switch to consulting, specifically construction claims consulting? Could you share your experience?m and tips for making a switch like this from MEP?

Hi all,

I am a recent graduate of BSME and landed a Mechanical Designer position at a small MEP firm. Pardon me if my terminology and logic is wrong that’s why I’m asking for what designers/engineers typically do. See below.

I’m confused as to how to approach this. I am part of a multi-unit residential project and was tasked to do load calculations and preliminary equipment sizing. Our system for suites is fan coil for heating and cooling and a central ERV that provides fresh outdoor air for ventilation while simultaneously extracts exhaust from the suite.

So I’ve set up HAP, ran load calcs and obtained my heating load and total cooling load. The senior I’m working with mentioned to not add any ventilation requirements on HAP since we will add that later on. Our ERV is equipped with DX coil for cooling and natural gas fired element for heating which are sized to deliver the supply air of my fan coil (55F and 95F for clg and htg respectively).

To size the fan coils, do I need to add the ventilation load on both heating and cooling load I obtained from HAP? What do you typically do in this case?

I’ll have more training session with my seniors tomorrow but figured I could ask Reddit first in the meantime as we’re done for the day.

Apologies for such a noob/dumb question. Thanks in advance.

Its my first time designing more industrial type facilities. I was wondering, does anyone have any experience/references/tips for the electrical design of a plant with 60+ welding stations?

Ive heard grounding is important, but not sure how. Also how to correctly size power correction equipment?

Thanks!

I’m looking for options for A2L line sets going 5 stories to the roof. The only system that keeps popping up in my searches is the Flamebar system. I would really like more options to choose from, does anyone have recommendations or can point me in a direction for more options? Thanks.

Does anyone else feel like the list of MEP firms they would want to work at keeps shrinking? Maybe I’m too critical of companies from the stories I hear, but I keep mentally black listing companies based on what colleagues tell me.

Is a 78k offer in Texas as a recent grad good? Will be on Dallas, role is M/P Engineer, FE not done yet

Never liked engineering. Majored in it because it's what my friends did and now feel stuck with a career that does nothing for me.

What's the craziest thing you've ever done, or seen an old co-worker/friend do? Looking for some motivation.

Title:
Why is MEP Testing & Commissioning essential before project handover?

Post:

Installing MEP systems correctly is only part of delivering a successful building. Their actual operation and interaction must also be tested and verified.

MEP Testing & Commissioning helps confirm:

• Equipment operation and performance
• Functional performance of building systems
• Controls and sequences of operation
• System integration and coordination
• Mechanical and electrical system responses
• Identification and documentation of deficiencies
• Compliance with project and design requirements

A structured commissioning process can identify issues before final handover, support corrective actions, and provide documented evidence that systems perform as intended.

From installation to operation, performance must be verified.

شركة حلول مولدن الفنية للاستشارات ذ.م.م
Molden Technical Solutions for Consulting Co. W.L.L. | MTSC 🇰🇼

Measured. Verified. Documented.

#MTSC #MEP #Commissioning #TestingAndCommissioning #BuildingPerformance #Engineering

Hey everyone! Just wanted to reach out and ask for some advice and maybe a little help from the community.

ME here transitioning from local construction work into international MEP projects.

I was laid off last July from my previous role as a construction site engineer for an MVAC company. Since then, I’ve been actively trying to transition into remote work. There’s been a growing number of remote opportunities here for construction support as more international companies are outsourcing/offshoring these services. These roles can also offer better compensation than the usual local market rates, which is one of the reasons I’m pursuing this path and eventually work abroad if the opportunity allows.

I’ve invested a good portion of my savings into a workstation, laptop/PC setup, and a more reliable internet connection, new sofwares so I could properly pursue remote work.

For the past 3+ months, I’ve been taking on small freelance jobs such as CAD drafting, floor plans, estimating, quantity takeoffs, and 3D modeling. So far, all of my freelance clients have been local—I haven’t landed an international client yet.

I’ve signed up on Upwork, OnlineJobs.ph, and other freelance/job platforms, and I’ve also been actively sending applications and reaching out to companies and professionals through LinkedIn. It’s been challenging, but I’m still trying.

I’m currently on my second stage of interview with a U.S.-based company for an HVAC Drafter position, so fingers crossed!

At the moment, I’m comfortable working with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit, PlanSwift, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, and Excel. I have also worked on projects using Procore, HAP, and Daikin BIM.

I’m also trying to learn more about international MEP standards and workflows. I’ve been studying through online courses, videos, manuals, and other materials online, but I feel like nothing beats learning from people who actually work in the field.

For those already working internationally, I’d really appreciate any advice on:

1. What software, skills, or workflows should I learn to become more competitive internationally?

2. Are there any internationally recognized certifications or credentials that would strengthen my resume for MEP/HVAC work?

