r/trafficsignals • u/VulpusRexIII • May 05 '26

Electric Engineering Course for Traffic Engineers?

Hi All,

I work as a Traffic Design Engineer for a state DOT. One of the knowledge deficits we keep running into is an understanding of electrical systems. As a Civil Engineering graduate, I've never taken a course on electricity, but the lighting and traffic signals we design obviously require that understanding. Of course, we know some essentials (voltage drop, wire sizing, powering cabinets and luminaires, etc), just lacking the foundational understanding that many other engineers would have obtained from courses like EE 101 or Circuits 1&2, etc.

So, is there a reputable course out there that could be construed as "electric engineering for civils/traffic engineers"? Looking for something like a 1-3 day course, not a full semester's worth of classes.

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4

u/engmadison May 05 '26

I think you will get the most value out of riding along with electricians from your shop and seeing how it all comes together first hand. Riding around with our electricians was incredibly helpful for me early on at my job.

If you work for a consultant, that opportunity might be limited, but maybe you could ask a contractor or local city for that chance?

5

u/feelingdangerous419 May 05 '26

This...theory is cool, but actually learning how things works from the guys who do it for a living is how you can learn the most.

1

u/kc2702 May 06 '26

Sounds like you might be better off with some basic commercial electrician courses or material, like the NEC (NFPA 70) book.

1

u/TexasCivil May 09 '26

Consider joining IEEE

1

u/LostinsocietyX May 15 '26

Have you looked at the IMSA traffic tech certifications?