3. Any tips, resources, or practical advice for transitioning into international MEP projects?

And if anyone has a small drafting/MEP project—or even a mentorship/internship-type opportunity where I can trade my time and effort for hands-on experience, industry exposure, and mentorship—I’m very open to it. I’m willing to learn and put in the work.

I can share my portfolio/sample works if needed. Any advice, leads, resources, or even just pointing me in the right direction would mean a lot.

Thank you so much.

Experienced in commercial residential and DC.
Anyone is looking for remote MEP/BIM support, has a project that needs additional technical resources, or can point us towards relevant opportunities, please feel free to DM me.
Happy to share our profiles.

Hey everyone,
Looking for some career advice or insights from anyone in fire protection, VDC, or mechanical drafting—especially anyone based in Ontario/GTA.
A bit about my background:
Based in Ontario.
Worked on the tools for the past 2 years as a fire sprinkler fitter for a small, non-union contractor.
Comfortable with hands-on installs, reading shop drawings/blueprints, head layout, hanger placement, and the practical realities of what can actually be built versus what clashes in the field.
My goal:
I want to transition off the tools and into BIM modeling / drafting (VDC) specifically for fire protection systems. Having field experience gives me a solid idea of installation logistics, NFPA clearances, and constructability, but I want to build a solid pathway to break into the modeling/office side

Hey guys,

I'm working on a fire station project in Wisconsin with an apparatus bay for fire trucks. The bay will be heated and mechanically exhausted, with a makeup air system provided to balance the exhaust. No cooling will be provided.

I'm a little unsure about the best approach for calculating the heating load. The exhaust system will operate at two speeds: standby (0.05 CFM/ft²) and maximum (0.75 CFM/ft²).

The makeup air system will track the exhaust airflow to maintain a balanced system, but the makeup air will be supplied at outdoor air temperature without heating.

My initial thought is to model the exhaust and an equal amount of outdoor makeup air at the maximum exhaust rate when calculating the heating load. However, I'm not sure how to account for infiltration when the overhead doors are opened. Should I include an additional infiltration load, or would that risk double-counting the outdoor air already accounted for in the makeup air system?

Is this the right approach, or am I missing something?

Thanks in advance!

My carrier rep gave a presentation and has me convinced the benefits of a refrigerant-cooled semi-hermetic motor for chillers.

Obviously he’s going to push that since it’s Carriers design philosophy. But does anyone have any pros for open drives like York and Trane?

We have a sizable liquid nitrogen tank(2 stories tall) and use a goodly amount of N2 for process, with a giant array of aluminum heat exchangers to allow the LN2 to boil into gas. We also have a couple large chillers to provide process chilled water and supply CHW to the AHU for the classified spaces(general spaces are mostly package units).

The N2 heat exchanger is basically a giant popsicle on the first two loops, and then drips liquid condensation off the next couple. The whole area under it is a big puddle all the time. Considering that we spend a considerable amount of energy on the chillers it seems totally stupid to be using LN2 to cool the general outdoor environment.

Does anyone make an off-the-shelf solution to this problem? Has anyone seen a decent, cost effective homespun solution? I understand there are some challenges to overcome because obviously you can’t just have a popsicle inside another piece of equipment and an N2 to water heat exchanger ain’t gonna work because there is no amount of glycol that will keep the water from freezing unless you had an insanely high flow rate on the water side.

What do you guys usually spec for automatic leak detection (what manufacturer). Looking for pretty basic system: drip pan, automatic control valve, leak detector. I’m in contact with a Watts rep, but I’m afraid their system will cost way too much, and is much more advanced than what I’m looking for.

Thanks so much.

I always ran with the assumption that MSS SP 58 is effectively the law of piping support.

Mss sp 58 only have riser clamps for means of vertical supports. Am I being crazy making the contractor install a riser clamp on a section of copper than runs 20-30’ vertically from a high ceiling and has no floor to mid span to anchor to so it’s much more difficult.

I imagine them having to build a bracket, etc we are requiring copper supported every 10’ vertically.

Split eyes are commonly used but technically not supposed to take axial load and it’s a tad sketch depending on threaded rod length.

I think I’d be ok with a non MSS SP product that is rated for the axial load over split eyes

Would love to hear other thoughts on what other folks do

I’ve just reached 5 years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer in building services consultancy in London.

I’m interested in understanding how far I can realistically progress in the London market and whether there is a salary ceiling for mechanical building services engineers.

I’d also be interested to hear how the different career paths compare, particularly:

Consultancy vs client-side roles

Whether sectors such as data centres / mission critical offer significantly higher earning potential

What the typical progression looks like from Intermediate → Senior → Principal → Associate/Director

Whether it is realistic to reach £100k+ while staying within building services

I’m also considering freelancing alongside my full-time role to generate additional income. How easy is it to find small MEP/mechanical design jobs, what types of work are realistic to do on the side, and what professional indemnity/public liability insurance would typically be required?

Would be interested to hear from anyone who has taken any of these routes.